Welcome to The Parish Pages

There is a vast amount of information available but often it involves searching a number of websites before reaching the relevant information. 

Looking for information can take up valuable time.

These pages have been developed to provide Parish and Town Councils  with quick access to information by providing the links directly to the relevant part of an organisations website. 

We wish to continue to develop the parish pages by adding more useful links. If you have any suggestions for improving these pages please contact us on 01376 557746 or by post at Causeway House.

Parish Clusters

There are 12 Parish Clusters and meetings are held twice a year.  The meetings provide parishes with the opportunity to meet representatives from Braintree District Council, Essex Police, Essex County Council and the Health Authority and to ask questions directly to appropriate representative on topics that have been chosen by the Parishes. The Clusters also provide the opportunity to share common concerns and solutions. For further information on these meetings and the parish councils click on the Parish Clusters page in the left-hand column.

What is a Parish Council?

It's a local authority whose members are elected by the electors in the Parish and serve for four years. Some parish councils are called town councils, but they all have to abide by the same legislation set down by Parliament.

What can Parish Councils do?

Parliament has given various powers to Parish Councils. These powers relate to planning, provision of recreational facilities, halls, crime prevention, community transport, public lavatories, tourism, allotments, footpaths, street lighting, commons etc. Powers were recently increased. They also act to represent residents of the village on issues such as the Local Development Plan, problems with highways and bins, and with local businesses.

Where do Parish Councils get their funding?

They may precept for a sum to be raised by the District Council as part of the Council Tax. This is paid by the electors in the Parish. They may also receive grants and income in other ways. They use this to help improve life for their local community in many ways.

How can I contact my local Parish/Town Council?

By contacting the - Parish Clerks

Is there any other information available about my local Parish Council?

Yes, the - Essex Association of local Councils lists all the Parish and Town Councils in the area and provides links to those which have their own website. Also the - National Association of Local Councils provides advice to all Town and Parish Councils.