Skip to main content
Council Business

What is a Parish Council and why join Watford Parish Council?

What is a Parish Council?

Published: 4 February 2025

A parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish and has an overall responsibility for the well-being of its local community.  It is the level of government closest to the community, with the unitary authority above it in the hierarchy. As it is the authority closest to the people, parish councils are invariably the first place people will go with concerns or ideas.  For this reason they are a vital part of any community.

Its work falls into three main categories:

  • representing the local community
  • delivering services to meet local needs
  • striving to improve quality of life in the parish

Why become a Watford Parish Councillor?

If you’ve never been to a parish council meeting before, you may be forgiven for thinking that parish council meetings are like those seen on The Vicar of Dibley.

In reality, Watford Parish Council strives to conduct its business in a friendly, professional manner with The Village and its residents best interests at heart.

By becoming a parish councillor you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support as a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve.

You don’t have to have any previous experience as you will be encouraged and advised by other Councillors.

Seeing Watford change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.

Structure

Watford Parish Council consists of 7 councillors either elected or co-opted. The Chairman and Vice Chairman are appointed and areas of responsibilities are also allocated for the year at May’s Annual Meeting.

The Parish Council has one part time employee, The Clerk who is also The Responsible Financial Officer. The Clerk is responsible for the day to day running of The Parish Council including setting the agenda for meetings, correspondence and managing the bank account and budget. The Clerk is the most important person on the Parish Council and has a wealth of experience on local government matters that can assist The Councillors.

What decisions does Watford Parish Council make?

Watford Parish Council is responsible for the following;

  • Management, maintenance and upkeep of The Cemetery
  • Mowing and upkeep of St Peter and St Pauls Churchyard
  • Mowing The Village Green 
  • Beacon and Christmas tree
  • Street Lighting, maintenance and running costs
  • Bus Shelters
  • Waste and Dog waste bins
  • Benches and Street furniture
  • Community events and celebrations
  • Planning

The operation of Watford Parish Council is primarily funded by the annual precept which is The Parish Council’s share of Watford resident’s council tax. 

The Parish Council is responsible for reviewing the budget and forecasting its requirements for the forthcoming year before submitting the precept demand to WNC, for which it is audited and held accountable for.

It’s true to say that on its own The Parish Council has limited powers to make full decisions.  But we do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions (such as West Northants Council, planning, highways, police etc).

Through good communication, the organisations that make the final decisions know that The Parish Council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something, and its views will be taken seriously.

How much time does it take up?

Watford Parish Council meets 10 times per year on every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm in The Village Hall. We don’t have meetings in February and August. Meetings are open to members of the public and they can raise concerns and ask questions during the public time section of the meeting. Meetings usually last between an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the number of items to discuss on the agenda.

Upon joining the Parish Council it is likely you will be given a particular area of responsibility to monitor and report back on. Between meetings communication takes place via email and a Whatsapp group although decisions can only be made at meetings.

How long does a Parish Councillor serve for?

Parish Councillors serve for a maximum of four years in a term. The current term ends April 2025 with the new term running from May 2025 to April 2029. At the end of the term you can apply to stand as a Parish Councillor again. An election will only be called if more than 7 people decide to stand for the 7 vacancies. 

Vacancies during the four year term can be filled by co-option by The Parish Council, unless an election is requested by 10 or more electors.

Applicants should note that Councillors are expected to attend regular meetings and any additional meetings as may be arranged, and to represent the electors of Watford in raising and discussing those issues of interest and concern on which The Parish Council is empowered to act.

Am I eligible to be a Watford Parish Councillor?

You have to be:

  • a British subject, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union
  • over 18 years of age

and additionally you have to be one of the following;

  • A registered voter on the electoral roll for Watford Village
  • have for the whole previous 12 months occupied as owner or tenant any house, premises or land in or within 3 miles of The Parish of Watford 
  • have for the whole previous 12 months had your principal or only place of work in or within The Parish of Watford

You cannot stand as a Councillor if you;

  • are subject to a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order.
  • have, within five years before the day of appointment or election, been convicted in the United Kingdom of any offence and have had a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of over three months without the option of a fine.
  • you work for Watford Parish Council (but you can work for other local authorities, including the principal authorities that represent the same area).

You don’t have to be connected to a political party.

If you do become a parish councillor you will have to sign up to the Code of Conduct and register any interests you have within Watford Parish.

Don’t take our word for it!

The best way to find out what it’s like to be a Watford Parish Councillor is to come along to one of our meetings or talk to The Clerk or one of the current Councillors;

  • Sue Porter – Clerk 01327 362496 watfordparish@gmail.com
  • Pete Incley – Chairman – 07785931663 – peter.incley@watford-pc.gov.uk
  • Andy Cansfield – Vice Chairman
  • Tracy Cansfield
  • Paul Collins
  • Eve Garwood
  • Vicky Knapp
  • Julia Powell

Our next meeting is Tuesday 11th March 2025 at 7pm at The Village Hall. Refreshments provided. We look forward to seeing you. 

Is this page useful?