Parish/Town Councils and Councillors

Parish or Town Councils are the most local level of government in England. They are independent of other levels of local government, i.e. District and County Council; however they maintain a close working relationship with both. The powers of Parishes vary depending on how large and how active they are. Some meet infrequently (but at least four times a year, including one public meeting) and are responsible for very few matters. Other, larger, parishes undertake many duties such as street lighting, managing cemeteries, allotments, commons, village halls, war memorials and markets etc.

Parish Councillors

Councillors have an active interest and concern for their local community. They represent local people and work in partnership with them and others when necessary. They help facilitate the provision of local services and facilities and take decisions that form the policy of the Council.

Councillors are not paid and have to abide by a local government code of conduct and declare their financial interests in the parish. Councillors must also declare a personal or prejudicial interest in any matter under discussion at a parish council meeting.

Parish Councils within Northumberland National Park

The area of the National Park covers 34 parish councils:

• Alnham Parish Council
• Alwinton Parish Council
• Bardon Mill Parish Council
• Bellingham Parish Council
• Brinkburn & Hesleyhurst Parish Council
• Corsenside Parish Council
• Elsdon Parish Council
• Falstone Parish Council
• Glanton Parish Council
• Greenhead Parish Council
• Haltwhistle Town Council
• Harbottle Parish Council
• Haydon  Parish Council
• Henshaw Parish Council
• Hepple Parish Council
• Humshaugh Parish Council
• Ingram Parish Council
• Kielder Parish Council
• Kirknewton Parish Council
• Melkridge Parish Council
• Netherton & Biddlestone Parish Council
• Newbrough & Fourstones Parish Council
• Otterburn Parish Council
• Rochester & Byrness Parish Council
• Rothbury Parish Council
• Simonburn Parish Council
• Tarset & Greystead Parish Council
• Thirlwall Parish Council
• Thropton Parish Council
• Warden Parish Council
• Wark Parish Council
• Whitton & Tosson Parish Council
• Wooler Parish Council

These councils are arranged in four parish groupings:

• Hadrian's Wall
• North Tyne and Redesdale
• Upper Coquet
• Cheviot

Each Parish grouping is represented on Northumberland National Park Authority by a Member appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs  

Every four years, following the Parish Council elections, the Northumberland Association of Local Councils organises a selection process whereby each Parish Council is involved in selecting a candidate to represent their Parish grouping and the names of the four successful councillors are then put forward to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

Local Government Service List Number 723

Email: members.buildings@nnpa.org.uk
Telephone: 01434 611539
Fax: 01434 611663