Community Governance Review - Draft Recommendation 1 - Apethorpe

Overview

Summary of Proposal

The submission of Apethorpe Parish Meeting proposes the creation of a new Parish Council. Detailing that the existing status no longer reflects the scale of its current responsibilities. As the largest and most active Parish Meeting in Oundle Ward, it manages a wide range of community, heritage and governance activities, many of which are typically undertaken by a Parish Council. However, legal restrictions prevent it from owning property, leasing land, reclaiming VAT or accessing key demographic data, limiting its effectiveness. The Meeting already manages a precept, employs administrative support and plays an active role in local governance. that the submission records that Parish Council status would provide the powers, flexibility and governance framework needed to protect local assets, support future growth and better serve residents.

View the full submission (CGR 1, page 1)  by Apethorpe Parish Meeting. 

Observations

Restrictions exist in terms of the recommendations that may be made in respect of a new parish council. Section 94 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (LGPIHA 2007) states that if the parish has fewer than 150 local government electors, the review must recommend that the parish should not have a parish council. The current electorate for Apethorpe is 123 local government electors.

Draft recommendation (Recommendation 1)

That a new parish council for Apethorpe is not created. That representations be invited in respect of exploring alternative governance arrangements e.g. a grouping arrangement with adjoining parishes.

Reason for recommendation - Whilst Apethorpe parish meeting has presented valid considerations for the creation of a parish council, the proposal does not meet the requirements of S94 LGPIHA 2007. There are alternative options for governance that could be explored.

Have your say by completing the survey below.