May 2022.
Many will perhaps think this takes place now as we see evidence of all kinds of work reported in the past via Steph’s monthly Gazette.
The fact is that there hasn’t been a parish meeting for at least 10 years.
This perhaps begs the question why do we need one now ?
The purpose of this paper is to try and answer this.
What is a Parish Meeting?
A Parish Meeting is a formal meeting of Parish electors who come together to ‘’discuss parish affairs and exercise any statutory functions conferred on them.’’
A Parish Meeting can carry out a limited number of statutory functions and has powers and rights of notification and consultation.
The need for a formal meeting in the village perhaps was emphasised by the recent discussions that took place regarding the Community Infrastructure Levy funding that was available to spend on village amenities. Although meetings were held, and views canvassed this would have been easier and more structured if a formal meeting existed for the purpose. The village is also occasionally asked for views from Rutland Council and at the moment we have no formal way to respond.
It is also important to note that where there is no Parish Council the relevant legislation requires a Parish Meeting.
Perhaps more importantly, if we as a village wish to try and influence Rutland Council or indeed any other statutory body this is likely to be more effective if comments/concerns come from a recognised local government body rather than ad hoc groups or individuals. An example of this may be any ongoing discussions regarding a bypass.
So, what is involved?
The question here is whether it is worth reinvigorating the Parish Meeting which in turn depends on what is involved in setting it up and maintaining it.
A Parish Meeting would have to have a minimum of two meetings a year, one of which has to be between March and June.
A Chair has to be elected each year at the first meeting. Formal minutes have to be kept. Accounts have to be maintained and a financial report made to Rutland Council.
Can’t the existing groups deal with this ?
The answer is ‘no’. The Village Hall committee has clearly specific and independent objectives which should remain that way and would not be linked to the Parish Meeting.
The Village Community Fund currently has separate managers and has continued to exist despite the demise of the Parish Meeting.
Although the meeting is called a ‘ Parish Meeting’ it has no connection to the church and is part of local government structure.
Why don’t we have/go for a Parish Council ?
Glaston is a little smaller than the minimum size of a community which would normally have a Parish Council. That said it may be possible to gain this status if at any point the village thought this was beneficial.
Although a Parish Council has more powers than a Parish Meeting it also has significantly more responsibilities and would require more effort to maintain.
Perhaps it would be sensible to re-establish the Parish Meeting and see how that pans out.
What would be the next steps ?
To hold a meeting in the next few weeks to establish the Parish Meeting.
At that meeting a Chair for the year would need to be chosen and the results reported to Rutland Council.
It would also seem sensible to establish effective routes of communication with Rutland Council and discuss what the key issues would be for the Parish Meeting to take forward.
A proposed meeting.
It is proposed to have a meeting to discuss this on Tuesday 31st May at 7.00 pm in the Village Hall.
What has it got to do with me ?
Having done some of the work on the defibrillator project I have become concerned that the village should at least discuss this issue in order to take a positive decision on the way forward .
I have put this short document together to at least start that process.
Information.
- I have used information provided by the National Association of Local Councils (legal topic note 3 and 6) as well as a presentation on the subject by Leicestershire and Rutland Local Councils.
- If anyone would like a copy of these documents, please let me know.
- If anyone would like to discuss this with me or can add any further information, please feel free to get hold of me.
I would like to thank Anthony George for his advice and sterling work examining the source documents in the County Archive.
Please come to the meeting so we can get this discussion going.
Ian Balmer.
Thatch Farm, 4 Spring Lane.
07939543794.