Buckland Parish Council

A parish council is the lowest tier of local government in England, serving small communities such as villages, rural areas, or small towns. It operates under the framework established by the Local Government Act 1894 and subsequent legislation. Here are the key aspects of a parish council:

• Jurisdiction and Responsibilities: Parish councils typically oversee community services and facilities. This can include maintaining parks, managing community centers, providing and maintaining local amenities like allotments and public benches, and overseeing local events and activities. They may also be involved in planning matters, such as commenting on planning applications within the parish, and addressing local transport and environmental issues.
• Composition and Elections: A parish council is composed of elected councillors who serve a term of four years. The number of councillors varies depending on the size and population of the parish. Elections are held to choose councillors, and any resident of the parish who meets the eligibility criteria can stand for election.
• Funding and Budget: Parish councils are funded primarily through a “precept,” which is a local tax collected as part of the council tax. This money is used to fund the council's activities and services. They can also apply for grants and receive income from other sources such as renting out facilities.
• Meetings and Decision-Making: Parish councils hold regular meetings, which are open to the public. These meetings provide a forum for discussing local issues, making decisions on community matters, and allocating the budget. The council is required to operate transparently, with meeting minutes and decisions usually published for public access.
• Powers and Limitations: While parish councils have a range of powers, they are limited in scope compared to higher tiers of local government such as district and county councils. They cannot impose statutory obligations but can influence higher authorities and provide services that are not supplied by other councils.
• Clerk and Officers: The parish council employs a clerk who is responsible for administrative tasks, advising the council on legal and procedural matters, and ensuring the implementation of council decisions. The clerk may be supported by other officers or staff as needed.

In summary, a parish council plays a crucial role in representing the interests of its local community, providing essential services, and ensuring that the voices of residents are heard at the grassroots level of governance.

The parish council has six members. The work of the members of the Council is voluntary, and the members [Councillors]. They give their time freely to help enhance the village and support the village’s other organisations, for the benefit of all residents.

The parish council exists to help residents [sometimes called parishioners] and to be a point of contact for ideas and suggestions for improvements in the village. We have one employee, the Clerk, who manages all financial and administrative aspects in connection to council business.

The Parish Council Clerk is a key official in the functioning of a parish council, often described as the "Proper Officer" of the council. The role encompasses a variety of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the smooth and legal operation of the council's activities. Here are the main roles and duties of a Parish Council Clerk:

1. Administrative Management:
   • Agenda Preparation: The Clerk prepares agendas for council meetings in consultation with the chair and distributes them to councillors and the public.
   • Minute Taking: The Clerk records the minutes of meetings, detailing discussions and decisions made, and ensures these are accurately documented and distributed.
   • Correspondence Clerk handles all incoming and outgoing correspondence, ensuring communication with residents, external organizations, and other government bodies is maintained.
2. Legal and Procedural Advisor:
   • Compliance: The Clerk ensures that the council complies with relevant laws and regulations, including those relating to local government operations, public meetings, and financial management.
   • The Clerk provides advice to councillors on legal and procedural matters, ensuring that council decisions are lawful and in line with statutory requirements.
3. Financial Management:
   • Budgeting: The Clerk assists in preparing the council’s budget and monitors its implementation, ensuring that expenditure is within approved limits.
   • Financial Records: The Clerk maintains accurate financial records, processes invoices, and manages the council’s accounts.
   • Audit and Reporting: The Clerk prepares financial reports and statements for internal audits and public accountability.
4. Project Management:
   • Implementation: The Clerk oversees the implementation of council projects and initiatives, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
   • Coordination: The Clerk coordinates with contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders involved in council projects.
5. Public Liaison:
   • Community Engagement: The Clerk acts as a point of contact for residents, addressing their queries and concerns, and facilitating community involvement in council activities.
   • Information Dissemination: The Clerk ensures that information about council decisions, activities, and services is communicated effectively to the public.
6. Policy Implementation:
   • Strategic Planning: The Clerk supports the development and implementation of council policies and strategic plans.
   • The Clerk ensures that all council policies, procedures, and documents are up-to-date and accessible.
7. Support to Councillors:
   • Training and Development: The Clerk may organize training for councillors to help them understand their roles and responsibilities.
   • Information Resource: The Clerk provides councillors with information and resources needed to make informed decisions.

In summary, the Parish Council Clerk is the central administrative figure within a parish council, ensuring that the council operates efficiently, legally, and transparently. The Clerk supports both the administrative and strategic functions of the council, acting as a vital link between the council and the community it serves.