What is a Parish Council?

A parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish. It is the level of local government closest to the community, with the district authority (East Hants District Council) above it in the hierarchy.

What are the responsibilities of Parish Councils?

  • The Parish Council have the responsibility for running local services including: maintenance of open spaces, play areas and the Pavilion.
  • Deciding on how much to raise through the council tax in order to deliver the council’s services.
  • Influencing and shaping the long term development policy for the parish, and as part of the planning process, comment on planning applications in the parish.
  • Working to improve e the quality of life and the environment in the local area.
  • Working to identify issues which are important to the lives of the residents.
  • Working to bring about improvements through local projects, lobbying other service providers and working in partnership with EHDC, other parishes and agencies.