13th December 2024

Search Beckingham cum Saundby Parish Council

Beckingham cum Saundby Parish Council Serving the people of Beckingham cum Saundby

Frequently Asked Questions

Are meetings public?

All parish council meetings are open to the public, however, certain agenda items may be closed to the public (including staffing matters) but a note will be placed on the agenda to advise. When this occurs we will still minute the item and details of the decision will be recorded in the usual manner for members of the public to read in the minutes.

It is now regarded as best practice for councils to have an agenda item where members of the public are permitted to put questions to the council. Please see our public participation policy for further details.

All meetings are advertised on the parish noticeboards and this website. Residents can bring to the attention of the parish council anything that concerns them, in writing or email via the clerk. If matters raised are not the responsibility of the parish council, the clerk will advise you which authority to contact. Also requesting an item to be discussed does not mean it automatically will be discussed, the public may request an agenda item but have no right to demand/dictate that the council discusses something. Each item will be decided on its own merit and the final say is down the Clerk as Proper Officer and the Chair.

Parish Council meetings are led by the Council's Chairman and advised by a Clerk who is there to see that business is conducted within the law.

Civility & Respect

Civility & Respect - Zero Tolerance - The Parish Council is proud to support and follow the nationally recommended guidance from the National Association of Local Councils and the Society of Local Council Clerks in the promotion of civility and respect, bullying, harassment and intimidation will not be tolerated.

We treat everyone with courtesy and respect and ask for the same in return. We ask that you treat your councillors and council staff courteously without violence, abuse or harassment.

Councillors and council staff have the right to carry out their civic duties and work without fear of being attacked or abused. Any behaviour whether that be verbal, physical or in writing, which causes either councillors or council staff to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or threatened, is totally unacceptable.

The zero-tolerance policy includes abuse, aggression or threats made in person, over the telephone or in written communication, including on social media.

The council considers threatening behaviour to be:

  • Attempted or actual aggressive, or physical actions made towards any councillor or member of staff.
  • The use of aggressive, or abusive language, (including raising of the voice, swearing, shouting or in writing) which threatens or intimidates councillors or council staff.

This policy applies throughout all council meetings, but it also applies to any councillor or council staff away from council meetings."

Council tax increase? (The Precept)

Parish Council's raise a Precept via the Council Tax, each year to improve and maintain facilities and services for local people.

Whilst this year's rise (2024/25) shows on the Council Tax Statement, an increase per month of £7.35(Band D).

It is also worth noting that the parishes have approximately 700+ properties, 411 are in bands A to C, which will pay less than the Band D figure. Homes with only 1 adult occupant, are entitled to receive a further 25% reduction on the above figures, with additional reductions for residents in receipt of certain benefits. Details are found by contacting Bassetlaw Council regards Council Tax reduction.

The Band D annual amount is just £86.80. This is still a modest precept, for example, at Band D, last year in West Stockwith electorate 265, precept was £131.55 a year, Torworth electorate 208, was £168.75, they are smaller than Beckingham & Saundby with an electorate of 1110. Misterton which has an electorate of 1770 was £134.89.

Lastly, it is worth noting that for 3 consecutive years, the actual monetary amount of the precept charged per home, decreased:

  • 2021/22 Band D amount was £85.75 per year (£7.14 per month)
  • 2022/23 Band D amount was £84.62 per year (£7.05 per month)
  • 2023/24 Band D amount was £82.24 per tear (£6.85 per month).

Does a parish council need to have a vice chairman?

No; there is no legal requirement to have a vice chairman, though is is best practice to have one. They will act as Chair if the Chairman is unavailable

Does the Parish Council have to have a Chairman?

A parish council must have a Chairman. He or she is elected annually at the Annual Meeting of Council in May (LGA 1972 sect 15(1). The council cannot function without a chairman. If no members of the council will take the role, then the meeting will have to be abandoned. A further meeting can be called to try to resolve the situation, but if this fails, then the district of borough council has reserve powers and can intervene.

