1) I have listed below some of the key powers and responsibilities of a parish meeting. The information has been derived from the legal topic notes produced by the National Association of Local Councils.
2) The main powers of a Parish Meeting are set out in the Local Government Act of 1972 and the references below refer to that act.
3) The following does not represent a comprehensive summary of the issue but simply a list of what appear to be the key point.
4) The purpose of a Parish Meeting ( PM ) is to ‘’ discuss Parish affairs and exercise any statutory functions conferred on them’’ (s9(1)).
5) The PM consists of the electors of the Parish (32(1)).
6) A PM must assembly between 1st March and 1st June and at least once more in any year.
7) At it’s Annual Meeting a chairperson must be appointed (s15(10)).
8) If present the Chairperson must preside, if absent the PM must elect a chair who will have powers of the Chairperson.(sch12para 17(2) and(3)).
9) PM must not meet in licenced premises unless no other room is available (Sch12para14(5)).
10) PM is subject to normal statutory requirements such as giving advanced notice of meetings, attendance records, voting and minute taking.
11) Where there is no parish Council the Chairperson of the PM and the proper officer of the Council are the body corporate and are known as the Parish Trustees (s13(3)).The Parish Trustees sign any contracts on behalf of the PM.
12) Ownership of any property vested in the PM sits with the Parish Trustees.
13) The Parish Trustees must act in accordance with directions given by the PM. (s13(4)).
14) The PM may appoint committees to discharge any of its functions.(s108)
15) PM can regulate its own proceedings and business with standing orders etc.
16) PM are local government bodies or public authorities for a number of statutory purposes.
17) PM have a limited number of statutory functions ,powers and rights of notification or consultation.
18) PM may precept for expenditure incurred in performance of its functions. The Chairperson issues precept to the billing authority.
19) The Chairperson is responsible for the accounts and financial management of the accounts of the PM.(S150(6)).
20) Part 2 of AGAR form must be completed but external audit is only required if turnover is more than £25k.
21) A PM can be convened by the Chairperson or any person representing the Parish on the Council or by 6 local government electors in the parish.
22) Seven days notice is required for a meeting which must include an agenda signed by the Chairperson.
23) Meetings can not be held before18.00.
24) Only local government electors of the parish may vote.
25) Decisions will be decided by the majority ( Chair has casting vote.)
26) There are rules regulating when a poll of all electors can take place.
27) Minutes must be signed by the Chairperson and kept in a minute book.
IAJB 16/03/22.