Powers and Duties of Parish Councils

Powers and Duties of Local Councils

Local Councils have a wide range of powers and but very few duties.

Duties

A duty is an activity that must be carried out (Mandatory) e.g. local councils must appoint a chairman and a clerk.

Powers

Statutory powers, granted by Parliament give local councils the choice or opportunity to take action and are therefore discretionary.
The powers which have been vested in Parish, Town and Community Councils by Acts of Parliament are summarised in the attached document as a guide to Councillors and others. Each description is brief and is intended to be a general indication. It is not a complete list of every single power and duty.
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).

Table of details

The attached document includes a table describing the powers and duties held by local councils for a number of functions. It also provides details of the regulations under which statutory provisions are made. Information on all these details should be in the hands of the parish council Clerks. Where a function is marked with an asterisk (*) a council also has the power to give financial assistance to another person or body performing the same function.

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