Longton Parish Council was established like many others following the passing of the Local Government Act 1894 and now comprises 12 member Councillors who are elected on a four yearly cycle, the last election having taken place in May of 2019. The Parish Council is a corporate body with a separate legal entity to that of its individual members. It is required by law to elect each year from amongst its members a Chairman and this is done at the Annual Parish Council Meeting held in May. The powers of a Parish Council are conferred upon it by Statute and it would be unlawful for it to act outside of these specific powers. The general activities of the Council are managed by the Clerk who is also the Responsible Financial Officer taking care of the financial aspects of the Council both responsibilities done in accordance with the decisions made by the Council itself or under his delegated authority.
The Parish of Longton comprises TWO distinct villages those of Longton itself and also New Longton (please see the main menu for information relating to each village).
The Council meet monthly at either Longton Library or New Longton Village Hall with meetings commencing at 7.30pm. The agenda for meetings is published approx one week in advance of each meeting and members of the public are able to attend meetings and make a statement, representation or ask questions concerning items relevant to Parish Council activities during a specifically defined period of time when the Council meeting has been adjourned usually early on during each meeting.
No specific decisions may be made by the Council during this time however items raised which can be dealt with as routine business may be followed up by the Clerk or where a specific Council decision is required this may be done at a later meeting once a specific agenda item has been raised.
Once this period of 'public participation' has been completed the Council will continue with its agenda business during which time members of the public may no longer take an active part.