Key Responsibilities

The role of the Parish Council is provide the first tier of local government & provides a democratic way for local views to be heard. Local residents can attend the monthly meetings to ask questions or raise concerns.

Responsibilities :

• make comments planning applications
• represent the local views on issues
• undertake projects  
• work in partnership with other organisations
• inform other organisations of problems that arise
• identify & carry out routine maintenance
• help the other levels of local government keep in touch with the local community

Role in Planning

One of the key responsibilities is to protect the Parish especially the features that make it unique & special. This can be challenging when new planning proposals threaten to change the area. Navigating the fine line between retaining distinctive features & embracing change is not always easy. This is why consultation with parishioners is carried out as it allows the views of the community to be considered.

All planning applications are sent to the Parish Council by for consideration.South Gloucestershire Council forward all planning applications that relate to our parish for consideration. Every planning application is then considered by The Parish Council & comments made & forwarded to South Gloucestershire Council. Although the ultimate decision rests with South Gloucestershire Council comments made by the parish council are taken into account. The Parish Council are then notified of South Gloucestershire Council’s decision. 

Precept

The Precept is a share of council tax & to fund improvements for the local community. Each year the clerk is required to asses payments & receipts to prepare a budget. The budget helps determine how much money will be needed to administer the parish.

Income for Iron Acton is largely generated from the following :

• Cemetery
• Allotment Rents
• VAT Return

Expenditure comprises primarily :

• of grass cutting fees
• general maintenance of open spaces
• clerks salary
• insurance. 

The Parish Council then notifies South Gloucestershire Council of the amount of money required. Two equal payments are made to the Parish Council in April and September each year.

The leaflet shown below outlines the role of a parish councillor & you can get a copy of the poster by using the link below.