Dunstable Town Council

Grove House and Gardens

Dunstable Town Council was established in 1985 following a local petition for the Council to be created. Since its creation the Council has developed into one of the largest town councils in the country. It is recognised as a ‘Quality Council’ under a nationally recognised scheme that demonstrates that the organisation is managed effectively and that the Council has an elected mandate.

The Council comprises 21 elected representatives that are democratically elected (typically) every four years. For Town Council purposes Dunstable is divided into 5 political wards with elected representatives to serve on the Council as follows:

Central Ward – 3 Council Members

Icknield Ward – 5 Council Members

Northfields Ward – 5 Council Members

Manshead Ward – 3 Council Members

Watling Ward – 5 Council Members

The Council is the body that makes decisions and this is achieved through Committees and Sub-Committees that have delegated authority in line with the Council’s Constitution, Standing Orders and Delegation of Authority to Members and Officers.

The Council itself is chaired by the Town Mayor, so maintaining the continuity of the town’s civic heritage and tradition as an ancient borough. The Town Mayor typically serves one year of office and is elected from the Council itself. The Council then has three main Committees that govern the strategic direction and much of the day to day business of the Council. 

The Council is entirely funded by the residents of Dunstable through what is know as a precept on the Council Tax charge and by generating income through services delivered. 

Supporting the Council is a team of officers that deliver services and ensure that the decisions of the Council are fully implemented. The Council officer structure is headed by the Town Clerk who is also the statutory Head of the Paid Service. He in turn is supported by three Heads of Services who are responsible for the Council’s three service departments. These are the Head of Community Services, the Head of Grounds & Environmental Services and the Head of Finance and Support Services who is also deputy to the Town Clerk and the Council’s statutory Responsible Financial Officer.   The Council also employs a range of external support services including legal, HR and property support. 

Dunstable Town Council is based at the beautifully restored and refurbished Grove House, once a famous Georgian coaching inn. The impressive Council Chamber is the venue for council meetings, civic events and receptions. The building also accommodates the Dunstable and District Registrar and the Citizens Advice Bureau, as well as the offices of local charities.

Further information on the services Dunstable Town Council provides is available by clicking on the buttons to the left and in the other various sections of this website.

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