Annual Parish Meetings
What is the Annual Parish Meeting of the Electorate?
Strictly this is the Annual Meeting of the Parish. It is also known Annual Parish Assembly.
The Annual Parish Meeting is the meeting where the Parish Council reports to its electorate on what it has accomplished in the preceding year.
Electors, public and press are invited are the to hear reports from the Chairman, Borough & County Councillors, community groups and any organisation which the parish council has funded during the year.
The Council may also invite the local community police, local headmaster etc to address and inform the audience on community matters.
The Annual Parish Meeting is a separate meeting from the Annual Parish Council Meeting. The Annual Parish Meeting should be a relatively informal event for the community whereas the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council is a formal council meeting.
When must the Annual Parish Meeting be held?
The annual parish meeting must be held between 1st March and the 1st June (inclusive) each year on a date decided by the Parish Council.
The Annual Parish Meeting may not start earlier than 6pm.
How should the Annual Parish Meeting be conducted?
There should be an opportunity for the public and press to express their opinions on what the council are doing.
Many parish councils make this meeting a community event by providing refreshments, presentations from community groups and providing an informal atmosphere.
Chairing the Annual Parish Meeting
The meeting should be chaired by the Parish Council Chairman or Vice Chairman.
There is no requirement for the Parish Council Chairman to attend a meeting of the parish but they are entitled to attend.
If neither of the above are present, then those electors present may appoint a chairman for the meeting.
Voting at the Annual Parish Meeting
Initially voting on a question is done by a majority of those present at the meeting and the decision of the person chairing the meeting as to the decision is final unless a poll is demanded.
No votes taken at this meeting are binding on the Parish Council although it should consider them at its next meeting. Only members on the electoral roll can vote on an issue. Other members of the public can attend and express their opinions but not vote.
