The Role of Haigh Parish Council
Haigh Parish Council sits at the lowest level of local government, which is the Parish Council tier. It is directly responsible for the needs of residents within the Haigh area. Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council, which is the main local authority for Wigan, operates at a higher tier, providing a range of services that are not typically handled by Parish Councils.
Parish CouncilHaigh Parish Council is an elected body that serves the residents of the Haigh area. It focuses on local matters and priorities.
Wigan Metropolitan Borough CouncilThis council provides a wider range of services to the entire borough of Wigan, including Haigh. It operates at a higher tier of local government than the Parish Council. Covering a wide range of responsibilities such as:
- Collection of council tax
- Bins, litter, and recycling collection
- Housing
- Planning applications
- Children, education, and families
- Health and social care
- Transport and travel
- Highways matters
- Libraries and archives
- Trading standards
- Births, marriages, and deaths
- Environmental health including noise and dog nuisances
- Leisure centres and play areas
- Parks and allotments
While not directly involved in the day-to-day operations of Haigh Parish Council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority provides some strategic functions within the area, and Wigan Council's leader sits on this authority.
Parish CouncilsParish Councils are set up and controlled by law and can only act if there is a legal power to do so. Parish Councils are often consulted on County and District issues such as planning applications, road improvements and changes to public transport. Parish Councils can provide vital local knowledge such as flooding concerns and transport and access problems.
Parish Councils are being encouraged to deliver more services and can also support local community groups and provide community activities. They also ensure that the principle authorities are aware of local concerns such as problems with potholes, highway visibility, litter and dog fouling.