Civil parish: Difference between revisions

===Powers and functions===

Parish or town councils have very few statutory duties (things they are required to do by law) but have a range of discretionary powers which they may exercise voluntarily. These powers have been defined by various pieces of legislation. The role they play can vary significantly depending on the size, resources and ability of the council, but their activities can include any of the following:<ref name="calc">{{cite web |title=Powers and Duties of Local Councils |url=http://www.calc.org.uk/about/powers.asp |publisher=Cumbria Association of Local Councils |access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref><ref name="localgov">{{cite web |title=Parish council responsibilities |date=5 November 2013 |url=https://www.localgov.co.uk/Parish-council-responsibilities/29135 |publisher=LocalGov.uk |access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070715034316/http://www.nalc.gov.uk/Document/Download.aspx?uid=079806d3-0e69-4588-9a32-ef02c91598df Full list of powers of parish councils (archived since 15 July 2007)] nalc.gov.uk - Downloadable Microsoft Word Document</ref>

Parish councils are often involved in the provision and management of various local amenities, such as [[allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s, cemeteries, parks, playgrounds and playing fields, [[village hall]]s or [[community centre]]s, street lighting, litter bins, roadside verges, car parks, footpaths, [[village green]]s and war memorials. Larger parish councils may also be involved in running [[Marketplace|markets]], public toilets and public clocks, museums and [[leisure centre]]s.<ref name="UAparishHOCL"/><ref name="calc"/><ref name="localgov"/>