What We Do

What does the Parish Council do?

The parish council meets bi-monthly to discuss issues of interest to the local community. It has powers relating to planning, provision of recreational facilities, crime prevention, community transport, footpaths and commons.

The Council meets at Chatton Village Hall, and all members of the public are welcome to attend. Every May at the AGM we elect a chair and the vice-chair.

What is a Parish Council?

A parish is the tier of local government closest to its community, and represents the interests of the people of the parish. As such the views of the parish councils should be given weight by Northumberland County Council and Central Government when determining issues which will affect the parish. It is often thought that parish councils are associated with the parish church in a village, but this is not the case.

Parish councils are consulted by Northumberland County Council (and other organisations) on matters which affect the parish. These include planning applications and policies, education proposals, highways issues and any other proposals or plans which will affect, or be of interest to the parish. The views of the parish and town councils must be taken into consideration in making decisions. Consultations are sent to the Parish clerk, who circulates the information to the Councillors for comments/decisions.

What are our responsibilities?

We are a village government and the closest form of government to you the people who live in Tillside parish. We undertake to manage the parish in the way the Local Government Act has laid down. Each year we have to set the Precept, which means deciding the amount of money needed to carry out the improvements from which the people of Tillside will benefit. This is collected from you as part of the council tax.

The Parish Council duties include:

• Consult and comment on all local planning applications.
• Engaging with residents and obtaining an understanding of needs and priorities.
• Engaging with the County Council in relation to the services delivered by them.
• Engaging with other service providers, for example the local police and NHS in relation to the services they provide.
• Acting as the eyes and ears on local matters.
• Encouraging and supporting community and community groups.
• The maintenance of community assets owned by the PC.
• Provide awareness and access to the services delivered by the County Council.
• Provision and maintenance of some of the play and recreation areas.
• Grass cutting in addition to that done by NCC.
• Maintenance of public seating and bus shelters.