What is a Parish Council?

South Warnborough Parish Council strives to safeguard the interests of the community and promote the Parish of South Warnborough to the best of its ability.  This is achieved in a variety of ways including monitoring services carried out by District & County Councils, representing views of parishioners to other authorities, supporting and liaising with local clubs and organisations, protecting and enhancing its environment, sustaining and developing community spirit, recognising parishioners and volunteers who contribute to the fabric of the village.

The Parish Council is a statutory body which can only act with the powers invested in it by law, is democratically elected and the closest tier of local governament to the community it serves.  The Parish Council is the lowest tier of local government administration for the civil parish of South Warnborough, under Hart District Council and Hampshire County Council.  The Parish Council of South Warnborough has five elected Councillors who serve for a period of up to four years.  The last election was held on 5 May 2022. 

The Parish Council does not have statutory responsiblity for services such as waste collection, street parking, traffic regulations, environmental health, street trading, planning and building control, licensing, housing, education development control or social care functions for the area they represent.  Statutory responsbility for the discharge of those functions rests with the other types of local council.  

The business of the Parish Council is primarily decided during the bi-monthly meetings which are usually held on the first or second Monday of the month:   January, March, May, July, September and November. Additional meetings are called if required. Meetings start at 7.30 p.m. and are held in The Ridley Hall.  A wide range of issues are discussed including consideration of current planning applications.   Members of the public are invited to attend.

The Parish Council also  holds an Annual Parish Assembly which must take place between 1st March and 1st June each year and is an opportunity for all residents to come together to review the year and discuss current issues in the community.