What is a parish council?
Parish councils are statutory bodies. Members are elected for a term of four years and in Walcott there are 9 parish councillors. The council is funded by the annual precept and this is forms part of the Council Tax; it is collected by the district council and paid to the parish in two six-monthly instalments. Currently the average parish precept in north Norfolk is £32.18 (band D property). Parish councils can apply for other funding such as grant and funding awards, but they do not receive funds direct from central government, as principal authorities do.
What does the parish council do?
As the third tier of local government a parish council is vital in ensuring the provision of services in the parish are maintained to a high standard, even if it is not responsible for their delivery. A parish council can arrange for the introduction of many new amenities and has the powers to do so. (Some examples of this are allotments, seats, dog bins, lighting).
In addition the council can liaise with other authorities to ensure that their services are provided in accordance with local needs (Examples of this are highways and footpaths, coastal protection and environmental issues). The parish council will always be consulted on any planning application made within the parish.
About Walcott Parish Council
Since it was formed in 2008 the Council has been establishing itself and starting to get representation at meetings in the area which affect Walcott; examples of these are the consultation on jet-ski launching, coastal protection, the local area partnership, the new planning framework and coastal planning as well as liaison on environmental matters at the Bacton gas site.
The Council is supported by a part-time clerk who carries out the administration of the Council complying with legal requirements and financial regulations which govern the running of a parish council.
The Council has decided to meet normally every two months in January, March, May, July, September and November on the third Monday of the month.
Dates of forthcoming meetings
| January | March | May |
| July | September | November |
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held between March and May – this is a meeting specifically for parishioners so that the councillors can hear their views although normally there are opportunities for public participation in ordinary meetings.
How can you have your say?
Come to an ordinary meeting and speak at the public participation opportunity
Attend the Annual Parish Meeting
It’s important because it’s your Parish Council
Councillors are keen to hear all views on issues within Walcott as well as plans and aspirations for the future; we are here to serve the Walcott community so do get in touch!
