The Parish Council

The basic responsibility of the Parish Council is to represent the concerns and wishes of the whole community. The range of powers available to Parish Councils, defined by law, continues to increase. Proposals announced by the Government suggest that there will be changes ahead.

All councillors sign a Declaration of Acceptance of Office and undertake to observe an ethical Code of Conduct when dealing with matters on behalf of the community. Councillors also complete a Register of Interests, a copy of which is held by the Electoral Officer at Dorset  Council.

The work of the Parish Council is funded mainly by the Parish Precept. This is a small percentage of the Council Tax collected on each property by Dorset District Council and is passed onto the Parish. Accounts are prepared for each year, checked by the internal auditor and forwarded to be audited nationally.

Parish Council responsibilities include providing and maintaining recreational facilities such as the playground at Corscombe.

The Council comment on planning applications but the decisions are made by Dorset  Council.

Parish Councils also need representation at other local government meetings or on local bodies/organisations and Councillors may be asked to serve on certain groups or attend functions on behalf of the Parish Council.

The Parish Council does not have a permanent office nor any full-time staff. The Clerk works from home. Attendance is required at the bi-monthly Parish Council meetings and the annual Parish meeting, usually in April. Contractors are employed to undertake other works including grass cutting and hedge maintenance. Specifications are drawn up and quotations always sought.

Corscombe, Halstock and District Parish Council is a member of the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils (DAPTC). Training and support is provided through the Association.