Councillor Vacancies

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WOULD YOU MAKE A GOOD PARISH COUNCILLOR?

Have you ever considered volunteering to become a Parish Councillor? If the answer is no, then you should reconsider.

Here are a few reasons why you should give the role your consideration:

  • You would like to help keep the Parish a desirable place to live
  • If you’re female or under 25 then have a good think, as women and youngsters are under-represented in local authorities
  • You are interested in planning and development
  • Be a voice for the people of the Parish
  • Training and support are available
  • As a resident your opinions are important

Why become a Parish Councillor?

Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped to make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.  The Parish Council helps to ensure the area continues to be a desirable place to live, go to school, work and visit.

What decisions do Parish Councils make?

Parish councils make all kinds of decisions on issues that affect their local community. Probably the most common topics are planning matters, highways issues and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities. It’s true to say that on their own, parish councils have limited powers to make decisions, but they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions. In this respect parish councils are extremely powerful.

How much time does it take up?

We meet 10 times p.a. Meetings usually last three hours, depending on the agenda set for the meeting to discuss. In addition to the regular meetings, councillors are occasionally required to attend other meetings. Such meetings won’t happen too frequently, so it’s not going to take over your life.

What support is there?

The Parish Council is supported by NCALC, which offers advice and training. The other councillors are friendly and always there to help. The role of the Clerk is to support the Parish Council. The clerk carries out administration tasks, acts as legal adviser/researcher and liaises with outside agencies. The role of parish councillor is voluntary but expenses can be paid. We have a training budget for Councillors to attend any training course they require to carry out their duties.

Don’t take our word for it!  The best way to find out what it’s like to be a parish councillor is to talk to someone who’s doing it now. Come along to a Parish Council meeting, or speak to one of our councillors and find out what they think of the role, or contact the Clerk.

Changes to Fire & Rescue Service Consultation

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PRESS RELEASE

21st June 2017

POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER LAUNCHES PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON CHANGES TO THE GOVERNANCE OF THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

The Office of the Northants Police and Crime Commissioner has recently launched a public consultation regarding proposals for the governance of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service to transfer from the Fire Authority which currently sits in Northamptonshire County Council, to the Police and Crime Commissioner, who would therefore become the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. There is a short animated film and leaflet to explain the proposal – both can be viewed by visiting www.northantsfireproposals.co.uk

Stephen Mold, Northants Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Northamptonshire has led the way in demonstrating how emergency service collaboration can help to increase efficiency and effectiveness, and I’m determined that we build on this work to continue to create a safer county.

“Bringing the Police and the Fire and Rescue Service under a single governance model will save significant amounts of public money which we will reinvest into increasing frontline services.

“We will increase funding into the frontline by sharing premises and combining administrative functions and also potentially increasing the amount we ask the public to pay by only 3 pence per week.

“The new governance proposal will enable us to make quicker strategic decisions and increase our preventative work across both police and fire areas while giving the public a level of transparency when it comes to spending by the Fire and Rescue Service that hasn’t been available under the previous governance model.

“Having reviewed the business case for this proposal, I’m confident that a change in governance is in the best interests of everyone in Northamptonshire. However, we want to hear from as many people as possible in the county around their views and concerns, to ensure they are accurately represented as we move forward”

The Commissioner is really keen to hear your views and those of your family and friends on this proposal. To find out more and complete the online survey please visit www.northantsfireproposals.co.uk . The consultation will run until Tuesday 1st August 2017 and is open to all residents of the county. A postal survey or if you require it in easy read please is available by contacting 01604 888113

Water Supply to Allotments

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The matter of the leak to the water supply is still under investigation, we are working towards a solution and we apologise for the delay.

As soon as we are possibly able to turn the supply back on we will – please bear with us.

Richard Jackson is kindly supplying water to the allotments in the meantime by IBC container.  Our sincere thanks Richard!