Parish / Town Councils

There are over 9,000 parish and town councils in England and they form the tier of local government closest to the people. The term "town council" is synonymous with "parish council" in that any parish council can style itself "town council" if it considers it appropriate to do so. Chelmsley Wood and Fordbridge have town councils. Collectively, parish and town councils, and community councils in Wales, are often termed "local councils". The chairman of a town council may be styled "town mayor".

Parish and town councils are local authorities and have a limited number of duties. They do, however, have wide powers, should they decide to use them and they may, with agreement of the district or county council, exercise certain functions normally carried out by those councils.

Its primary role is to represent local residents on issues affecting the community to local and central government.

The councils are obliged to organise at least one town or parish meeting each year which all local electors may attend and may raise issues of local concern.

Parish Councils are involved in providing local facilities such as playing fields, small open spaces and village halls. They also have a statutory right to be notified of any planning applications within the parish boundary

Parish and Town Councils in the Meriden constituency:

www.solihull.gov.uk

Balsall
Barston
Berkswell
Bickenhill
Castle Bromwich
Chelmsley Wood
Fordbridge
Hampton in Arden
Hockley Heath
Kingshurst
Meriden
Smith's Wood