A Parish Meeting is an assembly that all registered electors in a civil parish are entitled to attend and vote at, providing a platform to discuss local issues and celebrate local activities. They complement the work of parish councils by providing an alternative space for community engagement. There are rules about calling and convening a parish meeting – see below. Once properly called, unlike a parish council, a parish meeting is generally informal and does not have the same legal powers or duties. There is no limit to the number of parish meetings that can be called in a year by registered electors. Matters can be raised at the meeting without prior notice.
The Annual Parish Meeting is a parish meeting organised by the Parish Council - it is not a ‘normal’ monthly parish council meeting. Residents listed on the Electoral Register (held by the district or unitary council) can contribute to the agenda. It is an opportunity for those parishioners to raise any matters of concern to them that relates to their local community and for parish councillors to listen. It would be helpful for the Parish Clerk to receive prior written notice of any matters to be raised but it is not essential. Annual Parish Meetings must be held between 1st March and 1st June each year and the parish council pays reasonable costs, including room hire and arranging for notes/papers from the meeting to be published.
To call a Parish Meeting in a UK parish, the following rules must be followed:
- Notice Period: Public notice of the meeting must be given at least seven clear days (excluding Sundays and bank holidays) before the meeting, specifying the time and place, and the business to be transacted. The parish noticeboards can be used for this purpose and the Parish Clerk has the keys.
- Convening Authority: The meeting can be convened by the chairman of the parish council, two councillors, or six local government electors.
- Publicity: The notice must be posted in a conspicuous place or given in a manner that ensures publicity to the meeting. The parish noticeboards can be used - the key is with the Parish Clerk.
- Time and Venue: The meeting must not be held before 6pm and must not be held in premises used for the supply of alcohol unless there are no other suitable venues.
- Attendance: The chair of the parish council is entitled to attend, and if present, they shall preside over the meeting.
These rules ensure that the meeting is properly convened and that the electorate has the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. Please also have due regard to reasonable access arrangements, parking arrangements, safeguarding matters, guidance on filming and recording meetings and, safety matters (including fire alarms and fire exits). The Parish Clerk can provide guidance if required.
Upcoming Parish Meetings
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