Structure
Local government structure varies from county to county. In most of Devon there are three tiers of local government.
This includes the county council and district councils (also known as principal authorities) and local councils (also known as parish and town councils)
Contrary to public opinion, these are all separate entities; parish and town councils are not under the authority of the principal authorities, and the district councils are not overseen by Devon County Council.
Although all the councils may work together when needed. Some parts of the country have unitary authorities which provide all local government services, these can be city areas (such as Plymouth) or counties.
Powers and Duties
Local authorities have some duties (things they must do) and powers (things they can do).
There are some things that parish, town, district and county councils can all do such as providing street lights, car parks and financial support for a range of organisations. Just because all councils can do these things, it does not mean that the council has to do it.
Parish councils have a wide range of powers* that can help them work in their communities.Many of these powers can benefit from partnership working with another organisation. For example, a parish council might work with Devon County Council through their Road Warden Scheme or Snow Warden Scheme to help repair potholes or clear snow in an emergency.
| Parish Council | District Council | County Council |
| Grant giving to a range of organisations including youth clubs, village halls and voluntary organisations | Street cleaning and litter | Education (early years, schools, families and young people |
| Consultee on planning applications | Recycling | Public Rights of Way (maintenance) |
| Can provide public conveniences, car parks, lifesaving devices, allotments, burial grounds, bus shelters, war memorials, clocks | Elections (electoral registration) | Land Charges Unit (common land) |
| Can provide recreational and educational facilities | Standards (Monitoring Officer can investigate Code of Conduct complaints against parish and town councillors) | Traffic calming and management |