Parish Council
Following the uncontested election for Parish Councillors for Barrow cum Denham Parish Council on 4 May 2023, eleven Councillors were duly elected. Councillors are elected for a period of four years, with the next election scheduled to take place in May 2027.
Due to the resignation of two councillors, Barrow cum Denham Parish Council now carries two vacanicies. If you would be interested in joining the council, please contact the Parish Clerk for further information.
The Chair of the Parish Council is John Pearson. The Clerk to the Council and Proper Officer is Antonia King and the finances are handled by Burthorpe Accountants.
A list of Parish Councillors can be found here.
The Parish Council works to support and improve life of those living and working in the Parish, and ensure that the village voice is heard on issues including:
Importantly, the Parish Council is responsible for setting the precept. This is money that the Council receives to cover the cost of the services it provides and any staff costs. The precept is one element of the Council Tax householders pay. The Councils employs a clerk to oversee its day to day affairs.
The Parish Council is a Statutory Consultee on planning applications, listed building consents and tree preservation orders that are submitted to West Suffolk Council as they relate to the Parish. Accordingly, these applications are frequently discussed at Parish Council meetings. Further information about the role of the Parish Council in dealing with planning applications can be found here on the following briefing note.
The Parish Council employs a local contractor to cut the verges in Barrow cum Denham, instructing as to the frequency and depth of the cut.
In addition, the Parish Council manages a small number of assets on behalf of the village (such as the village sign and noticeboards).
The Parish Council aims to provide villagers with a link to with local government organisations like West Suffolk District Council and Suffolk County Council.
Any problems in the village such as blocked street drainage, potholes, broken stiles on footpaths may be reported to the Clerk, although we do encourage villagers to report issues directly with Suffolk County Council. Further details can be found here.
The Parish Council is your local voice and provides a means to escalate issues or concerns to local government or various public agencies.
It is however not responsible for:
The Council usually meets every month except for January and August. The meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 7.15pm in the committee room in the village hall unless otherwise stated on the agenda. Additional planning meetings may be held if planning applications come in between meetings.
There is also an Annual Parish Meeting which usually takes place in May. This is an open meeting for all electors of Barrow cum Denham and an opportunity to ask questions relating to village affairs.
Councillors are elected for a period of four years. The next election will take place in May 2027.
