What we do

General Parish Councils roles and responsibilities

Not to be confused with a Church of England Parish, Civil Parishes are the smallest areas of civil administration in England providing the statutory tier of local government closest to the people.

Their activities fall into three main categories: representing the local community, delivering services to meet local needs, and improving quality of life and community well being.

Parish councils have the power to tax their residents to support their operations and to carry out local projects. Although there is no limit to the amount that can be raised, the money can only be raised for a limited number of purposes, defined in the 1894 Act and subsequent legislation. This funding is collected via levying a "precept" collected from within the council tax paid by the residents of the parish.

Hessay Parish

What does Hessay Parish Specifically Do?

The following lists some of the key roles, responsibilities and activities of Hessay Parish Council specifically:

Looking after Parish Land for the public good, including
- Hessay Pond
- Willow Garth
Provision of Allotments
Provision of Festive Lighting during the holidays
Organising celebrations (e.g. Tour De France)
Representing the interests of villagers (e.g. in relation to proposed planning developments)
Pushing for better broadband for areas of the village not yet covered by FTTC
Communicate with residents
Maintain the defibrillator
Identify & relay matters which require the attention of City of York Council, such as Road signage, Condition of Hedges, conditions of Highways & Footpaths
Liaise with city councillors / MP to represent village interests,
Consider planning applications in the parish as consultees of the City of York Council