The Role of Rufford and Holmeswood Parish Council
There are 3 tiers of Local Government - County Council, District Council and Parish Council. Councils are made up of individual Councillors, who are elected to serve the needs of their locality. Parish Councils represents the first tier of Local Government - the tier closest to local residents.
Local Authorities - Who Does What? County CouncilsRufford and Holmeswood Parish Council comes under Lancashire County Council who has responsibility for:
- Children, education, and families
- Health and social care
- Transport and travel
- Roads, potholes, repairs, and gritting
- Recycling centres
- Fire and public safety
- Flooding
- Libraries and archives
- Trading standards
- Births, marriages, and deaths
For information on County Council services:
Website: www.lancashire.gov.uk
Phone: 0300 123 6701
Email: [email protected]
Rufford and Holmeswood Parish Council comes under West Lancashire Borough Council who has responsibility for:
- Collection of council tax
- Bins, litter, and recycling collection
- Housing
- Planning applications
- Environmental health including noise and dog nuisances
- Leisure centres and play areas
- Parks and allotments
For more information on District Council Services:
Website: www.westlancs.gov.uk
Parish Councils are set up and controlled by law and can only act if there is a legal power to do so. Parish Councils are often consulted on County and District issues such as planning applications, road improvements and changes to public transport. Parish Councils can provide vital local knowledge such as flooding concerns and transport and access problems.
Parish Councils are being encouraged to deliver more services and can also support local community groups and provide community activities. They also ensure that the principle authorities are aware of local concerns such as problems with potholes, highway visibility, litter and dog fouling.
Rufford and Holmeswood Parish Council
Rufford & Holmeswood Parish Council employs a part-time Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) who is responsible for all the administrative work associated with the day to day running of the Parish Council.
There are seven local people who serve as Councillors on the Parish Council and give their time voluntarily. Elections to serve as a Parish Councillor are held every four years, unless there is a resignation when a casual vacancy will be advertised on the website and on the Parish Council notice boards which are situated at;
1. Brick Kiln Lane/Holmeswood Road - View Map
2. Cousins Lane - View Map
3. Rufford Village Hall -
4. Holmeswood Methodist Primary School - View Map
5. Holmeswood Village Hall - View Map
Meetings are held ten times a year and are usually held at St Mary The Virgin Church Hall, Church Road, Rufford, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 1TA. All meetings are open to the public and there is a period of time put aside at each meeting for a period of public discussion where members of the public are able to express their views or ask questions.
