The Role of the Parish Council
Barlow Parish Council has seven members and exists to help residents and be a point of contact for ideas and suggestions for improvements in the village. A parish 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 is laid out in local government statute and regulations. The Parish Council has legal responsibilities as an employer, and owner of public land and buildings.
The work of the seven members of the Council is voluntary, and the members give their time freely to help enhance the village and support its other organisations, for the benefit of all residents.
The abilities of a parish council to raise (through the village precept on the Council Tax) and spend money is very tightly regulated, as is the manner in which members of a council must conduct themselves ( this is set out in a document agreed by the council from time to time known as Standing Orders.) The Council prepares an annual budget and raises money (shown as part of the council tax) which it uses towards the upkeep of the village.
The Council works with Selby District Council and North Yorkshire County Council on matters such as Roads, Footpaths, Planning Applications, Litter Bins and Street Cleansing, and is a member of Brayton & District Burial Authority.
Selby District Council and North Yorkshire County Council tend to listen and (sometimes) respond to the Parish Council as representatives of local residents. If you have issues with those authorities, and feel we can help with your problem please let us know. Under the Freedom of information Act any elector may make reasonable requests for information on the Council as
detailed in our Publication Scheme. Please
refer to the Clerk.
For Planning, please use the link below :