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Herefordshire Association of Local Councils

Powers and Duties of a Parish/Town Council

Parish and Town councils have only a limited number of legal duties, but potentially have a wide range of powers. It varies from council to council which powers are taken up, for example, a small council with a lesser budget may not have the facilities or opportunities to utilise all its possible powers. Larger parish and town councils may well preside over a range of responsibilities, e.g. allotments, burial grounds, community centres, footpaths, highways, land, lighting, open spaces, parking, tourism, transport and planning.

Parish and town councils may be granted more powers, primarily after achieving Quality Parish Status. When councils attain this status they are able to negotiate more with the district or county authorities, to take on more responsibilities that are normally overseen by the principal authority. This is part of central government's initiative to improve local democracy.