Your village needs you!

Our Council’s effectiveness is at risk

Although Leafield Parish Council is established for 7 Councillors, today we are down to four. One of us is currently unable to attend physical meetings. By law, Council meetings may only make key decisions if at least 3 Councillors are physically present. This means that if we lose one more Councillor our ability to function effectively will be severely compromised. We  urgently need more Councillors!

What happens if we do not have a quorum of Councillors?

If we do not have enough Councillors, as an interim measure District Councillors can be asked (but are not obliged) to attend Council meetings in order to establish a decision-making quorum. But if the situation continues, the District Council would likely ultimately be forced to merge the parish with a neighbouring parish (without increasing the number of Councillors). This would be a dramatic and disruptive step.

Why does this matter?

Parish Councils are the grass roots tier of local government. They are charged with representing the local community, delivering services to meet local needs, and improving quality of life of the local community. The best people to do this work are Councillors who are drawn from the local community, since they are closest to the concerns of that community. In an enlarged parish, Leafield and its community would have less voice and less influence over decisions that affect us.

What are some concrete examples of the Council’s work?

The Council’s work includes maintaining and enhancing our community assets, such as for example the village hall, the playing field, and the playground. We also ensure grass cutting and tree maintenance in the common areas. We address issues that arise, like fixing the churchyard wall which has just collapsed, repairing vehicle damage to the village green, or dealing with contractors who are not doing a good job. We consider and comment as needed on all planning applications, focusing especially on local aspects such as traffic congestion and drainage, which County planning officers may not be aware of.  And we listen and respond to community concerns – for example, Gina Pearce our former chairman was very effective in representing the parish in its successful opposition to the Burford HGV ban. In doing all of the above, we have to ensure that the village’s budget is prudently managed.

What is the time commitment?

Most of the Council’s work is carried out by the Clerk, who is its only paid employee. Councillors commit to attend as many of the monthly Council meetings as possible. These generally take place on the evening of the second Wednesday of the month. Beyond that, Councillors can volunteer to do as much or as little additional work as they wish. For example, some help to organise quotes from contractors, or provide advice from areas of their own expertise, such as insurance. However, as the saying goes many hands make light work, and we would be more effective with more Councillors.

Who can be on the Council?

The key requirements are to be over 18, a UK, Commonwealth, or EU national, and living in or within three miles of the Parish boundary or working or owning land in the Parish. To find out more, please contact the Parish Clerk at clerk@leafieldparishcouncil.org Tel: 07756 333703. She can also put you in touch with one of the current Councillors, who can explain the role in more detail.

Please consider applying – your village needs you!

 

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