What we Do

The Parish Council is the first tier of local government.  It responds to be needs of the community by delivering the services or representation it needs and has a large range of powers.

Parish Councils are statutory bodies.  Members are elected for a term of four years and councils are funded principally by an annual precept.  Income and expenditure for the next financial year are calculated in the form of estimates.  The net amount (the precept) is added to council tax, collected by Braintree District Council and paid to the Parish Council in two six-monthly installments.  Parish Councils can apply for other funding, such as grants, but they do not receive funds direct from central government as principal authorities do.

In Ridgewell, the Parish Council is responsible, inter alia, for the following:

  • The village greens, grass-cutting and grounds maintenance

  • Street lighting

  • Allotment site

  • Street furniture, e.g. seats, noticeboards, bus shelter, etc.

  • War memorial maintenance

  • Liaison with school, e.g. erection of Christmas tree

  • Liaison with churches and businesses in the village

  • Maintenance of this website

  • Good Neighbours Scheme

  • Community Speed Watch

  • Welcome pack for new residents

  • Emergency plan

  • Special projects, e.g. affordable housing

  • It is also the Sole Trustee for the Village Hall charity and responsible for its day-to-day management and the ongoing Hall Improvement Project

In addition, it liaises with District/County Council on the services they provide, e.g.

  • Planning applications

  • Highways and footway maintenance

  • Public rights of way

  • Street Cleaning