The demands on a parish councillor Options

[Simon Kirby]

With a couple of Newbury's parish councillors standing down this week I thought it might be interesting to have a quick catch up with Julian Swift-Half's attendance at Greenham parish council. If you're voting for a councillor to represent you I think it's reasonable to expect them to make some kind of effort to get to every meeting, and it's a credit to the two Newbury lib dems that, once they'd decided they couldn't devote the necessary time to the role that they resigned to make way for someone else. So anywho, JSH, whose attendance at all three of his councils has at times dragged along the bottom of the ranking: over the last 12 months his attendance as Greenham Parish Council meetings is: absent 7, present 5, of which recorded late for 3.

I'd understand if your heart's not in it Julian, so how about resigning and giving someone else a chance.

[NWNREADER]

I'll not personalise, but too many representatives seem so driven to 'be' they fail to 'do'......

[user23]

Nothing better to do on a Saturday night than try to wind up parish councillors?


Perhaps you could put your time to good use and become one?

[Andy Capp]

With a couple of Newbury's parish councillors standing down this week I thought it might be interesting to have a quick catch up with Julian Swift-Half's attendance at Greenham parish council. If you're voting for a councillor to represent you I think it's reasonable to expect them to make some kind of effort to get to every meeting, and it's a credit to the two Newbury lib dems that, once they'd decided they couldn't devote the necessary time to the role that they resigned to make way for someone else. So anywho, JSH, whose attendance at all three of his councils has at times dragged along the bottom of the ranking: over the last 12 months his attendance as Greenham Parish Council meetings is: absent 7, present 5, of which recorded late for 3.

I'd understand if your heart's not in it Julian, so how about resigning and giving someone else a chance.

Hear, hear.

[On the edge]

Nothing better to do on a Saturday night than try to wind up parish councillors?


Perhaps you could put your time to good use and become one?

Early for Sunday, just back from your paper round?

[Andy Capp]

Early for Sunday, just back from your paper round?

[Exhausted]

Nothing better to do on a Saturday night than try to wind up parish councillors?


Perhaps you could put your time to good use and become one?

Possibly a good idea but I believe he lives in Wash Common and not where there are vacancies. Does he not have to reside or have a business in the area.

[Strafin]

"In the area" gives a lot of scope, Wash Common will count as it's in the parish I believe.

[user23]

Possibly a good idea but I believe he lives in Wash Common and not where there are vacancies. Does he not have to reside or have a business in the area.

Wash Common is part of the Civil Parish of Newbury, isn't it?


I think the rules say something about living or working within so many miles distance on the Ward.

[blackdog]

Wash Common is part of the Civil Parish of Newbury, isn't it?

I think the rules say something about living or working within so many miles distance on the Ward.

I don't think it matters whether the candidate lives in the parish - from what I recall the qualification is to live within 3 miles of the ward. Hence RG's attempt to stand for NTC in the Wash Common ward - which failed owing to problems with the paperwork, not because he lives in Thatcham.

RG - will you be standing for Labour if there is a by-election?

[EDIT - I see RG has already announced his intention to stand on the other thread on this topic]

[user23]

I don't think it matters whether the candidate lives in the parish - from what I recall the qualification is to live within 3 miles of the ward. Hence RG's attempt to stand for NTC in the Wash Common ward - which failed owing to problems with the paperwork, not because he lives in Thatcham.

RG - will you be standing for Labour if there is a by-election?

I remember that now, he botched up the simple nomination form and it was something to do with his address.

You're right, someone living in Thatcham can stand for Newbury Town Council.

[James_Trinder]

Nothing better to do on a Saturday night than try to wind up parish councillors?


Perhaps you could put your time to good use and become one?

I am seriously considering doing exactly that.

[Exhausted]

I don't think it matters whether the candidate lives in the parish - from what I recall the qualification is to live within 3 miles of the ward. Hence RG's attempt to stand for NTC in the Wash Common ward - which failed owing to problems with the paperwork, not because he lives in Thatcham.

Thanks for clearing that up, I thought they had to reside in the ward.

[Cognosco]

I am seriously considering doing exactly that.

Will this not encourage the continuation of the council? What happens if no one stands for election?
Would you consider standing on the condition that it was to ensure a referendum on the abolishment of the Town Council? Or do you want to belong to a glorified self serving establisment that serves no real purpose other than to waste taxpayers money in this dreadful economic climate? Or perhaps you just fancy having the chance of being voted for to wear a silly outdated outfit?

[NWNREADER]

Will this not encourage the continuation of the council? What happens if no one stands for election?

As announced, if there is no call for an election then NTC Members will co-opt buddies.

[Andy Capp]

What does co-opt mean?

[NWNREADER]

Nothing better to do on a Saturday night than try to wind up parish councillors?
Perhaps you could put your time to good use and become one?

Not sure if your swipe was aimed at me, but you will note I did not limit my comment to Parish Councillors. My view is that too many representatives want to wear the badge but not do the work for their electors. Too much time kow-towing to 'The Party' and banging on about trivia.
Ask any individual councillor (for starters) what they have actually done. Many will say what their Party has done (dubious) or how things are better than they were under the previous administration. Nail them as to what they have done and there will be many squirmers.

I happen to have known a good few councillors, and even a few MPs. Some work hard for their communities, too mant work hard for themselves/The Party.

That's my opinion.

[Strafin]

There will be an election, the Tories will make sure of that.

[Strafin]

What does co-opt mean?

Basically, if the local electorate are not forcing the issue, then the council don't have to proceed with an election. They can choose two people who are interested in volunteering for the role and sign them on.

[Cognosco]

Basically, if the local electorate are not forcing the issue, then the council don't have to proceed with an election. They can choose two people who are interested in volunteering for the role and sign them on.

And you can be sure they will sign on the people with the correct idea's!