Below is a copy of a Powerpoint presentation made by Christine Thornton, Chairman of the Beeston Community Forum, to the forum meeting on 5th February 2009, regarding the possible establishment of a Parish Council in Beeston. As the software used for this website does not permit the uploading of powerpoint documents, I have reproduced the presentation as a word document. Inevitably, the neatness of the document has suffered, but I felt that on balance it would be appropriate to keep the document, in some form, on the website.
Robert Winfield
A Parish Council for Beeston?
Purpose of presentation
For Forum members to:
Consider the advantages of parish Councils
Consider the disadvantages of parish councils
Clarify the next steps, dependant on the Forum’s decision
Discuss the issues
Take a vote
Definition of a Parish council
Part of local government closest to the people
Serves a defined area
Responsible for local matters – mainly:
Represents the whole electorate within the parish council area
Delivers services to meet local needs
Strives to improve quality of life within their area
Examples of individual powers
Provide/maintain community transport schemes
Traffic calming measures
Local youth projects
Tourism activities
Leisure facilities
Car parks
Public open spaces
Litter bins
Street lighting
Street cleaning
Burial grounds
Allotments
Bus shelters
Footpaths/bridleways
Crime reduction measures
Statutory consul tees
Can be represented at public enquiries
It is up to each parish council to decide what it does and does not take on – based on the needs of the area
Advantages – case for a parish council
Has the ability to tackle any issues (previous list)
(Leeds City Council (LCC) is currently overwhelmed by influences external to our defined community)
Will require LCC to be more responsive to local needs
Has the legal right to be consulted on local issues e.g.) closing/demolition of Beeston Manor/traffic calming measures
Gives local people more access to councillors
Disadvantages – case against a parish council
Cost – increase in council tax
Needs a precept (ranges from 55p - £55per household in Leeds)
The precept determines service levels/delivery
Confusion re responsibility
“In fighting” within parish council dependant on area/neighbourhoods
Friction between LCC and parish council
An extra layer of bureaucracy
Setting up a parish council
Define the area
Petition 10% of the electorate (target 20%)
Volunteers to petition/persuade
Set up steering committee – 12 members
(not Beeston Forum committee)
Consult with individual groups within the area
Consult with local businesses etc.
Design petition
Collate petition findings
Check petitioners against the electoral register
Employ and pay a professional clerk
Set up an office base
Working towards 2010/2011
Complete petition by 30th Sept. 2009
Submit petition to LCC by 28th Feb. 2010
Time-scales
If LCC agrees to parish council:
Interim parish council formed made up of LCC councillors for the area of the parish council, until parish council elections held
Parish council elections May 2011
Next steps tonight
Discussion
Boundary
Level of precept
Any other issues
Make a decision
Vote – for or against