Parish Council Overview

Purpose & Role

The Aythorpe Roding Parish Council is the first tier of local government in the parish. Its role is to represent the community, address local concerns, manage certain amenities, work with district and county authorities, and promote the well‑being of residents.

The Council ensures local voices are heard in planning, environment, community services, and often facilitates the upkeep of physical and social infrastructure.

Council Structure & Governance

The Council is made up of 6 elected Councillors, serving four‑year terms.

As of 2023 there was no election, because the number of candidates equalled the number of vacancies.

There are no internal committees; all business is usually handled by the full Council, or by individual Councillors in conjunction with the Clerk.

Decisions are made only at Formal Council Meetings; individual councillors (or the Chair) do not have authority to act alone.

Meetings & Transparency

The Council is committed to openness and public participation. Meetings are open to the public.

The Council publishes relevant financial information, paid invoices, land owned, and other data to comply with the Transparency Code for smaller authorities.

A Freedom of Information policy is in place: requests in writing to the Parish Clerk are responded to within legal timeframes (or referred elsewhere if not held).

Statutory Powers & Activities

Some of the Council’s key functions include, but are not limited to:

Reviewing and making representations on planning applications affecting the parish.

Managing or contributing to community and public amenities (e.g. the village hall, churchyard access, open spaces).

Providing or supporting services that benefit residents in areas such as footpaths, environment, allotments (if applicable), etc.

Working with Uttlesford District Council and Essex County Council on issues that affect Aythorpe Roding, such as highways, environmental conservation, and public safety.

Finances & Precept

The Council is financed by a precept, which is a sum raised via local Council Tax to fund its activities.

Financial records and invoices are published to ensure accountability and to meet statutory transparency requirements.

Contact & Participation

Residents are encouraged to attend Council meetings, view agendas and minutes, and provide feedback.

The Council Clerk acts as the primary contact point for correspondence, issues, and requests.

Information about elections, councillors, planning applications, and local businesses is published on the Parish Council website.