A 'retiring' chair can preside at their own re-election, can nominate them self, vote for them self, and use their casting vote in their own favour.

How long does a Parish Councillor serve for?

Once elected Parish Councillors sit on the council for a maximum of 4 years at the end of which they can stand for re-election if they wish. If, during the 4 years, they find they can no longer meet the commitment, or they move away, they can stand down. In between election years, a new Councillor can be co-opted onto the Council and then be potentially re-elected at the next election year.

How long should minutes of the parish council be kept?

These should be kept indefinitely as archive materials. Once approved and signed as a correct record they are acceptable as evidence in a court of law.

The original signed copies, once signed cannot be altered. Every so often, the original copies are sent to Nottinghamshire Archives for safe keeping.

Police Neighbourhood Alert System

Police Neighbourhood Alert System

The Police wish to share this with as many residents as possible:

Rural communities are being encouraged to form a united front against crime – by signing up to a new local email alert system.

In response to local feedback, Nottinghamshire Police is adopting a bespoke rural Neighbourhood Alert email platform, which sends regular warnings about the latest offences and emerging criminal trends.

We are encouraging residents, farmers and other business owners to learn more about what is happening in their area by signing up for updates.

The software, already used by thousands of people in the county, provides hyper-local, street-level updates to residents about what is happening in their area.

I am asking as many people as possible to sign up as we will be using the system as our main method of sending updates.

Can I also urge residents to continue to immediately report all offences and suspicious activity by phone or on-line in order to build up a clearer local picture about current activities and trends.

For example, if you are a farmer who uses a quadbike for work and a similar devices has been stolen from another farm nearby, we'll issue a bespoke warning to you so you can safeguard your investment.

All you need to do is sign up to Neighbourhood Alerts using the link below and ensure you have selected "rural matters" in the dropdown menu for specific trend updates.

"If you are already registered, you can also select specific trend updates you want to see by clicking on the 'messages' option and selecting 'which type of messages'."

To sign up to Neighbourhood Alert and keep up to date on rural crime, visit: https://nottinghamshirealert.co.uk/#SignUp

Kind

If you require any help or advice regarding this let me know.

Regards

Rural Crime Specialist – PC 3467 Gareth Mitchell

Neighbourhood Policing - East Bassetlaw

Rural & Wildlife Crime Officer

Nottinghamshire Police

Retford Police Station

Gareth.Mitchell@notts.police.uk

www.nottinghamshire.police.uk

What are Councillors?

A a Parish Councillor you become somebody who members of the community will look to for help, guidance and support, a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people they serve. Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped to make, is something that can a sense of achievement and pride.

To qualify to be a parish councillor you must be:

  • A registered local government elector within the parish.
  • At least 18 on the day of being nominated as a candidate.
  • A British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union.
  • A resident in the parish, or within three miles of the parish, or working full time in the parish for at least 12 months prior to the nomination or election day.

A person is disqualified from holding office as a parish councillor if:

  • They hold a paid office, or other place of profit in the council.
  • They are the subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order.
  • They have been convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to more than 3 months imprisonment within the last five years.
  • They incur illegal expenditure (when acting as a councillor) of over £2,000, or are found guilty of using corrupt or illegal practices.

What are Parish Meetings?

Where the population of a parish is very small, there may be no Parish Council, but electors may still meet together as a Parish Meeting. Parish Meetings have a number of powers and rights of notification or consultation.

Also each Parish which does have a Parish Council must hold an Annual Parish Meeting each year, required by law to hold it between 1 March and 1 June. It is not a Parish Council meeting but a meeting of the local electorate to discuss and hear about local issues. At Laneham we hold it in May, usually on the same night as the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council

What are the most common Statutory Powers of Parish Councils?

