Colden Common Parish Council History

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General History of Parish Councils

Parishes date from medieval times or earlier. In the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries, they were the main unit of local government responsible for poor relief, highway maintenance, and law and order, as well as for their ecclesiastical functions. In the 19th Century these civil functions were largely transferred to, or taken over by, other bodies. They have operated in their current form only since 1894. As a tier of local government, they are elected bodies with discretionary powers and rights laid down by Parliament to represent their communities and to provide services for them.

The pattern of parishes across the country has to a great extent been determined by history. Parishes have been formed around distinct communities – and even today when they are created, they tend to be community-based.

Historically, parish councils were largely a feature of rural England but over the past twenty years the nature of the areas they represent has been changing. Since 1974 more "urban" areas, in particular freestanding towns, have been parished, particularly areas formerly represented by urban district councils.

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