Parish or Town Councils are the most local level of government in England.

They are independent of other levels of local government, ie. District and County Council, however they maintain a close working relationship with both. The powers of Parishes vary depending on how large and how active they are..

Benwick Parish Council deals with all issues affecting the Parish such as planning, street lights, grass cutting, cemetery maintenance and burials, allotments and highways and Local Police issues.

The Council are the Custodial Trustees of the Village Hall and appoint some members to Turf Fen Charity. It also both owns and leases land within the village, which it rents out as allotments; this gives the Parish Council a small income which helps subsidise the Parish Precept.

The Parish Council subscribes to Cambridgeshire ACRE, Cambridgeshire Association of Locals Councils and Campaign for the Protection of Rural England who all offer facilities for advice and training on a variety of Local Government issues.




Parish Councillors

Councillors have an active interest and concern for their local community. They represent local people and work in partnership with them and others when necessary. They help facilitate the provision of local services and facilities and take decisions that form the policy of the Council.

Councillors are not paid and have to abide by a local government code of conduct and declare their financial interests in the parish. Councillors must also declare a personal or prejudicial interest in any matter under discussion at a parish council meeting.

Councillors attend many meetings and seminars to represent the Parish.  Undertake training sessions to assist them in their role, keep them up to date with current legislation and provide them with the knowledge to help them in the decision making process.