Three Tier Local Government

There are currently three layers of local government in West Wiltshire each providing a range of services.

• Wiltshire County Council
• West Wiltshire District Council
• Your Town or Parish Council

Two-tier local government

However., these arrangements are soon to change. On 1 April 2009, West Wiltshire District Council and the other three districts (Kennet, North Wiltshire and Salisbury) and the County Council will amalgamate to form Wiltshire Council. This new unitary council will be responsible for all the services currently done by the County and District Councils (see below for more information). The town and parish councils will continue to exist and work alongside the new council.

For more information, follow this link to view the local government reorganisation pages.

Wiltshire County Council.

Provides a range of services for people living in the county, which include:

• Adult and community services for vulnerable adults - Social services
• Registration of births, deaths and marriages
• Environmental issues
• Emergency planning
• Heritage services
• Libraries
• Planning
• Services for children
• Schools
• Trading standards
• Transport - Maintaining roads, pavements and streetlights

Visit Wiltshire County Council's website (site will open in a new window)

West Wiltshire District Council.

Provides services across the district, which include:

• Planning policy, permission, building conservation, building control and regulations
• Homelessness and housing advice
• Housing and Council Tax benefits
• Council Tax and Business Rates collection
• Leisure centres and swimming pools, sports and arts development
• Refuse Collection, domestic and trade, bulky waste and recycling facilities
• Street Cleansing, litter and litter bins, fly tipping and abandoned vehicles
• Grounds Maintenance and public conveniences
• Environmental protection, food safety & licensing

Your Town or Parish Council.

Depending on where you live you will also have a town or parish council. They represent the views and concerns of local residents at district, county, regional and national level. The services they provide can vary, but can include such things as:

• Managing Halls
• Twinning
• Projects to enhance the area

Contacts for Town Councils / Contacts for Parish Councils