What is the Parish Council?

The Council has some direct responsibilities, for example:

– cutting the grass on the village green and certain other areas in the village
– maintaining the pinfold
– operating 41 of the streetlights in the village.

In other areas the Parish Council makes representations on behalf of residents of the Parish, such as commenting upon planning applications. However, the final responsibility lies with other bodies such as North Yorkshire Council.

Listening to everyone’s concerns, needs and aspirations within and beyond the Parish, goes to the heart of the Parish Council’s work. The Parish Council, therefore, very much welcomes questions, opinions or concerns from parishioners and values their presence at its monthly Parish Council meetings.

How is the Parish Council funded, and what does it spend it’s funds on?

The Parish Council receives an annual precept of around £20,000 which is collected as part of local ‘council tax’.  Most of the precept is spent on the grass cutting (for the village green and grass verges), street lighting and public liability insurance.

When do we meet and where?

Ordinary monthly meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of each month. The meetings take place at 7pm in the Methodist Chapel Schoolroom in North Duffield. Any changes to scheduled meetings will be posted on the village notice board and website along with agendas and minutes. At times it may be necessary to call extra meetings or to change the date of a meeting, again notification will be made by the Clerk to the Parish Council on both the notice board and the Facebook page.

We welcome members of the public to attend meetings and there is an opportunity to ask questions during the public time session. If you would like to have a specific item added to the agenda please advise the Clerk who will consider whether the item is appropriate for inclusion.