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Who runs the Council?

Chacewater Parish Council is led by elected councillors and supported by a professional Clerk. Together they ensure that the council can represent the community, make decisions and carry out its responsibilities effectively.

No single person runs the council. Decisions are normally made collectively by councillors at properly convened meetings.

The Councillors

Councillors are elected by local residents to represent the interests of the parish and help make decisions on behalf of the community.

As a group, councillors:

  • Set the council’s priorities and policies.
  • Make decisions at council meetings.
  • Approve budgets and spending.
  • Consider planning applications and local issues.
  • Represent the views and interests of residents.
  • Work with local organisations and partner bodies.

Councillors do not normally have the authority to make decisions individually. Decisions are generally made collectively by the council or through powers that have been formally delegated.

The Chair

Each year, the council elects one of its councillors to serve as Chair.

The Chair’s role is to:

  • Preside over council meetings.
  • Help ensure meetings are conducted properly and fairly.
  • Encourage balanced discussion and participation.
  • Ensure that decisions are reached in accordance with council procedures.
  • Represent the council at official events and community functions.

Although the Chair is the civic leader of the council, they do not have authority to make decisions on behalf of the council unless powers have been specifically delegated to them.

The Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair supports the Chair and may undertake duties on their behalf when required.

If the Chair is unavailable, the Vice-Chair will normally chair meetings and perform the Chair’s responsibilities.

The Clerk

The Clerk is the council’s Proper Officer and principal professional adviser.

The Clerk’s responsibilities include:

  • Providing professional and administrative support.
  • Advising councillors on legal and procedural matters.
  • Preparing agendas and publishing meeting papers.
  • Implementing council decisions.
  • Managing day-to-day administration.
  • Supporting financial management and budgeting.
  • Ensuring the council complies with relevant legislation and regulations.

The Clerk works for the council as a whole and serves all councillors equally.

Council Staff and Contractors

The council may also employ staff or engage contractors to help deliver services, maintain facilities and support projects.

These individuals work under the direction of the council and help ensure that services are delivered effectively and efficiently.

Committees and Working Parties

The council may establish committees and working parties to focus on particular areas of work.

Committees may be given delegated authority to make certain decisions on behalf of the council.

Working parties usually undertake research, develop proposals and make recommendations to the council but do not normally make formal decisions.

Working Together

The council is most effective when councillors, staff, volunteers and local organisations work together.

Councillors provide democratic leadership and make decisions on behalf of the community, while the Clerk and other officers provide professional advice and administrative support to help deliver those decisions.

Together they help ensure that Chacewater Parish Council can serve the parish effectively, transparently and in the public interest.

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