Local Government Act 1972
s.101Assume a function delegated by another authority
s.111Ensure effective discharge of council functions
s.112Employ someone to carry out council functions
s.124Buy or lease land for the community
s.142Publicise council and local authority functions
s.144Encourage tourism & Conference facilities
s.145Provide entertainment & support of the arts
s.150Raise money by precept (Council Tax)
s.175Train councillors
s.214Assume responsibility for a closed churchyard
s.222Make representation at public enquiries
s.226Acquire historical records
Sch.13Borrow money
Sch.16 para 20Comment upon planning applications
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1953
s.4Provide bus shelters
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976
s.19Provide or support recreational facilities
Open Spaces Act 1906
s.9Acquire and manage any open space including valuable habitats.
s.10Administer open space held in trust
Provide lighting for any open space
Commons Act 1899
s.5Manage common land
Public Health Act 1875
s.164
(see also LGA, 1972 sch.
14 para 27)
Acquire and manage land for a village green
Provide parks, pleasure grounds, public walks
Make bylaws to prevent dog fouling or to ban dogs
Public Health Act 1961
s.54Provide a boating lake
Public Health Act 1936
s.87Maintain & provide public toilets
s.125Use a local water course to obtain water
s.260Maintain a local water course, ponds and ditches
The Countryside Act 1958
s.27Erect signs for a right of way
Highways Act 1980
s.30Create a right of way
s.43Maintain a right of way
s.96Plant verges with trees shrubs and bulbs (with Highways Authority consent)
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
s.57Take action to relieve traffic congestion
Provide Parking facilities
Parish Councils Act 1957
s.1Provide roadside seats/ benches (with Highways Authority consent)
s.3 (see also LGA 1972 Sch14, para 34)Provide lighting for footways and public places
Litter Act 1983
s.5Provide litter bins
Smallholding and allotments Act 1908
s.26Provide allotments
s.34Acquire land for common pasture
Local Government (Records) Act 1962
s.1Make community records available to the public
s.2Purchase records of local interest
s.4Support local archives
National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949
s.16Make agreement with English Nature to manage council-owned land as nature reserve.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981
s.39Local authorities make management agreements with landowners
Environmental Protection Act 1990
and
Litter (Animal Droppings) Order 1991
Must keep parish council owned land free of litter and dog faeces
Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976
s.7Powers to promote and operate a lottery
Public Health Act 1936
s.221, 222, 223 and 227Power to provide public baths and wash-houses
Parish Councils Act 1957
s.2Power to provide public clocks (bar church owned clocks)
Local Government Act 1972
s.139Power to accept gifts/donations
Local Government and Rating Act 1997
s.31Powers to spend money on various crime prevention measures
Local Government and Rating Act 1997
s.26Powers to contribute financially to traffic calming schemes
Public Health Act 1961
s.54Powers to provide a boating pool
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976
s.19Power to provide a gym and a holiday camp
Public Health Act 1936
s.198Powers to provide mortuaries and post-mortem rooms
Highways Act 1980
s.96Powers to maintain roadside verges with highways consent
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
s. 57, 63Powers to provide car parks and cycle racks to park bycycles
Parish Councils Act 1957
s.3Powers to the purpose of lighting the roads and other public places in the parish provide and maintain such lamps, lamp posts and other materials and apparatus as they think necessary;cause such lamps, lamp posts and other materials and apparatus to be erected or installed on or against any premises or in such other places as may be convenient with consent of the building owner. employ, with or without remuneration, such persons as may be necessary for the maintenance and superintendence of the lighting

provide life-saving appliances (e.g defibrillators, life rings)

Public Health Act 1936
s.96

What Facilities do we offer?

Parish councils have powers to provide some facilities themselves, or they can contribute towards their provision by others. There are large variations in the services provided by parishes, but Laneham Parish Council is involved in the provision of:

The Green/Spinney, 2 Paddocks on Old Trent Road, Recreation Room, Village Shop, Beecher Lane Cemetery, Phone Box Book Exchange, various street furniture items from Noticeboards, Village Gateway Signs, Defibrillator, Benches, Public Waste Bins, Salt Bins.

What happens when there is a Councillor Vacancy?

