Issue - meetings

To seek approval from the Executive for the adoption of a Town and Parish Charter.

RESOLVED

That the Executive resolves to adopt the Charter, as detailed in Appendix 1.

The Executive considered the report to adopt a Town and Parish Charter.  The Devon Association of Local Councils (DALC) were commissioned to collaborate with a working group of town and parish councils on the creation of this charter. The details of the working group and their meetings were appended to the report.

Councillor Buscombe introduced the report and explained the rationale behind the report to define a framework for the relationship between the different tiers of local government in Teignbridge. The Charter was recommended by the Local Government Association Peer Review to strengthen the working relationships between Teignbridge and Town and Parishes Councils. Councillor Buscombe referred to a written statement, circulated to Executive Members, from the Chief Officer of DALC who was unable to attend the Executive meeting.

Councillor Buscombe highlighted the role of Ward Councillors to work with their local Town and Parish Councils and the responsibility to attend meetings, and the mechanisms within the Charter to resolve disputes.

Officers thanked the work of DALC and those who were part of the Town and Parish Working Group.

Councillors Nuttall, Hook and Palethorpe spoke to this item in support of the Charter, highlighting the role of Ward Councillors to engage with their Towns and Parishes and how the Charter was formulated and how it will be communicated to all Towns and Parishes. Officers responded orally to any questions raised.

It was PROPOSED by Councillor Buscombe and SECONDED by Councillor G Taylor and

RESOLVED

That the Executive resolves to adopt the Charter, as detailed in Appendix 1.