About Parish Councils

What is a Parish Council?

A Parish Council is a local authority whose members are elected by the electors in the Parish area and serve for four years. Some Parish Councils are known as Town Councils but all abide by the same legislation set out by Parliament.

What can Parish Councils do?

Parliament has given various powers to Parish Councils. These powers relate to planning, provision of recreational facilities, community centres and public buildings, crime prevention, community transport, public toilets, tourism, allotments, footpaths, street lighting, certain aspects of highway maintenance, litter, open spaces, traffic calming etc. Powers were recently increased. They also act to represent residents of the parish on issues such as the Local Plan, problems with highways and bins, and with local businesses.

Where do Parish Councils get their Funding?

They may precept for a sum to be raised by the Borough Council as part of the Council Tax. They may also receive grants and income in other ways. They use this to help improve life for their local community in many ways.

What does Madeley Parish Council do?

The council consists of 3 Wards - Cuckoo Oak (represented by 5 Councillors), Madeley (represented by 5 Councillors), Woodside (represented by 7 Councillors). Elections to the Parish Council are held every 4 years. The total population of the area is some 18,000.

In 2007, Madeley Parish Council resolved to take up payment of the Parish Basic Allowance for its members to cover costs incurred in carrying out the role of a councillor in representing their wards and the people who live in them - an independent remuneration panel determines the level of the Parish Basic Allowance.

The Parish has paid staff consisting of Parish Clerk, Deputy Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer, 2 Project' Officers, Services' Officer, Street Warden, Caretaker, Cleaner, who are based at the Council offices in Jubilee House, High Street, Madeley.

The Parish Council also provides a conduit for complaints regarding overgrown trees, silted up drains, street lighting, sewage problems, grass verges, street cleansing and the availability and cleanliness of public toilets. They lobby for improvements in highways, footpaths, road safety etc.

It is responsible for managing open spaces, allotment provision, public buildings and can identify areas for small-scale environmental improvements, such as green spaces, street lighting, bus shelters, public seating, notice boards etc. Representation is made to other local authorities where appropriate on planning and other matters. It is also able to provide grants to groups within the community.