Where a vacancy occurs during the term of a parish council, it may be filled by either bi-election or co-option. Elections only occur if, following the advertisement of the vacancy for 14 days, 10 electors send a written request to the returning officer. The cost of a Bi Election is in the region of £5,000 and funded by the the people via the Precept if a bi-election occurs.

If no request is received, the parish council may fill the vacancies by co-option.

What is a Parish Council?

Parish councils are a form of Local Government being the first tier of local and community consultation. They are democratically elected Local Authorities and exist in England, Wales and Scotland.

Parish and Town Councils, often known simply as "local councils" exist in many English Parishes. They vary from councils based in small rural villages to ones serving large urban areas with thousands of electors.

The "parish council" is a civil organisation and should not be confused with the term "parish church" or "parochial church councils" that administer parishes of the Church of England. Civil parish councils were formed in England under the Local Government Act 1894 which developed the civil structure from the previously ecclesiastical parishes.

A parish council makes decisions on behalf of the people in a defined and bounded locality deemed to be "the parish". As the parish council is the authority closest to the residents of that locality they usually operate as the first place people will go with concerns or ideas and for this reason are a vital part of any community.

What is NALC?

NALC is the National Association of Local Councils is the only body in the country specialising full-time in the work of local councils. The Association`s advice and guidance to member councils is based on more than 50 years experience acting solely in the interests of its member councils. NALC takes an enthusiastic role in protecting and advancing the rights and interests of member councils in the Government, main political opposition parties, parliament, in the local and national press, and in liaison with other bodies such as the Standards Board, Local Government Association, Audit Commission and the Commission for Rural Communities.

NALC is committed to making this primary level of local government more effective, more democratic and better able to take a leadership role in local communities.

Membership of the National Association of Local Councils is through the County Association.

Rampton & Woodbeck Parish Council is a member of Nottinghamshire NALC

http://www.nottsalc.org.uk/

Nottinghamshire ALC

  • Provides guidance to its members on conducting their business lawfully, with advice available on a wide range of issues covering statutory duties and powers, correct conduct of business within the ethical framework, employment law, empowerment and various other topics
  • Runs training courses for clerks and councillors on a wide range of subjects to promote good practice and governance
  • Provides information updates on legislative changes and other issues of relevance to members
  • Administers the Local Council Award scheme
  • Responds to consultations on behalf of member councils and represents the interests of its members by commenting on proposals for new legislation and other statutory documents

What is the 6 Months Rule affecting Councillors?

If a parish councillor fails to attend any meeting of the parish council (or its committees) or a meeting where he or she formally represents the council, for a period of 6 months, without submitting apologies for absence which are properly approved by the council, then he or she automatically ceases to be a parish councillor on the 6-month anniversary of their last attendance, and a casual vacancy must be declared. It is vitally important to note that simply recording apologies does not of itself automatically signify that they have been approved by the council. Long absences must received proper approval before the 6 months are up. Once the 6 months has passed there is nothing further which can be done - the councillor has ceased to be a councillor. This is not a matter for the parish council to decide upon, only to record the facts of the matter.

Therefore, if a councillor is likely to be absent for a long period of time - perhaps through ill health - then the reason for the absence should be formally approved (if the council so wishes).

What is the limit of Section 137 Expenditure?

The Department for Communities and Local Government has confirmed that the appropriate sum for parish councils in England for the purposes of section 137(4) (a) of the Local Government Act 1972 ("the 1972 Act") for 2020/21 it is £8.32 x per head of the electorate in the parish (1065) = £8,860.80

What is the purpose of a parish council?

The primary purpose of a parish council is to represent the concerns of local residents and provide some services to meet local needs. Parish councils have a wide range of powers which may include looking after community buildings, play parks, street furniture and land.

The most common areas that Parish Councils get involved in include planning issues, managing open spaces and village halls. It is fair to say that on their own Parish Councils have limited decision-making powers, but they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those organisations that do make final decisions, such as District and County Councils, health authorities etc. These authorities know that a Parish Council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something and its views will be taken seriously.

