Procedures and Law
Detailed guidance on specific intricate issues relating to local
government law and finance can be found on the
National Association of Local Governments
website, NALC also publishes regular advice circulars for all
its members on changes to legislation, procedural requirements, and
special legal topics.
A local source of information relating to legal
advice and guidance on all government initiatives,
personnel issues, code of conduct, pensions and New Ethical
Framework, data protection and Race Relations is
available on the Essex Association of Local Councils website.
Parish Councils have a variety of responsibilities ,
powers & duties . All these are laid down in
various Acts of Parliament. There are few things that a Parish
Council must do, but there are many that a Parish Council may
do.
Elections and Becoming a Parish or Town
Councillor
Help and general advice on
elections or
becoming a councillor is available
through the District Council's website and for further
information visit the website of
The Electoral Commission and the
National Association of Local Councils
Parish Clerks
Contact the Society of Local Council Clerks for information
about the 'Clerk's Manual' which gives practical advice on the role
and responsibilities of a Parish Clerk. Or If you wish to know more
about qualifying for the Certificate in Local Council
Administration and the Portfolio Guide Assessment
Critieria.
Quality
Parish & Town Council Scheme was launched in June
2003. It was one of a number of initiatives in the Rural White
Paper 2000 designed to enhance the role of parish and town councils
for the benefit
of local communities.
The Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) , in conjuction
with The National Association of Local Councils (NALC), has
developed a Communications Toolkit
"Connecting with Local Communities" specially designed
for parish and town councils. It includes tips on how to
communicate effectively, together with examples of best practice
from first tier councils across the country.