About the Council

The Parish Council is made of 11 elected members who represent the views of local people in the parish of Wraxall & Failand.

Councillors give their time and expertise freely to consider planning applications and the day to day issues as they arise, they get involved in specific projects, and they act as advocates on community matters.

Parish Councillors are elected for a four year term of office by the parishoners of Wraxall and Failand.  The next election is due to be held in May 2023.  The eligibility requirements to stand for election as a Parish Councillor include living or working in the parish.   If a casual vacancy occurs during the four period the Parish Councillors must co-opt a replacement Councillor as soon as is practicable.  Further details are available from the Parish Clerk.

The Parish Council has the legal power to take action in regard to certain matters, but currently has few duties and thus has greater freedom to choose what action to take. It can play a vital part in representing the interests of the community and improving the quality of life and local environment. It can influence other decision makers and can, in many cases, deliver services to meet local needs. The Government is encouraging parish councils to deliver more services and play a greater part in their communities.

Tasks which the Parish Council undertake include providing a local view on crime, community safety, planning applications, highways and transportation, housing,  litter, playing fields, memorials, seats and shelters and public rights of way.

The Parish Council does not have responsibility for maintaining highways, pavements, grass verges, streetlights and drains.  These are maintained by North Somerset Council.

The Parish Council raises money by the Precept and spends it on a range of good works and staff salaries. It meets monthly in public session.  Notice Boards display Councillors’ contact details, agendas of meetings, and any public notices from North Somerset Council are situated at:
Failand – Church and Post Office;

Wraxall village – bottom of Wraxall Hill and Bus Shelter at top of The Grove;

The Elms, Wraxall – Green Pastures Road by the duck pond and Childrens’ play area, Yeo Valley Way.

A secular Parish Council was established 1894 when the first councillors were elected. Previously the Parish Council had been controlled by the landowners and the church.

Parish Council meetings were traditionally held on the second Tuesday of the month, but this has now changed to the second Thursday.  Meetings are held either in Failand Village Hall or the Cross Tree Centre, Wraxall. The public are welcome to attend.  Under temporary provisions introduced due to the Covid 19 pandemic, Parish Council meetings are currently be held on Zoom.

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of three minutes at the start of a Parish Council meeting in regards to any subject which appears of the agenda. Requests to speak must be submitted to the Parish Clerk no later than three days before the meeting. Therefore,  requests must be received by the Monday prior to a Thursday meeting.

The Annual Parish Meeting is usually held in April.