Parish councils act on behalf of the community they represent. Lydford Parish Council is the voice of the local community for planning applications and a focus for local consultation by other authorities such as West Devon Borough Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority and Highways. 

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Parish councils have powers to provide some facilities themselves, or they can contribute towards their provision by others. A list of the powers and duties of a Parish Council may be found here.

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Historically, Lydford Parish Council has offered modest financial support to local groups operating for the benefit of the community. In recent times this has included making donations for the purchase of computer tablets for our primary school, and supporting the new Playground, the Sports field and the local table-tennis club.

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Increasingly parish councils and parishioners are being asked to take on the provision of services from higher tier authorities such as the provision of public toilets, snow and road warden schemes. This can have significant implications for the precept (see Parish Finances) and also the amount of volunteer time needed.  

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If the Parish Council is to make a meaningful contribution to life in Lydford it needs to know what's important to you, the villagers. Please let us know if there are local matters of concern to you, either by email (clerk@lydfordparishcouncil.com), via our Facebook Page or by speaking directly to one of your councillors. We promise to listen!

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In Lydford, the Parish Council meets once a month in the Nicholls Hall to discuss current issues. These meetings are open to the public who are encouraged to attend and participate in local democracy.

Subject to a few qualifying criteria rules, this is decided by parishioners.  Councillors are elected for a four year term although when there are not more candidates than posts, members can be returned unopposed. Unfortunately this has been the case in Lydford recently. 

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Qualifying criteria is found in more detail here but some key points are that you must be: 

• British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union

• At least 18 years old

• Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election

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You don't have to have had particular experience or qualifications but you do have to be prepared to volunteer a few hours every month to reading, talking, learning and attending meetings. All Parish Councillor roles in Lydford are unpaid voluntary roles. 

Who becomes a Parish Councillor? 

14th April 2020 at 7:00 pm

The management and operation of the Council is governed by a variety of policies, all of which can be viewed here.

Parish councils focus on local opinion and represent that opinion on issues like:

• Highways

• Planning

• Transport and traffic 

• Allotments

• Litter

• War Memorials

• Seats and shelters.

  The Council can organise projects for the community, and can pay for them through the precept of by raising grant funding.

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Lydford Council also allocates a part of its Precept for awarding grants to groups and organisations within the parish. The policy and application form can be found here.