Duties


DUTIES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

(What it must do)

Must meet annually – in an election year, on the fourth day after the election or within 14 days after that.

Must meet on at least three other occasions in the year.

Must hold a parish meeting between 1st March and 1st June each year (all electors of the parish).

Must elect a chairman

Must set a precept to the district council for the finances required for the year.

Must have the accounts audited (which will be by the District Auditor)

May spend annually the product of a 2p rate, “the Free Two Pence”, on anything which in the council’s opinion is in the interests of its area or any part of it or all or some of its inhabitants

Must insure against breach of fidelity by employees who handle funds and have employers’ liability insurance.

Rights of the Public and Press

A meeting of the local council or the parish meeting must be open to the public, who may be excluded by resolution if publicity in a particular case would prejudice the public interest.  This rule cannot be avoided by “going into committee”.