Role of the Town Council
Parishes are the smallest areas of civil administration in England and their Town and Parish Councils provide the statutory tier of local government closest to the people.
Town and Parish Councils are an essential part of the structure of local democracy and have a vital role in acting on behalf of the communities they represent. They:
- Give views, on behalf of the community, on planning applications and other proposals that affect the parish.
- Undertake projects and schemes that benefit local residents.
- Work in partnership with other bodies to achieve benefits for the parish.
- Alert relevant authorities to problems that arise or work that needs to be undertaken.
- Help the other tiers of local government keep in touch with their local communities.
Town and Parish Councils have a wide range of legal duties and powers, such as the maintenance of community buildings and land and much more. They have the power to raise money through a ‘precept’ which is collected with the local council tax.
The town council must comply with its standing orders which are the written rules of a local council. These can be downloaded below.
Standing Orders (1799 downloads)Role of Town Councillors
Fifteen Town Councillors represent three wards in Cinderford – North, East and West. All 15 seats on the Town Council are elected every four years, the next election is due to take place in May 2023.
A Town Councillor’s role is varied and includes:
- Acting as a representative for residents and bringing their views to the Council’s decision making process both on matters relating to Town Council services and on general issues affecting the town.
- Participating in the governance, policy setting and strategic management of the Council through work on committees and as a Member of Council.
- Responding to residents’ enquiries and representations.
- Representing the Council on other bodies.
Cinderford Town Councillors are not paid for their work as Members of the Town Council.
All Town Councillors must comply with the Code of Conduct which can be downloaded below.
Code of Conduct (1805 downloads)As Cinderford Town Council is sole trustee of Steam Mills Recreation Ground and The St. John’s Children’s Playground, all Town Councillors also act as Trustees of the Recreation Areas.
Cinderford Town Council are also responsible for Collingwood Skatepark & Lower High Street Playing Field, Miners Welfare Playing Field, Double View MUGA and Play Area and Hilldene Play Areas.