About the Parish Council
History
Parish councils were formed in England under the Local Government Act 1894 to take over local oversight of civic duties in rural towns and villages. Before this date a variety of groups based around ecclesiastical parishes had responsibility for these matters, in a system of local government that originated in the feudal system of the 8th century. Parish and town (local) councils are the first tier of local government. There are around 10,000 local councils in England and Wales, made up of nearly 100,000 councillors.
Elections and membership
The term of office of a parish councillor is four years, and councils are elected en bloc. The legislation provides that the number of elected members of a parish council shall not be less than five. In the case of Braughing, the required number is seven.
The timing of the election cycle is linked to that of the election of a District Councillor for the ward containing the parish.
Uncontested elections
Where there are an equal number or fewer candidates than there are vacancies, all candidates are elected unopposed, and no poll is taken. Where there are fewer candidates than vacant seats, the parish council has the duty to coopt any person or persons to fill the vacancies. This power, however, may only be exercised if there is a quorum of councillors present and within 35 days of the election. If the parish council fails to fill the vacancies within this period, the district council may dissolve it and order fresh elections.
Contested elections
Where there are more candidates than vacancies, a poll must be held.
Casual vacancies
Where a vacancy occurs during the term of a parish council, it may be filled by either election or cooption. Elections only occur if, following the advertisement of the vacancy for 14 days, 10 electors send a written request to the returning officer. If no request is received, the parish council will be required to fill the vacancies by cooption.
If the number of vacancies on the parish council is such that there is no longer a quorum, the district council may temporarily appoint persons to bring the council up to strength in the interval prior to an election.
Code of Conduct
The Government has published Statutory Instrument 2007 No.1159 which is a mandatory code of conduct for Local Authorities including Parish Councils.
Proceedings of Parish Council Meetings
The proceedings of Parish Council meetings and the general business of the Parish Council is conducted in accordance with the Parish Council Standing Orders and The Financial Instructions.
History
Parish councils were formed in England under the Local Government Act 1894 to take over local oversight of civic duties in rural towns and villages. Before this date a variety of groups based around ecclesiastical parishes had responsibility for these matters, in a system of local government that originated in the feudal system of the 8th century. Parish and town (local) councils are the first tier of local government. There are around 10,000 local councils in England and Wales, made up of nearly 100,000 councillors.
Elections and membership
The term of office of a parish councillor is four years, and councils are elected en bloc. The legislation provides that the number of elected members of a parish council shall not be less than five. In the case of Braughing, the required number is seven.
The timing of the election cycle is linked to that of the election of a District Councillor for the ward containing the parish.
Uncontested elections
Where there are an equal number or fewer candidates than there are vacancies, all candidates are elected unopposed, and no poll is taken. Where there are fewer candidates than vacant seats, the parish council has the duty to coopt any person or persons to fill the vacancies. This power, however, may only be exercised if there is a quorum of councillors present and within 35 days of the election. If the parish council fails to fill the vacancies within this period, the district council may dissolve it and order fresh elections.
Contested elections
Where there are more candidates than vacancies, a poll must be held.
Casual vacancies
Where a vacancy occurs during the term of a parish council, it may be filled by either election or cooption. Elections only occur if, following the advertisement of the vacancy for 14 days, 10 electors send a written request to the returning officer. If no request is received, the parish council will be required to fill the vacancies by cooption.
If the number of vacancies on the parish council is such that there is no longer a quorum, the district council may temporarily appoint persons to bring the council up to strength in the interval prior to an election.
Code of Conduct
The Government has published Statutory Instrument 2007 No.1159 which is a mandatory code of conduct for Local Authorities including Parish Councils.
Proceedings of Parish Council Meetings
The proceedings of Parish Council meetings and the general business of the Parish Council is conducted in accordance with the Parish Council Standing Orders and The Financial Instructions.
© 2010 Braughing Parish Council and Braughing Parochial Church Council
Meeting Dates
for 2012
12 January
9 February
8 March
5 April
12 April Anual Parish iiiiiiiiiiiiMeeting
10 May AGM
14 June
12 July
13 September
11 October
8 November
Meetings take place in The Old Boy's School, Church End, Braughing at 2000hrs.
If you have any queries or questions to put to the Council or require any information then please email the Clerk to the Council here.
for 2012
12 January
9 February
8 March
5 April
12 April Anual Parish iiiiiiiiiiiiMeeting
10 May AGM
14 June
12 July
13 September
11 October
8 November
Meetings take place in The Old Boy's School, Church End, Braughing at 2000hrs.
If you have any queries or questions to put to the Council or require any information then please email the Clerk to the Council here.
2011 Audit Report
You can view this recently published report here>>>
You can view this recently published report here>>>