Who are we?
Historical Background to Parish and Town Councils
Parish Councils have been in existence since 1894 following the passing of the Local Government Act. Mr Gladstone was the Prime Minister at the time. Holt Parish Council became Holt Town Council in 1974 following local government re-organisation.
The Local Government Act 1972 saw a number of changes in local democracy not least the demise of the old Urban and Rural District Councils and the emergence of District Councils. In Norfolk there are seven District or Borough Councils and Holt is situated in the District of North Norfolk. The administrative base of North Norfolk District Council is at Cromer.
The Town Council is run from Nelson House, 2 White Lion Street, Holt, NR25 6BA.
Our Functions and meetings
Parish and Town Councils known as local councils, all have varying roles and functions and also sources of income.
Holt Town Council has 13 elected members representing Holt. Members meet on the second Monday of each month and meetings start at 7.00 p.m.
Dates and agendas of meetings are advertised on the town council notice board outside Nelson House. Parishioners are welcome to attend all meetings and there is an opportunity during public participation time to ask questions about any matters concerning the parish.
We several committees – which meet throughout the year, keep an eye on the Agenda page of the website for notification of meetings.
Town Council meetings follow a similar format each month, and the agenda will include:
- Report from our PCSO (Police Community Support Officer)
- Public Questions
- Reports from County and District Councillors
- Chairman’s report
- Planning applications
- Approval of expenditure
- Details relating to projects being undertaken Planning applications
- Consideration of correspondence received.
- There are often speakers on topics of interest to the community
How we can help you!
Our roles and responsibilities:
- Street Lighting – either the town council, housing associations or the county council maintains lights in the town. If you have a light which is not working then contact us because we can arrange for it to be mended.
- Cemetery – we are responsible for the town cemetery in Cley Road. Whether you would like to arrange for the purchase of an exclusive right in our cemetery or you are doing some research for your family tree, we can help you. Please visit our Holt Cemetery page for further information.
- Play site – we are responsible for the George V Play Area.
- Open Spaces – we maintain the memorial garden near the Albert Street car park.
- Car Park – we are responsible for the car park on the top of Letheringsett Hill. Parking is operated on an annual permit basis.
- Common Land – we manage the common land on the west side of the town “Spout Hills”. Our responsibilities also extend to Little Hills which is on the other side of the man road from Spout Hills.
- Public Toilets – we own and manage the church Street toilet block in Church Street between the Public Library and the Church.
- Honours Awards – Each year the Town Council gives out Honours Awards to members of our community who have done outstanding things for the community – whether as volunteers or in their working life. Information regarding Holt Honours can be found below.
- Grants – Each year the Town Council allocates a small amount of funding to local groups for projects which they are undertaking. Grant allocation is considered at their June meeting.
- Events – We arrange community events, working with community groups.
- Awards. We apply for grants and awards.
