A Civil parish council should not be confused with a Parochial church council that administers parishes of the Church of England.The Parish Council is an essential part of the structure of local democracy and has a vital role in acting on behalf of the community of Upton Grey.

Our Role is to:

• give views, on behalf of the community, on planning applications and other proposals that affect the parish
• undertake projects and schemes that benefit local residents
• work in partnership with other bodies to achieve benefits for the parish
• alert relevant authorities to problems that arise or work that needs to be undertaken
• help the other tiers of local government, viz Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, keep in touch with their local communities.

Upton Grey Parish Council has a wide range of legal duties and powers, such as the maintenance of community buildings and land and much more. We have the power to raise money through the local council tax.

Parish and town councils should maintain a close relationship with the local community therefore you are encouraged to be observers at the monthly council meetings and come along to the Annual Parish Meeting which we are obliged to arrange once a year where local electors may attend, find out what the Parish Council has been doing in the preceding year and raise issues of concern.

Please see below a table outlining a few of the powers and duties of parish and town councils:-

The powers of Parish Councils include:

• The maintenance of a village green or other common space or pasture.
• The maintenance and protection of war memorials.
• The maintenance of rights of way, ponds, ditches, public footpaths and bridle-ways.
• The right to be notified of planning applications.
• The passing of bye-laws in relation to open spaces, cemeteries, cycle parking and pleasure grounds.
• The provision of public entertainment and support for the arts.

A full list of the acts of Parliament and powers that apply to Parish Councils can be found at the web site of the National Association of Local Councils, http://www.nalc.gov.uk

For details about the activities of Upton Grey Parish Council and to see minutes of meetings etc go to: – http://www.uptongreyparishcouncil.co.uk