Keeping clear records is what makes local councils run smoothly and legally. In this episode, I explain what needs documenting, why it matters, and how it protects both councillors and communities.

Jubilee Park is one of our best-loved green spaces – but it doesn’t manage itself. In this episode, I share how parish councils care for public parks and why they matter so much to village life.

Inspections might not sound exciting, but they’re essential to keeping parks and public spaces safe. From play equipment to trees, this episode covers what gets checked, when, and why it matters.

Highways are one of the biggest sources of local frustration – but who’s actually responsible for fixing things like potholes, broken pavements or blocked drains? In this episode, I explain how parish councils work with county councils to raise issues, chase repairs, and push for change.

Grants can help a community project take off, or keep an important local service going.

In this episode of the A–Z of Parish Councils, I’m breaking down how we give grants, how we apply for them, and how even small amounts of funding can lead to big changes on the ground.

From bunting and benches to heritage trails and events, this is where the money comes from and where it goes.

Footpaths are one of the most common things people contact us about, blocked routes, overgrown edges, or access problems.

But who’s actually responsible for fixing them?

In this episode, I’m talking about how parish councils get involved, even when it’s not technically our job, and why keeping local routes safe and accessible matters more than ever in rural communities like ours.

What do parish councils have to do with Christmas lights, summer fayres, and bunting down the high street? Quite a lot, actually.

In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes role that parish councils play in community events — from funding and planning permissions to risk assessments and volunteer coordination.

We don’t just show up on the day. We help make it happen.

Find out what goes into bringing those local events to life, and how your parish council might be more involved than you realise.

This episode is part of my A to Z of Parish Councils, giving you a real look at what local councillors deal with behind the scenes.I’m Stephanie Akerman, Chair of Checkley Parish Council, and today we’re diving into drains.Blocked gullies, overflowing sewers, confusing responsibilities, drains are one of the most reported issues we deal with. But getting them fixed isn’t always straightforward.In this episode, I’m talking about how it all works (or doesn’t), why reporting can feel so frustrating, and what we’re doing to push for better systems and clearer communication.It’s not the most glamorous topic, but it’s one of the most important when it comes to keeping communities safe, dry, and moving.

This episode is part of my A to Z of Parish Councils – where I lift the lid on what really goes on beyond the noticeboard.I’m Stephanie Akerman, Chair of Checkley Parish Council, and today’s focus is on committees.What actually happens between those monthly meetings? Who gets stuck into the detail, from planning and highways to youth clubs and green spaces?In this episode, I’m sharing how committees work, why they’re so important, and what being Chair of a council really involves when it comes to keeping things moving.If you’ve ever wondered how decisions get made, this is where a lot of it starts.

This episode is part of my A to Z of Parish Councils – a series breaking down what local councils really do, beyond the noticeboard.I’m Stephanie Akerman, Chair of Checkley Parish Council, and today we’re talking budgets.Where does a parish council’s money come from? What do we spend it on? And how are those decisions made?From youth clubs and park maintenance to planters, lights, and local services – I’m sharing how the budget is set, what goes into the planning, and why it matters to your everyday community life.If you've ever seen a hanging basket or Christmas light and wondered who pays for it – this episode is for you.