The Parish Council
Wem Rural Parish is divided into 3 wards: Newtown Ward with 291 electors and 2 councillors, Edstaston Ward with 538 electors and 5 councillors and Wem Ward with 519 electors and 5 councillors, a total electorate of 1348 (electoral figures taken from the 2016 electoral roll).
Parish Councils are the part of local government closest to the people. It is not a voluntary organisation, a charity or something to do with the church. They serve the smallest area and are responsible for the most local matters. Very importantly, Parish Councils can “precept” – raise a sum collected with the council tax each year to improve facilities and service for local people.
Parish Councils were first created under the Local Government Act 1894 and they are still being created. As Parish Councils were created in law, they can only act within the law by exercising those powers and functions, which have been conferred on them by Statute (ie Acts of Parliament).
The Council represents and serves the whole community. Most communities are made up of smaller communities, often with different interest; a Council’s duty is to serve them all. The Council balances the needs of different elements of all the community to get the best results. Frequently, Councils has the difficult task of deciding what the best result might be.
Parish Councils have a number of basic responsibilities in making the lives of local communities more comfortable, many of which are often taken for granted. Essentially these powers fall within three main categories; representing the whole electorate within the parish; delivering services to meet local needs; and striving to improve the quality of life in the parish.
The Parish Council has one Committee, the Personnel Committee.
Diary Dates
News
Pine Hawk Moth spotted in Barkers Green
Readers of Rural Review may recall in earlier editions, there have been reports of some interesting moths that have been attracted to a light trap in Barkers Green – Small Eggar, Clifden Nonpareil, and Cinnabar. However, this year’s weather hasn’t been good for moth...
What You Need to Know about Telegraph Poles
As part of the UK’s nationwide upgrade to full-fibre broadband, Freedom Fibre is installing new telegraph poles in areas where existing infrastructure is insufficient. These poles are essential for deploying faster and more reliable internet connections, especially as...
Helping the community in Edstaston
Edstaston Village Hall has long been a focal point for the local community, hosting a variety of events, activities, and gatherings that bring residents together. As a cherished community asset, the upkeep and improvement of the hall are essential to ensure it...
Local Council Award Scheme
Community Plan
Meeting Papers
Councillor Responsibilities
Policies & Procedures
About The Parish Council
Meeting Dates
Financial Information
Highways
Financial year ending 31 March 2024
Area Profile
Our aims, objectives and work
Councillors & Clerk
Who are your Councillors?
Planning in the Parish
Contact Us
Address
The Parish Clerk
4 Bazeley Way
Wem
Shropshire
SY4 5QN
Phone
07720 854185
This website is managed by Wem Rural Parish Council. Every effort is made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date although there can be no guarantee of this. The Council will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of wrong information on these pages. If you see any information on this website that is incorrect please notify the Parish Clerk.