There are three tiers of local government with areas of responsibility in Kirkland –
Lancashire County Council,
Wyre Borough Council and
Kirkland Parish Council.

The Role of Parish and Town Councils
What is a Parish or Town Council?
'Parish and town councils are the foundation of local government. They are the level of
government closest to the people and have a vital role to play in improving local quality of life.
They can influence decisions that affect local people, help bring life to local communities and
offer a way of making sure services meet the needs of residents'.
                                                                            Parish and Town Council Charter in November 2008

Parish councils were formed in 1894 and are the smallest area of civil administration in England.
They are the level of local government closest to the people. Councillors serve for a maximum
period of four years.

Parish & Town Councils role in the community?
Parish councils have a wide range of duties and powers. A council may resolve to call itself a town
council if it so wishes. Councils must be given the power by law before they can act. They are led
by the chairman and advised by the clerk. Meetings are open to the public. Time is allowed for
residents to give their views and ask questions. Meetings are held mostly in the evening. A good
council listens to its electors and represents their views. It also works in partnership with other
authorities and various organisations to bring benefit to the parish/town. Councillors must sign a
declaration of acceptance of office upon election and must agree to the Code of Conduct before
they may act as a councillor. Money for projects is raised from local taxation (precept) and from
grants. That money is spent wholly within the parish/town and will add value to the services
provided by the principal authorities.

Links -  www.nalc.gov.uk/...parish...town_council/What_is_a_council.aspx

Five local people serve as Councillors on the Parish Council. They are all volunteers and receive no pay for the work they do on behalf of the Parish. Elections to serve as a Parish Councillor are held every four years, unless there is a resignation when the casual vacancy is advertised on the notice boards and the Parish Newsletter.

Elections will be held in May 2011 and Wyre Borough Council is actively updating the electoral lists.  In order to vote you must be registered and you can request a postal vote

Meetings

There are full meetings of the Parish Council by-monthly throughout the year, which take place in The Sunday School, at the rear of St. Helen's Church.  These meetings are held on the second Tuesday commencing at 7.30pm. All meetings of the Council are open to the public and there is a short period just after the start of each meeting put aside for questions from the public.

An important part of the role of the Parish Council is to represent the views of the Parish in response to various public consultations.

During the meeting the Councillors look at planning applications received by the Planning Authority and pass their comments on to them. The Parish Council always tries to represent the views put forward by local people in this regard, although sometimes this can prove difficult when an application is controversial and has both vocal support and opposition amongst local residents. Nevertheless, members of the Council take a vigilant approach in representing the local viewpoint, and encourage objectors/supporters of planning applications to attend meetings and put forward their views.

The Christmas Tree situated outside St. Helen's Church is decorated by lights provided by the Parish Council.  This year the Parish Council is to erect a Christmas tree on the green outside The Horns Inn, it will be seen by those using the A586 from the A6 and those entering the Village.

The public seats in the Parish are owned and maintained by the Parish Council.

These are situated:

Owd Will's,

The Mosaic,

Near the notice board

The Parish Council are represented on the following outside bodies:

                    School House Trust

Lancashire County Council’s responsibilities include:

Wyre Borough Council’s responsibilities include: