There can be, and often is, confusion between the Annual Parish Meeting and the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council.
All Parish and Town Councils throughout England are required by law to hold an Annual Parish Meeting, which must take place between 1st March and the 1st June (inclusive). Meetings should not commence before 6.00 pm.
Purpose of the Annual Parish Meeting
The meeting acts as an annual democratic point of communication enabling the Parish Council to explain what it has been doing over the last year. It is also a point for other parish groups to celebrate their successes over the past year. Parishioners can also suggest items they would like the Parish Council to consider for the following year.
The meeting also provides an opportunity for the electors to have their say on anything they consider is important to the people of the Parish.
Who can attend the meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting is a meeting of all the local government electors for the Parish, which the public are entitled to attend and participate in.
Will I be able to ask questions and make suggestions?
Yes, any registered elector may ask questions of the Council, which will usually be answered by the Chairman, the Clerk to the Council, or a designated Councillor.
An elector may also make suggestions and comment on anything relevant to the parishioners.
Who will chair the meeting?
The Chairman of the Parish Council will chair the meeting or in his/her absence the Vice Chairman.
Will Parish Councillors be there?
Yes, however, the purpose of the meeting is to enable the ordinary electors to have their say. Councillors will listen with interest and as electors themselves, also have the opportunity to raise questions and make comments if they wish.
Will notes be taken of the meeting?
Yes, a written record of the meeting will be taken and presented at the next Annual Parish meeting for approval. It will also be added to this page in the section below.
What else happens at the meeting?
In recent years we have invited guest speakers from local clubs, societies and other voluntary and statutory organisations to talk about the work/activities of their group and/or present information on topics of local interest.
How long will the meeting last?
As long as need be within reason. It will depend on those speaking but generally the meeting will last no longer than 2 hours.