Issue - meetings

Town and Parish Councils (T&PC’s) were the grass roots of local government in Buckinghamshire. Following the establishment of the new Buckinghamshire Council Members wanted to take the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between all tiers of local government. There had been an ongoing programme of work to create a document that outlined this commitment and articulated some key areas to help cement a strengthened relationship.

This work had involved extensive engagement with local councils, members and had been supported by an independent consultant. Following this work the recommendation was to produce a document which set out a framework for how Buckinghamshire Council would work with local councils going forward.  The document entitled ‘The Town and Parish Charter’ was attached at appendix 1 to the Cabinet report.  Underpinning the Charter was an Action Plan attached as Appendix 2 to the Cabinet report.

The Action Plan would establish mechanisms for accountability and how the charter would be embedded within the Council and in the ongoing relationship with local councils.  It also addresses a number of areas for improvement.  The Partnerships, Policy and Communications team within the Deputy Chief Executive’s directorate would act as the lead service in implementing the Action Plan and building on the existing relationship to ensure effective partnership and joint working between the two tiers of local government.  However, this would not replace existing relationships and arrangements for engagement and consultation with local councils on specific service issues.

RESOLVED –

(1)              That the proposed Charter outlining the Buckinghamshire Council’s commitment to working with Town and Parish Councils across the county be ADOPTED.

(2)              That the Action Plan supporting the delivery of the commitments in the Charter be NOTED.

Town and Parish Councils (T&PC’s) were the grass roots of local government in Buckinghamshire. Following the establishment of the new Buckinghamshire Council Members wanted to take the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between all tiers of local government. There had been an ongoing programme of work to create a document that outlined this commitment and articulated some key areas to help cement a strengthened relationship.

This work had involved extensive engagement with local councils, members and had been supported by an independent consultant. Following this work, the recommendation was to produce a document which set out a framework for how Buckinghamshire Council would work with local councils going forward.  The document entitled ‘The Town and Parish Charter’ was attached at appendix 1 to the Cabinet report.  Underpinning the Charter was an Action Plan attached as Appendix 2 to the Cabinet report.

The Action Plan would establish mechanisms for accountability and how the charter would be embedded within the Council and in the ongoing relationship with local councils.  It also addresses a number of areas for improvement.  The Partnerships, Policy and Communications team within the Deputy Chief Executive’s directorate would act as the lead service in implementing the Action Plan and building on the existing relationship to ensure effective partnership and joint working between the two tiers of local government.  However, this would not replace existing relationships and arrangements for engagement and consultation with local councils on specific service issues.

Officers would monitor the progress of the action plan and review the Charter on an annual basis ensuring consultation with Buckinghamshire councillors and town and parish councils. Any key changes to the Charter itself would be brought back to Cabinet for approval.

In the discussion which followed, Cabinet stressed the importance of having a strong relationship with Town and Parish Councils and welcomed the Charter which would demonstrate and embed the Council’s commitment to effective working with Town and Parish Councils across the Council. 

With regards to communication with Town and Parish Councils, it was noted that regular parish liaison meetings between the Council and Town and Parish Councils were being held virtually to share information and consider shared opportunities.  The Cabinet Member agreed to look into whether face to face meetings to aid communication could be held moving forwards.  The Cabinet Member also agreed to look into the possibility of establishing a dedicated parish liaison role within the Council, but explained that this would be dependent on the budget.

The Cabinet thanked Simon Garwood (Senior Policy Officer) and the team for all their hard work in producing the Charter.

RESOLVED –

(1)              That the proposed Charter outlining the Buckinghamshire Council’s commitment to working with Town and Parish Councils across the county be ADOPTED.

(2)              That the Action Plan supporting the delivery of the commitments in the Charter be NOTED.