Welcome to the Parish Council

 

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Elmstone Hardwicke Parish Council provide a wide range of services and are always working hard to improve standards. The council operates efficiently and in accordance with rules and procedures as laid down by the Local Authorities Act 1972. Our friendly team of dedicated councillors have a reputation for accessibility. If you have any questions or problems, why not make us your first port of call?

Services

 

 

Parish Councils can play a vital part in representing the interests of the communities they serve and improving the quality of life and the local environment. Furthermore they influence other decision makers and can, in many cases, deliver services to meet local needs. In other words, you and your council can make a difference.

What Does Your Council Do?

Planning, highways, traffic, community safety, housing, street lighting, allotments, cemeteries, playing fields, community centres, litter, war memorials, seats and shelters, rights of way – these are some of the main issues that concern parish government. The Government is encouraging local councils to deliver more services and play a greater part in their communities.

 

 

 

Diversity is Strength

 

 Most local councils were set up in 1894 by an Act of Parliament. This created the civil parish, separating it from the church after its long history of delivering local services such as care for the poor, maintenance of roads and collecting taxes. In 2007 the government brought in legislation to allow local councils in London not permitted since the 1960s. In the first decade of the 21st century 200 new councils were created.

 

The diversity of local councils is their strength. Each can make a unique response to the needs of their community with a sensitivity that is more difficult for principal authorities to achieve.