About the council

A parish council is the first tier of local government and the closest to the community. As an elected body they are responsible for areas known as civil parishes, not to be confused with church or parochial parishes.

Parish councils represent the local community, delivering services to meet local needs and have a variety of powers and duties.

Anyone can attend a parish council meeting but they cannot take part in discussions. Members of the public can however raise any issues or concerns they may have during time allotted for the purpose, usually 15 minutes at the start of the meeting.

Parish councils are funded by levying a “precept” collected with the council tax paid by the residents of the parish. Councillors are unpaid volunteers who are elected to serve for four years, unless a vacancy arises which may be filled by a by-election or by co-option.

Outwoods currently has two vacancies in Outwoods South, which covers part of the Shobnall Road and Henhust Hill areas. Anyone who lives within 3 miles of the parish may be eligible.

The administration of the Council is managed by the Parish Clerk, who is a paid employee acting in a combined statutory role as secretary and treasurer of the council. The duties of the clerk are to give advice regarding legal responsibilities, implement decisions of the council and manage its finances. Some of these duties are statutory responsibilities.