Article release date: 15/12/2011
Parish councils were first formed to serve their local communities in 1894 and it is now with the introduction of the Localism Act that parish councils are going back to these roots and encouraging people to take ownership of their local communities. And as a fully parished area with just six town and parish councils
The parishes have strong ties with a range of key agencies across the area and are represented on the main Board of the Bracknell Forest Partnership. The Town and Parish Liaison Group provides parish representatives with an opportunity to meet with Borough Council representatives on a quarterly basis to discuss matters of mutual and common interest as well as enabling the development of action plans to tackle areas of concern and the provision of feedback on and input into strategies and policies under development.
Over the years parish councils have become the first port of call for many residents seeking help and advice and the networks that have been developed have proved vital in helping to sign post these people to help.
For less than the price of a cup of coffee per week parish councils provide good value for money to residents. As partner organisations face continuing budget pressures the coming months and years will see new challenges for parishes as they take on new roles, develop new responsibilities and work with partner agencies to deliver services that meet the demands of their residents.
