Parish and Town Councils like Lytchett Minster and Upton are civil local authorities within the first tier of local government. They are the elected bodies closest to the community, which represent and speak up for their residents and have tax raising powers which enable them to provide some local services and facilities.
The Town Council is funded by the residents of Lytchett Minster and Upton who pay a tax or “precept”. This precept is collected by Dorset Council Council on behalf of the Town Council as part of the general Council Tax. The Town Council also generates income by charging for some of its services.
Dorset Council is a unitary authority and the principal authority which has responsibility for most of the statutory services in Lytchett Minster and Upton eg schools and education, health, waste disposal, libraries, highways and social services. It has many legal duties to deliver services.
Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council has only a limited range of duties that it must fulfil. But the Town Council has a general power of competence which means it has wide ranging freedom to choose what actions it wants to take. Town Councils can play a vital part in representing the interests of their communities and improving the quality of life and the local environment although they may be limited by the resources they have available.
The Town Council is made up of 15 councillors. Find out more about our Town Councillors.