Berkswich Parish Council is an autonomous body consisting of ten elected Councillors whose purpose is to run the Council in an objective and efficient manner to the benefit of the whole community, regardless of political views, colour, creed or gender. The aim of the Council is to enhance the quality of life within the parish by using its powers in an effective and efficient manner. In order to increase the scope of its capabilities, the Council aims to become a Quality Parish. To achieve this, it is necessary for the Clerk and Councillors to be suitably qualified and for the Council to have a forward-looking plan for further enhancement of the parish’s quality of life. 

Matters which regularly concern the Council in achieving its aims include;-

a)      personal safety, vandalism and crime,

b)      road safety,

c)      planning  matters,

d)      maintenance of the environs,

e)      communication.

     The Council will operate the following committees and working groups with specific targets. The meetings of a committee will be recorded and minuted. The findings of a working group will be submitted in writing for the Council’s consideration.

1)      Planning Committee. To pre-examine planning applications in order to advise the full Council on the details and technicalities so that Council meetings may proceed more effectively. In the event of the need for an urgent response to a planning application, and constraints do not permit its consideration by the Council, the Planning Sub Committee is empowered to respond on behalf of the Council.

2)      Parish Plan Working Group. To review and update the Parish Plan based upon the collected views of parishioners and local organizations.

3)      Legislation Working Group. To ensure that the Clerk and Councillors are fully up to date with new practices and legislation.

4)      Finances Working Group. To budget and control Council expenditure.

5)      Quality Parish Working Group. To prepare the Parish Council to apply for Quality Parish Status.

     In addition, the following will be undertaken.

1)      To provide training for the Clerk and Councillors so that appropriate qualifications may be obtained.

2)      Support the Police and Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

3)      Campaign for suitable traffic calming and control measures.

4)      Maintain communication with parishioners by means of notice boards, the Parish Newsletter and the Parish Web Site.

5)      Continue to maintain the equipment and grounds, which are the responsibility of the Council. 

The above will form the basis of the continuing success of the Council and it will become the basis of the new format that the Government considers to be necessary for the increasing importance of Parish Councils within the community.