Issue - meetings

To consider the urgent report of the Director of Resources, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Resources, seeking approval for the temporary appointment of three persons to Asheldham and Dengie Parish Council to enable the work of the Parish Council to continue until other councillors were elected to take up office.

Members were advised that following the resignation of one Parish Councillor Asheldham and Dengie Parish Council was inquorate and therefore unable to exercise its functions. 

It was noted that Section 91 of the Local Government Act 1972 provided the Council with the necessary power to make an Order to ensure that Asheldham and Dengie Parish Council continues to function for the benefit of its local community.  The Council was therefore requested to consider making the necessary Order.  Members noted the proposed payment and banking arrangements for the Parish should the Council agree the proposed recommendations.

Councillor A S Fluker proposed that recommendation (i) be amended and two persons be appointed.  He further proposed that the following Members be appointed to the Parish Council and that recommendation (ii) as set out in the report be agreed:

·                 Councillor R P F Dewick – as Ward Member

·                 Councillor A S Fluker – as he had previously served on this Parish Council.

These proposals were duly seconded and agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)              that the Council makes an Order under Section 91 of the Local Government Act 1972 appointing the following two persons to act as Members of Asheldham and Dengie Parish Council until other Councillors are elected and take up office.

·                 Councillor R P F Dewick – as Ward Member

·                 Councillor A S Fluker – as he had previously served on this Parish Council.

(ii)            that subject to (i) above the Council shall:

·                 provide payment and banking arrangements for the Parish Council, subject to payment authorisation arrangements in line with Asheldham and Dengie Parish Council Standing Orders, with any costs to be repaid in full as soon as the Parish Council banking mandates have been updated to reflect new arrangements;

·                 seek to recover its reasonable costs in providing support to the parish council (if arrangements continue for a period exceeding three months).