Parish Council

What is your Parish Council?

Parish Councils were first set up by Parliament in 1894 to represent the interests of civil parishes and all their residents.  They have powers – things they are permitted to do, and duties – things they must do. The work of the Parish Council is mainly funded from the Council Tax.

Parish Councillors are elected for a four year term. They are holders of public office, not volunteers, even though they are unpaid. As office holders their actions, which are governed by a Code of Conduct, must be legal, ethical and transparent.  On assuming office they must register “interests”, such as the ownership of land or business in the Parish that might affect their ability to make impartial decisions and, should such a potential conflict of interest arise, the Councillor must disclose that interest.  The Councillor may take no part in the consideration of the matter in question.  The Register of Interests is a public document.

No Parish Councillor may act on any matter without the approval of the Council.

The Parish Council has a Clerk who is a professional, paid employee and who is required to understand the legal, financial and procedural rules such as the Standing Orders within which the Council must operate. In law, the Clerk is the Proper Officer of the Council and in this Parish he is also the Responsible Financial Officer. The Parish Council’s finances are independently audited annually.

The Parish Council is consulted by the Somerset Council on planning applications and other matters affecting the Parish and its views are taken into consideration but it has no power to determine applications or oblige the Somerset Council to act on any matter.

In Chilton Trinity, we usually meet on the first Wednesday of every other month from January with extra-ordinary meetings called to deal with urgent matters such as planning applications. The meetings are advertised on the notice board (beside the old phone box now a library) and  the notice board in Brickworks Road. They also appear here online at least three clear days beforehand. Minutes of the meetings are posted on the notice boards and here.

Everyone is welcome to attend any meeting. Prior to the start of the formal meeting, the Chairman will normally invite people to comment on any matters appearing on the agenda including suggestions for topics to be considered at future meetings.  However, it is better to give the Clerk advance notice in case the matter needs some investigation before a decision can be made.

Our Somerset Councillors usually attend and will often take up matters on our behalf where necessary.