What is the quorum for a meeting of the council?

A minimum of four or a third whichever is the greater.

What is the Role of the Clerk?

The main role of Clerk is to ensure that the Council, as a whole, conducts its business properly and to provide independent, objective and professional advice and support.

Where are the closest allotments?

Bassetlaw District Council provide various allotments at approximately 12 pence per square metre around Retford & Worksop. http://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/allotment-information/rent-an-allotment-plot/ In addition to the Allotments provided by Bassetlaw, the closest allotment's to Rampton & Woodbeck are located in East Markham & Tuxford and provided by their Parish Council's, these and other local providers include:

The East Markham Parish Council website states:

The allotments are situated at the eastern edge of the village close to the sports field and the railway line. Access is from Trinity Crescent.

There are 26 allotments and 1 or more may currently be vacant and available to rent at any time. The rental period commences 1st April in any year. The annual rent is currently just £1.00 but please bear in mind that there is no water on site and you may need to install rabbit-proof fencing to protect your crops plus fruit cages, greenhouses, sheds etc. Allotment holders are not permitted to keep any animals on the site.

Keen gardeners may wish to join the East Markham Gardeners Association (EMGA). The association hosts shows, arranges garden visits, and provides discounted gardening supplies at the trading barn.

For further information about the allotments and EMGA, contact Stuart on 01777 871491.

Tuxford Town Council:

The allotments are located on Lodge Lane, and in 2014 the hire rates were £20 per plot (£12 for over 65's). Further details contact: Tuxford Town Council 01777 870192

Dunham-On-Trent Parish Council:

Has two small allotments in the village on Horne Lane, which are currently available for hire: https://www.dunham-and-district-notts.org.uk/community/dunham-with-ragnall-darlton-fledborough-10638/allotments-horne-lane/

The rent for the first twelve months will be £20 per plot and the Council expects the tenant to restore the site to a good state.

To be considered for a tenancy please contact the Clerk either by email ParishClerk@Dunham-and-District-Notts.org.uk

Normanton-On-Trent Parish Council:

Has two allotments in its Parish, located next to the village Cemetery. At the moment, they are rented out as allotments but, in years to come, they will be eventually used as an extension to the cemetery, when extra burial space is required. Each plot is rented out for £5 per year contact Clerk rjeffries@live.co.uk 01636 822 605.

Sutton-On-Trent Parish Council:

Has 4 allotments which are located quite centrally in the village close to a children's play area. Each allotment cost £7.50 per year (renewed in June). Contact details Email: suttonontrent.pc@gmail.comTel: 07889 867257

Misterton Parish Council:

The Primary school provides allotments (not many) the person who deals with it is the school caretaker Dave Smith who can be contacted on 07854865468.

Wiseton Parish Meeting:
The Parish Meeting doesn't own any allotments, however there are allotments in the parish, owned by The Henry Smith Charity which rents them out via Savills and the link person is Rosie Theaker. She is contactable on 01522 507328 or by e mail at Rosie.theaker@savills.com

Edwinstowe Parish Council:

Has various allotments, for details visit http://www.edwinstowe.co.uk/allotments.html

Norwell Parish Council:

Has various allotments, for details visit

http://www.norwell-online.org.uk/norwell-amenities-and-institutions/allotments

Bawtry Town Council:

Has 37 allotment plots: for details visit

http://bawtrytowncouncil.co.uk/allotments/ contact 07494 893954 or bawtrytowncouncil@gmail.com

West Stockwith Parish Council:

Has 12 allotment plots, adjacent to Canal Lane, West Stockwith, £30 per year rent (no running water) and contact is 01427 890294 clerk@west-stockwith-parish-council.org.uk

Fenton & Torksey Lock Parish Council:

Has allotments, primarily for residents of the Parish. They are occasionally let, if no waiting list, to people outside of the parish. Contact is clerk fentorkpc@btinternet.com 01522 811730

Who decides if a councillor has a disclosable pecuniary interest?

The individual Councillor.

Last updated: Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:40