Peterborough Association of Local Councils

Minutes of the Meeting of 23 January 2012 at PeterboroughTown Hall

Present: Denis Batty (Glinton), Roy Pettitt (Peakirk), Alastair Bradley (Helpston), Paul Froggitt (Orton Waterville), June Woollard (Barnack), Keith Lievesley (Ufford), Henry Clark (Peakirk)

Circulation: Those present + Ian Dewar

  1. Apologies: None
  2. The Localism Act

Parish and town councils are specifically mentioned in the Localism Act as being the bodies to implement many aspects of localism. The following items were explained as they are understood at the moment, although this may well change as Localism is implemented and developed.

2.1.Neighbourhood plans

2.2.General power of competence

2.3.New councils

2.4.Community right to challenge

2.5.Community assets

2.6.Code of conduct

2.7.Community right to build

2.8.Community infrastructure levy

  1. Discussion on developments in models of engagement
  2. Neighbourhood committees

It was generally agreed that NCs (neighbourhood committees) were not functioning well. The rural NC was not acting as means of rural-proofing emerging strategies and policies. Parish council members were disillusioned and questioned whether the NC was worth attending. The urban NC that covers the Ortons and Hamptons was not involving parish council members at all.

3.2.Relationship with Peterborough City Council

The lack of Liaison Meetings was regretted as it brought together urban and rural parish councils. Of late the agenda was too informational with lack of debate and decision making.

It is not clear what PCC expects of Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Committees.

It was agreed that Henry Clark, Denis Batty and Ian Dewar would request a meeting with the Leader and Chief Executive to discuss improving the effectiveness of liaison. Action Ian Dewar

3.3.Needs of rural and urban parishes

It was agreed that PALC meetings were the appropriate forum for parish councils to discuss common problems and needs to be raised at NC or PCL meetings as appropriate.

  1. To agree items for forthcoming parish liaison meetings

The following items need to be discussed:

  • Neighbourhood plans: what are they, what format, who does what?
  • Community Infrastructure Levy (s106 successor): how do parish councils access their share, what proportion will be allocated for parish council use, what constraints are there?
  • Localism: what does this mean for parish councils, what services and budgets might be devolved to parish councils, should there be a compact that defines the process of transferring service delivery?
  • Rural Services including Transport
  • Replacement of Footpaths Officer
  • Grants to parish councils
  1. Dates of future meetings
  2. All 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Town Hall
  3. Monday 23 April
  4. Monday 23 July
  5. Monday 22 October
  6. Henry Clark to write to all chairs and clerks explaining the potential for PALC to improve the representation of parish councils and resolution of parish issues. Action Henry Clark

Henry Clark

25 January 2012