• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

CDALC

Delivering support to local councils in County Durham

  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • News and Events
  • Training
  • Useful Links
  • About Us
    • History of CDALC
    • Who We Are
    • Our Partners
    • What We Do
    • Our Structure
  • Parish Councils
    • What is a Parish Council
    • Quality and Performance
    • Types of Meeting
    • Parish and Neighbourhood Plans
    • Parish Council Elections
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • List of Parishes
  • Get Involved
    • Become a Councillor
    • Become a Clerk
    • Create a new parish council
Home / Parish Councils / What is a Parish Council

What is a Parish Council

Parish councils were formed in England under the Local Government Act 1894 to take over local oversight of civic duties in rural towns and villages. They are the smallest areas of civil administration in England providing the statutory tier of local government closest to the people.

They are corporate bodies and local authorities recognised in law and must meet at a minimum of four meetings a year. One of these meetings must be the Annual Meeting of the council which must be held in May of each year. The chairman or mayor is always chosen at this meeting. Most councils meet ten or eleven time a year.

Find out more about parish councils from our information relating to:

  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Powers and Duties
  • Code of Conduct
  • Parish Council Charter
  • History
  • What is a Parish Council
    • Roles and Responsibilities
    • Powers and Duties
    • Code of Conduct
    • Parish Council Charter
    • History of Parish Councils
  • Quality and Performance
    • Local Council Award Scheme
    • Certificate in Local Council Administration (CILCA)
  • Types of Meeting
  • Parish and Neighbourhood Plans
  • Parish Council Elections
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

© 2025 ยท Developed by Durham County Council
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sitemap
  • Legal Information