Role of the Council
What is the role of Abinger Parish Council?
Parishes are the smallest areas of civil administration in England and Parish Councils provide the statutory tier of local government closest to the people. Abinger Parish Council (APC) is a part of the structure of local democracy and has an advisory role in acting on behalf of the community it represents. As a council, APC:
- gives views, on behalf of the community, on planning applications and other proposals that affect the parish;
- undertakes projects and schemes that benefit local residents;
- engages with authorities on crime prevention initiatives;
- manages parish council land such as the village greens;
- works in partnership with other bodies to achieve benefits for the parish;
- alerts relevant authorities to problems that arise or work that needs to be undertaken; and
- helps the other tiers of local government keep in touch with their local communities.
On its own, APC has limited powers to make decisions. That said, APC does have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions (such as the borough council, health authorities, police etc).
Who is on Abinger Parish Council?
The council is made up of councillors elected by the electors of the parish. The council has a paid officer who organises meetings and helps to carry out the council's decisions – this officer is known as the Clerk.
To whom is Abinger Parish Council accountable?
The council is accountable to the electors of the parish. Elections to parish councils are held every four years. The council's accounts are subject to scrutiny by the external auditor.
Can I attend meetings of Abinger Parish Council?
Yes, all meetings of the council and its committees are open to the general public and the press, except in very exceptional circumstances. The time and place of meetings is advertised beforehand on the parish noticeboards.