Everything you need to know about new town councils

In October, BCP Council voted on approving recommendations for new town council following a community governance review.

Bournemouth Town Council passed with the closest margin of 34-31 with two councillors abstaining, Broadstone and Poole both passed with 36-24 with seven councillors abstaining.

Councillors voted against delaying establishing the new town councils to 2027 in a vote 32-35.

What do town councils do?

Town councils are responsible for a range of local services such as:

• allotments
• public clocks
• bus shelters
• community centres or events
• play areas and play equipment
• Christmas lights

Town councils can also get grants to help with local improvements or organisations.  They can also consult on neighbourhood planning and have powers to issue fixed penalty fines for things like:

• litter
• graffiti
• fly posting
• dog offences

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What is the difference between a BCP and town council?

BCP Council is responsible for services across the whole area including housing, education, highways, social care and waste collects.

Town councils are responsible for delivering services in the local area such as allotments, car parks, celebrations and festivals, community buses, community and leisure centres, litter bins, parks and open spaces, public toilets and streetlights. They are also able to give the community a voice when it comes to planning matters.

Laws covering council leadership models and formal scrutiny arrangements do not apply to parish councils.

Requirements for council committees to reflect the political balance of elected members also do not apply.

Unlike larger councils, parish and town councils are not overseen by the Local Government Ombudsman.

Audit requirements are lighter as well. All parish and town councils fall below the £6.5 million income and spending threshold set out in the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.

Those with annual income and expenditure under £25,000 are not subject to routine external audits.

What is the difference between a BCP Councillor and a town councillor?

A town councillor’s role has three main areas:

• Councillors are responsible for decision making, this includes deciding which activities to support, where money should be spent, what services should be delivered, and what policies should be implemented by attending meetings and committees.
• Councillors ensure that their decisions lead to efficient and effective services by monitoring how well things work.
• As local representatives, councillors have responsibilities towards their constituents and local organisations.

Councillors elected to BCP Council are responsible for:

• approving key plans, policies and strategies
• overseeing strategic and corporate management
• represent their communities and the views of their ward in the decision making process
• supporting (as appropriate), individuals in their dealings with the council and representing them in seeking to resolve particular concerns or grievances
• balancing the different interests of people within their ward with a view to representing their ward as a whole
• participating (as appropriate) in the decision making, and overview and scrutiny processes

Can the new town councils be reversed?

It is possible to reverse the decision to implement the new town councils but this can only be done if another community governance review is undertaken.

Do town councillors get paid?

Town councillors do not get paid or receive any money for their work as a councillor. Occasionally they may be reimbursed for expenses such as travel to a specific training course where this is different to the council offices.

Ordinary travel to normal council meetings is not covered. Any costs associated with standing for election are paid for either by individuals or relevant political party.