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Powers and Functions

Area: Approximately 1051 hectares
Population: Approximately 19,000
Offices: The Priory, High Street, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9AL
Telephone: 01920 460316

The powers and functions of the council are those prescribed for Parish Councils and governed by the Local Government Act 1972. In addition the Town Council is the trustee of the Priory Charity.

The Town Council is the first tier of Local Government and represents views and opinions of the people of Ware in a whole host of issues and matters of local interest including town planning.

The Town Council precepts on the East Herts District Council for the amount of monies estimated to be required for Town Council purposes in each financial year. They also seek external funding and grant opportunities where available.

The Town Council has 11 elected members from whom the Town Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected annually.

The principal functions and activities of the council are:

  • Management of the Cemetery
  • Management of the Statutory Allotment Sites
  • Maintenance of the War Memorial, Church Clock and Churchyards at St. Mary’s Church.
    Organisation of Ware Festival and financing various events.
  • Support and encouragement of Town Twinning with Wülfrath, Germany and Cormeilles-en-Parisis, France;

And in our capacity as the Trustee of the Priory Charity;

  • Management and Control of the Priory, Fletcher’s Lea, Children’s Play Area, Lido (heated open air swimming pool, Public Conveniences and Priory Grounds.
Councillors and Staff
Ware Town Council is made up of 11 elected Councillors . They work with a team of 15 staff headed by the Town Clerk. The team manage all services & functions of the council.
Meetings and Committees
There is a schedule of Full Council & Committee meetings throughout the year including an Annual Town Hall Meeting in May.
Financial & Transparency Information
Information on grants, property ownership, payments made and the Council Tax precept for Ware Town Council are available here.
Policies & Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires that we publish different classes of information. We also display all of our policies.
Neighbourhood Plan
These plans are being used to decide the future of the area where you live and work giving opportunities to grant planning permission for the new buildings you want to see go ahead.
Town Mayor
Councillor Thomas Day was elected Mayor for the new Civic year in May 2023. The role of Mayor is principally a symbolic one, with the post being held for 12 months.