What is a Parish Council?
Parish or Town Councils are an important tier of Government within the UK; a Parish/Town Council is the smallest and most localised tier of local government in the UK and is a properly constituted local authority.
The powers and duties, and the manner in which a Parish Council operates are laid out in local government statute and regulations; Parish Councils operate at a level below national government and also below district and borough councils. Parish & Town Councils are elected and can help on a number of local issues, like planning applications or running local sports grounds and community halls.
The Parish Council has legal responsibilities as an employer, and sometimes as an owner of public land and buildings.
Parish Councils are Statutory Bodies, having powers under a number of different Acts (the Local Government Act 1972, the Public Health Act 1936, etc.). Only a few Councils need to use all their available powers. It is up to each Council to choose what is appropriate for the community they serve.
The Council raises funds by the annual Precept is set in January of each year. The amount required is guided by the setting of the annual budget in the November preceding.
The Parish Council precept is added to the Council Tax bill and collected by Central Bedfordshire Council (on behalf of the Parish Council).
The Council also raises funds through grants from other organisations.
Parish Councillors
We will endeavour to keep the information provided on our own site accurate and up to date.
If you spot any errors or omissions please contact us by email so that we can investigate and correct.
What does the Parish Council do for you?
Through an extensive range of discretionary powers, Barton-le-Clay Parish Council provides and maintains a variety of important and visible local services including:
Provision and maintenance of our open spaces and play areas at Arnold Recreation Ground and Norman Road Play Area
Providing allotments
Managing the football facilities at the Luton Road Sports Field
Management of the Burial ground and maintenance of St Nicholas churchyard
Maintenance of the War Memorial and organising the annual Remembrance Sunday service
Provision and regular maintenance of the Bus shelters
Provision and maintenance of benches around the village
Consultee on planning applications for Barton-le-Clay
Working alongside Central Bedfordshire Council’s Highways Department to implement traffic calming schemes in the village
Provision of small financial grants to assist local groups and organisations
Why become a Parish Councillor?
What do councillors do?
Councillors are the champions of their community and give residents a voice on the decisions the council
makes. Becoming a councillor will allow you to make a real difference in your community by engaging with
residents, local groups and businesses to find out their needs; making decisions on which services and
projects the council should take forward; and getting involved locally to ensure the services are meeting your
community’s needs.
How long does it take?
Meetings are held on Monday evenings with the Full Council meeting on the 2nd Monday of the month and
committee meetings as required on subsequent Monday’s.
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Local Councillor Census Survey found that councillors
put aside, on average, three hours a week for council work. This often includes attending meetings,
engaging with residents and speaking on behalf of the council to other bodies.
Can I stand?
There are only a few rules to stand for election. You must be:
• A British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth, or the European Union
• 18 years of age or older
• Live or work in an area that is served by Barton-le-Clay Parish Council
How can I get involved?
To find out more, please contact the Parish Clerk using our Contact Us page.