Your Parish Council

Your Parish Council is community based and the most accessible tier of local government. It is concerned with the issues which affect the community. Boxley Parish stretches from Walderslade in the north to Weavering in the south. Covering 5,464 acres. It has 15 members, who are elected by residents of the parish every four years. All are volunteers. The parish council responds to and comments on planning applications, local structure plans, government discussion documents, etc. It has close links with Maidstone Borough Council and is consulted on many issues. The parish council is involved in youth and traffic issues including traffic calming in Boxley Village and traffic speeds through the parish.

Residents of the parish have the right to attend any of the full parish and committee meetings but cannot participate in any of the proceedings. However, meetings have time allocated for public participation at the chairman’s discretion. Meetings are held at Beechen Hall, Boxley Church Hall, Sandling Village Hall, St. John's School and Weavering Village Hall. For dates go to the meetings page or contact the parish office for more details.

For views from around the parish click here

What does a parish council do?
Parish councils have a number of formal powers and using these Boxley Parish Council is responsible for 4 bus shelters, Beechen Hall, open spaces, various seats and bins, War memorial, 4 village signs, a burial ground and 10 notice boards.
What else does it do?
The parish council supports the Vinters Valley Park Nature Reserve, Walderslade Woods Volunteer Group, and village halls in the parish. It also supports local organisations.
The parish council responds to and comments on planning applications, structure plans, government discussion documents. It is also involved in crime prevention measures and any initiatives that will improve the quality of life of its residents.
How much do parish councils cost?
Parish councils are generally the most unbureaucratic and cheapest kind of local authority. They get no general government grant so raise the majority of the income from a precept, a tax that the electors pay. Boxley Parish Council has 7,345 electors and each pays a little towards the cost. Further information is available on this web site.
What else is important?
District and County Councils have become very large and remote. Boxley Parish Council keeps the residents informed by the monthly newsletter, its website and meetings. It's councillors live within the communities and they and the parish office is easily contacted. 

To find out more please click on the titles above.

If you would like information about what is going on, news, crime reports, rail time tables, events and much more within the local area, visit the excellent web site of the Downs Mail at www.downsmail.co.uk

If there are any issues which you feel the parish council should be involved in please contact the parish office

Details of the meetings of the full council and committees are placed on the parish noticeboards, or click on the link above. The council manages its activities through a monthly meeting, three committees and when necessary sub committees.

Environment - Considers the many issues locally and nationally that effect the parish including planning applications, highway and public rights of way issues, street lighting and structure and local plans. Meets monthly.

Estates - Responsible for the management of Beechen Hall, parish council open spaces, Boxley Burial Ground and other council property. Meets bi-monthly.

Finance - Monitors the council’s expenditure, annual budget etc. Deals with personnel issues – the council employing 4 staff. Meets bi-monthly, alternating with the Estates Committee.

How does the Parish Council influence others? 

The parish council chooses to respond and become involved in consultations by principle authorities, the Government and other agencies.  This is a time consuming but important role as it ensures that the needs of the communities are made known at a time when they may influence the decision making bodies.

 Consultations responded to include :-

The parish council continues to respond to all consultations to ensure that the needs and views of the community are represented to the organisations and agencies that make policy and legislation.

Council Policies

	Environmental enhancement of the parish. To make it a pleasant place in which to live and work.
	Provision of facilities for the enjoyment of all parishioners.
	Protection of the parish’s environment, heritage and boundaries.
	Direction of support to the least able and affluent in the community.
	Support of activities that bolster the economy and community spirit of the parish.
	Encouragement and support of local groups and individuals who wish to take local action.
	Response to the needs of the local community and its environment.
	Promotion of the parish and its communities, locally, nationally and internationally through representation on outside organisations, groups etc.

If you have a query or wish to know more then please contact the Clerk or Assistant Clerk at the Parish Office.

Boxley Parish has an electorate of 7,345.

Help to Students

The parish council holds a number of records and documents (Channel Tunnel Rail Link, Local Environment Action Plans etc.) If you are undertaking a school or college project you are welcome to consult these documents.

For further information please contact the parish office.

Public Rights of Way.

To report problems with a public right of way telephone 01233 820797

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