Parish Councils have a wide range of legal powers and duties. A duty is a legal power that the Council must fulfil eg, hold an annual meeting, whereas a power is something that the local council can choose to do but is not compulsory, eg. provide dog bins.

Essentially these relate to local matters, such as looking after community buildings, open space, allotments, play areas etc. They also have the power to raise money through the council tax.

Councillors are responsible for setting the precept (parish council tax), making policies, allocating expenditure, determining grants, managing parish assets and generally acting in the best interests of the Redbourn community.

The council conducts the majority of its business through a range of committees, working parties and other groups which meet regularly to discuss issues and make decisions.

All committees report back through Full Council. Sub-committee or working parties are appointed to look at particular issues and report back either to the Full Council or to a formal committee.

All council and committee meetings where decisions are made, are held in public. Only sensitive matters e.g. personnel, commercial contracts and legal advice are considered in a closed session.

When matters arise that require an urgent decision the clerk may call an extraordinary meeting between the regular meeting dates. These extraordinary meetings are held in public and are advertised and managed in the same way as regular meetings.

Council committee meetings are normally held on Tuesdays and Thursdays each month, except August - see the meetings calendar for dates and to access agenda, minutes and more information.

Every year at the Annual Parish Council Meeting in May, the council elects a chair and vice-chair and decides which councils will sit on which committees.

The council holds the Annual Parish Meeting, also in May each year, where councillors report back to the electorate about the work they have been doing over the last year, award grants to local organisations and recognise residents that have gone above and beyond in support of/for the benefit the community.

For further information relating to the services offered by the parish council please contact the parish clerk who will be happy to give advice and assistance.

Monday 22nd May was our Annual Parish Meeting were we shared the work the parish council has been doing over the last year and gave out grants to local organisations too.

It was also an evening of appreciation and celebration where we were able to recognise the efforts of a special person in our community who goes above and beyond to help and support others. Dave Mills was crowned Redbourn Community Champion 2022-2023! Dave is the Lead Volunteer of Redbourn Scout Group coordinating and helping to train all the leaders that make sure the children and young people in scouting have a great experience and runs one of the scout troops too.

He is instrumental in local fundraising events and has even run the London Marathon to raise money for the Scouts. This year he is using his work leave to take Scouts to South Korea to the World Scout Jamboree in addition to fund raising for the trip.

Dave is a volunteer that has enriched the lives of many in the village, not just the children and young people in Scouting but the volunteers that support them and the wider community. All this on top of a full time job and family life.

We also awarded grants to the following community groups: Redbourn Allotment Association, Active in Redbourn, Citizens Advice Redbourn Outreach, Redbourn Classics, Redbourn Emporium, Redbourn Folk, PCSO Basketball initiative, Redbourn Book Club, Redbourn Primary PTA for the Fun Run, Redbourn in Bloom, Redbourn Tennis Club, Verulam Cycling Club for Fete du Velo

The last ordinary elections to Redbourn Parish Council took place in 2023. The next elections to the parish council will take place in May 2027.

Parish councillors are elected or co-opted. More information can be found about the 12 councillors that serve Redbourn Parish and what they do by visiting the Who We Are page.

If you are interested in becoming a councillor and what to find out how to go about it please contact the parish clerk.