How local democracy works
To start with, take a really deep breath, there's quite a lot of local democracy here. But you really should take note as you pay for all of this.
For most people living in Hertsmere there are in fact 3 levels of local government. If we take each level in amount of money spent (most to least):-
- First tier is the County Council (Hertfordshire County Council)
- Second tier is the Borough Council (Hertsmere Borough Council)
- Third tier is the Parish or Town Council.
In Hertsmere there are 4 Town/Parish councils: Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, Aldenham Parish Council, Ridge Parish Council and Shenley Parish Council.
Bushey and Potters Bar do not have Town or Parish Councils.
What are these different councils for and what do they do?
County Council
Spends the most, usually because it's responsibilites are the greatest, and most expensive local goverment items. The major responsibilites include:-
- Schools and education
- Health (hospitals, GPs, care in the community, etc.)
- The Police
- The Fire services
- Roads and Transport
- Care of the elderly and disabled
Here is a link to the Hertfordshire County Council where you can find out much more about what your County Council does for you.
Borough Council
Still spends quite a considerable amount of money, primarily because they deal with local benefits. Their responsibilites include:-
- Benefits
- Environment and Waste (refuse collection and recycling - like you'd notice)
- Planning (need an extension, apply here)
- Licensing (pubs and clubs, booze and dancing)
- Housing (now usually through Housing Associations)
Town/Parish Council
The services of these councils are very closely linked to the town or parish to which they belong. By statute they only have to provide 2 services (allotments and looking after closed Church of England churchyards) but in reality will undertake many more functions on behalf of the local community. For example, Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council is responsible for the Christmas Lights in Borehamwood, and organising and running the Town Festival.
If you would like to ask someone directly about which council is appropriate for your enquiry then please contact one of your representatives here.
We also have a local MP, but we won't talk about him much. He has been seen in a pub in London Colney, and also in Bushey, trying to trip over pavements.
|