Local councils are the first tier of local government in England. They serve communities of all sizes – from small villages to towns and small cities – representing the interests of residents and delivering services that improve daily life.
In England, there are over 9,000 local councils serving more than 16 million people. These councils are run by around 80,000 elected councillors who work hard to make a difference in their communities. Every year, local councils invest around £1 billion to improve community well-being.
Local councils focus on three main areas:
-
Representing the community – ensuring residents’ voices are heard.
-
Delivering local services – from parks to allotments to community halls.
-
Improving quality of life – supporting community projects and enhancing well-being.
Recent changes under the Localism Act have given councils even more powers, allowing them to provide and maintain vital local services tailored to community needs.
Thatcham Town Council
Thatcham Town Council is made up of 18 Councillors representing 4 Wards (contact details are available on the Staff page). Councillors are elected every four years, with the last elections held in May 2023.
The Council is supported by a Town Clerk and a team of 13 Officers, mainly based at the Council Offices in Brownsfield Road.
The Council is chaired by the Town Mayor, elected each May at the Annual Meeting. Full Council meetings are held to approve decisions made by the Council’s committees.
All Councillors serve voluntarily and do not receive a salary, though they may receive a small annual allowance and claim travel expenses for council duties. The Mayor also receives a small allowance to support Mayoral activities.
Annual Meeting
At the Annual Meeting in May:
- The Town Mayor is elected.
- Councillors are appointed to committees and sub-committees.
- Working Parties are formed as needed to focus on specific local issues.
Management and Funding
The Town Clerk manages day-to-day operations, working closely with Councillors to deliver council decisions.
The Council is funded primarily through a precept on Council Tax and income from services such as:
- Hall and room hire
- Allotments
- Cemetery services
- Football pitches
- Market pitches
The Council sets its budget each January for the forthcoming financial year (1st April – 31st March), planning projects to benefit the local community. Budgets are published annually and you can read more about the annual budget here.
Council Meetings
Residents are welcome to attend most Council meetings, although please note that the public and press can be excluded for discussions on some confidential items.
Agendas are available:
- Online on the Meetings page (usually from the week before)
- On public notice boards in The Broadway and in the Thatcham Town Council offices.
- Available on request.
Meetings are held at 7 pm in the Council Chamber, Brownsfield Road.
Working with Other Organisations
Thatcham Town Council works closely with a variety of agencies and community groups. Councillors act as liaisons to these “outside bodies,” ensuring Thatcham’s voice is heard across local initiatives.
