-

Please read on for some outline information which may help you decide whether to stand as a candidate to join the Parish Council.

What are parish councils?

Town and Parish Councils are the first tier of local government. There are over 9,000 parish councils throughout England, in both towns and rural areas, representing around 16 million people.  Parish councils represent the interests of their local communities, provide local services and work to improve the quality of life in the parish.  Parish councils may use only those specific legal powers or duties assigned to them, although some councils including Danbury have the “power of general competence” which provides greater scope to undertake additional services or projects.

Danbury Parish Council is comprised of 12 Councillors and approximately 17 members of staff, headed by the Parish Clerk.  Each Council term is four years.

In addition, the Parish Council works in partnership with many local organisations and with the local authority, Chelmsford City Council.  We review and comment on planning applications within the parish, distribute community grants to local organisations and charities, run the Danbury Leisure Centre, manage playing fields and play areas for our residents.

Parish Councils are generally not responsible for the following matters for which they do not have legal powers or duties: roads, pavements, litter collection, care provision, education, benefits, leisure centres, street lighting.

You can find out more about becoming a Councillor on the Electoral Commission website or on the National Association of Local Councils website

For more information, or an informal chat, please contact the Clerk on 01245 225111 or email michelle.harper@danbury-essex.gov.uk