What can local Councils do?

The powers which have been vested in Parish, Town and Community Councils by Acts of Parliament are summarised below. Each description is brief and is intended to be a general indication. Like all powers given to public bodies, the powers of local councils are defined in detail in legislation and these details may include a requirement to obtain the consent of another body (for example the approval of the County Council to the provision of a car park). Local Councils must exercise their powers also subject to the provisions of the general law (for example planning permission is necessary for a sports pavilion). Information on all these details should be in the hands of the Clerks of the Council. The powers are listed below. Where a power is marked with an asterisk, the council may, in addition to exercising the power itself, help another body to act by giving financial assistance.

Our Powers and Duties