There are around 10,000 community, parish and town councils in England and

Wales; they are corporate bodies and local authorities. Community Councils in

Wales are much the same as Parish Councils in England  They have a powerful

voice to represent local people.

Community, parish and town councils are the part of local government closest

to the people. They serve the smallest area and are responsible for the most

local of matters. Very importantly, these councils can "precept" - raising a sum

collected with the council tax each year to improve facilities and services for

local people.

In England they are called parish councils or town councils, if they cover a

largely urban area. In Wales they are known as community councils. In both

England and Wales they are elected units of local government whose activities

are controlled by Acts of Parliament. There are 10,000 community, parish and

town councils in England and Wales.

Parish, town and community councils in England and Wales have a number of

basic responsibilities in making the lives of local communities more

comfortable, many of which are often taken for granted. Essentially these

powers fall within three main categories: representing the whole electorate

within the community area; delivering services to meet local needs; and striving to

improve the quality of life locally.

Individual powers include the provision and maintenance of community

transport schemes, traffic calming measures, local youth projects, tourism

activities, leisure facilities, car parks, village greens, public lavatories, litter

bins, street lighting, street cleaning, burial grounds, allotments, bus shelters,

commons, opens spaces, footpaths, bridleways, and crime reduction

measures.

Community, parish and town councils can also comment on planning

applications - they are statutory consultees (they have to be consulted if they so

wish) and can be represented at public inquiries.