Swanton Morley Parish Council

Procedures


The Parish Council is governed by certain statutes, rules and regulations. The primary law that governs the Parish Council is the Local Government Act 1972, although there are many other statutes and legislation that the Parish Council can derive it's powers and duties from. Swanton Morley Parish Council also has the option of additional powers through obtaining Quality Council Status, a scheme run by the Government Department DEFRA. The council was tested many aspects of its work including knowledge, procedures and communication with the public and other bodies. In May 2008 the Parish Council was awarded Quality Stautus with a commendation for its high standard of work..

The Parish Council also adopted the Model Code of Conduct on 9th July 2007 which are guidelines set out as to how a councillor is expected to behave. These guidelines are also there for the protection of councillors. It must always be remembered that councillors are also voting parishioners of the parish and therefore do not lose any rights by becoming a councillor.

The council also has a set of guidelines as to how its business should be conducted. These are known as the Parish Council's Standing Orders. Some of these guidelines are derived from statutory obligation, some from general good practice, and some have been added specifically by the Parish Council as ways to run a council of a standard as high as ours.

The Parish Council also has a set of Standing Orders that are specific to the financial aspects of our business.

The Parish Council also has terms of reference for its Playing Field Sub Committee and Churchyard and Burial Ground Sub Committee.

The Parish Council has also adopted a number of policies to assist it with its high standard of operation. These include:

The Parish Council also has a Policy for feedback from parishioners. This includes compliments on our work and also any complaints that may arise. Please Click Here for the feedback form.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000

Swanton Morley Parish Council has adopted the Model Publication Scheme for Local Councils
Any information relating to the business of the Parish Council (except where privacy or confidentiality is required and subject to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998), is available in hard copy upon request to the Clerk. There is also numerous items of information available free of charge on this website.
Swanton Morley Parish Council endeavours to make as much information available to parishioners free of charge.  All hard copy items are available at a cost of 10p per sheet plus 2nd class postage however this charge will only be levied when the total cost of producing information exceed £2.50.  Requesters will be made aware of cost prior to information being produced.  Items marked website also available at no cost by e-mail.

For a full list fo the services we provide, Please Click Here

Also, as required by law, a copy of the Annual Return and audited accounts will, when completed, be made available for inspection by parishioners at the clerk’s address.