Functions of Richmond Town Council

1. The principal function of a Town Council is to act as an the 'eyes and ears' of community and to promote and watch over the particular interests of Town.

2. In law a local Council has few areas of direct responsibility but many areas were it can act and many more where it can refer matters of community concern to other statutory bodies

3. The local council acts as a sounding board for community opinion, and in doing be the focus of the of opinion for the local community.

4. The other functions of Richmond Town Council may be classified into: -

a) Management of Local Public Properties

Town Hall, Market Hall Trinity Tower, Georgian Theatre Royal and St Mary’s Graveyard.

b) Provision of Services

Services include allotments, provision of indoor and outdoor markets, provision of summer floral decorations, annual firework display and the town’s Christmas lights in partnership with the Duck Club.

c) Encouragement of Voluntary Initiative

This includes the involvement with charities, representation on school governing bodies, the giving or sponsoring of entertainments, arts and crafts and tourism and expenditure on many different things considered to benefit the Town.

Since Richmond is an ancient town it has a great number of Charities some of which have combined to ensure greater financial ability to help deserving causes. The Town Council also makes small grants to various voluntary organisations.

The Town is Twinned with Nord Fron in Norway. The Town receives formal visits from our twin town, from those given Honary Freedoms and from other Richmonds world wide

d) Defence of Local Interests

Defence includes the statutory right to see all planning applications and make recommendations on them to the District Planning Authority. Consultation prior to the making of byelaws and the rights to represent the views of the townspeople at public inquiries and to oppose private bills in parliament. A local council does have limited rights to create byelaws.

The influence of the Council is also exerted through its six District and one County Councillors and through membership of National Associations.

At least once a month the Town Council Committee meets to examine all planning applications within Richmond and considers any objections from local residents before making its recommendations to the District Planning Authority. The County and District Councils also consult the Town Council on structure plans for development, transportation and future strategic planning.

e) Guardianship of Local Traditions and Rights

Guardianship of local traditions and rights is, of course, impossible if there is no truly local council to carry it out. It is under this heading that the Town Council retains the Annual Mayor Making traditions and the celebration of Mayor's Sunday at St Mary's Church. First Fruits and Boundary Riding. Similarly under this heading the Town Council retains, maintains and secures the regalia (including the Charters), the Town Banner, Freedom Sword, Two Halberdiers Two Mace-bearers, the Mayors personal silver mace and the Mayoral Chain.