Chinley, Buxworth and Brownside Parish Council

What does your Parish Council do for you?

The Parish Council, with the support of the community, can be the heart of a thriving community and a key part of the democratic process. They give people a `say` at a very local level on proposals that directly affect them. Furthermore, local action & accountability are the cornerstones of a sustainable lifestyle.

Parish & Community Councils were constituted by the Local Government Act 1894 and exist as a platform for the discussion of community affairs, and the exercise those powers bestowed on them. Such powers include the provision of recreation grounds, public buildings, allotments and roadside seats & shelters. Additionally, there is a provision for making grants & donations to local organisations, associations and charities.

The Council is independent of all political party policies and consists of 10 members of the public who are unpaid and willing to give their time freely to the community. The Clerk, who works part-time and is paid, supports the Parish Council by dealing with all correspondence and administration. The Clerk is also the ‘Responsible Financial Officer’, and as such is accountable for proper use of public funds. Meetings are usually held monthly and are of 2 hours duration. Small working groups, meet at different times throughout the year as and when particular issues arise. The purpose of these Groups is to discuss the issue(s) and form a proposal or policy, which would be put to the full Council for consideration and decision.

The term of office is four years and to qualify for election you must: -

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Not have a criminal record
• Not be an un-discharged bankrupt
• Have lived in, or within 3 miles of, the parish for the last 12 months
• Accept the current rules and regulations of being a Parish Councillor, as required by law

How does the work get done? Where does the money go?

Once the Council resolves to progress an item of work, the Clerk (currently the only paid employee of this Council) is directed to instruct the chosen contractor and facilitate the work, reporting back to the Council on progress. Much of the Council’s expenditure is taken up in the care and maintenance of the Parish’s open spaces, trees, playgrounds and public seating. A significant proportion is spent the Clerk’s salary and associated expenses.

If reserves of cash can be built up, or a community group launches a successful fund-raising bid, then money may become available for larger Parish projects. Wherever community interest and support is evident, the Parish Council will invariably support the project. This can be the most difficult part of being a Parish Councillor - any project will appear to be a ‘waste of public money’ to someone. At the end of the day, a Parish Council endeavours to spend the public money at its disposal in ways which benefit the wider community - both now and for the future.

The Parish Council looks after public spaces including Buxworth playing fields and swing park, Stubbins Recreation Ground and Chinley Allotments, Chinley playing fields and swing park. It also provides public benches, picnic tables, litter bins, notice boards, Christmas lighting, some street lighting, and a flag pole.

How much does the Parish Council cost?

Parish councils attempt to remain non-bureaucratic, and remain the cheapest kind of local authority in existence. They are funded by a small part of the Council Tax. The Councillors themselves are unpaid volunteers, members of this community who have openly declared their interests within that community so that personal gain from public funds cannot occur. The accounts are made available for public inspection at the end of each financial year, and are externally audited. This year (2010/11) the ‘precept’ or public funding for this council is £36,790. This is less than 66p per week for an average property(Band D)and is under 2p per week increase on the charge last year.

What commitments would I have to make if I became a Parish Councillor?

1. Consent to Nomination - declare that you are over 18 years old, are a registered elector for this Parish or have occupied premises in this area (or within 3 miles) for the last 12 months or you have worked in the Parish for 12 months.
2. Acceptance of Office and Code of Conduct - a councillor must accept this council’s Code of Conduct, for example promoting equality, treating others with respect, and not compromising impartiality. Confidentiality must be respected as, conversely, must openness and transparency in matters which the public have a right of access to information.
3. Notification of Financial and Other Interests - this is an open declaration made by a councillor upon attaining office. It details name, employment, directorships, interest in local businesses, land ownership (within the Parish), public appointments and professional associations.

What information is available?

The Parish Council has adopted the new model publication scheme developed and approved by the Information Commissioner in line with section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

A large amount of the information available is accessible on this website.

Parish Council guide to information