The Philosophy of Parish and Town Councils

In 1986 the concept of parish and town councils with their smaller brother the parish meeting was re-vamped in England and Wales. The vast majority of the new formed or reformed councils were thinking of themselves in much the same fashion as their counterparts of several hundred before had done so. This was not to continue. Admittedly there are still today a number of parish and town councils that steadfastly refuse to take on any additional responsibilities and remain satisfied with simply looking after any allotment sites, the village green and a few road side verges. However, the vast majority of the new councils have grown in ability, powers and responsibility. The largest parish council in England now represents some 70,000 residents. This is somewhat larger than the old District Rural or Urban Councils that existed in the 1960's ,when, for example, Bletchley Urban District Council only had about 30,000 residents.

The original Woolstone-cum-Willen Parish Meeting was upgraded from a one member organisation to a full parish council with ten members, albeit with a greatly reduced area of coverage geographically. The influx of new members forced things on apace. The next phase was an increase in the number of councillors from ten to fourteen and then to the current strength of twenty. This increase is vitally important if we are to effectively carry out work involved in running a parish with 15,000 residents.

A parish councillor should expect to spend a fair amount of time on parish business. The function is no longer the sinecure it once was. Central government has recognised the increased workload involved in running a modern parish or town council by changing legislation to enable councillors to be paid a modest allowance which goes some way to defraying the costs of transportation around the parish, journeys to and from meetings outside the parish, training, stationery etc.

Some councillors have full time jobs and, therefore, are unable to spend as much time on parish work as others who are retired, disabled or unable to work (they are able to telework from home).

Campbell Park Parish Council is fortunate in having Members who do work and some who do not with a diversity of ages and family circumstances.