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Written question asked by Toby Perkins (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 January 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 January 2023. It was answered by Dehenna Davison (Conservative) on Monday, 23 January 2023 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Parish and Town Councils: Councillors

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether any statutory provisions allow the leader of parish or town councils (a) found to have mismanaged, (b) found to have committed misconduct and (c) who do not set a balanced budget to be (i) struck off or (ii) prevented from continuing to lead that council.

Answer

The Government is aware that Staveley Town Council is experiencing financial difficulties. The Government has engaged with Staveley Town Council and Chesterfield Borough Council to help facilitate a local resolution, and will continue to monitor the situation.

Parish councils are responsible for setting their level of Council Tax to meet the service needs of their area and for maintaining robust financial management. If local councils experience financial difficulties, the government expects that they should take all necessary step to manage the pressures locally and engage with their Principal Authority.

Parish councils are not defined as best value authorities within the Local Government Act 1999 and so the government does not have the powers to intervene using the best value powers. The government is also not able to provide direct financial support to parish councils. Responsibility for reviewing and making decisions with respect to parish councils is devolved to local authorities and their communities.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
126593
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Councillors Finance Dismissal Misconduct Parish and town councils
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk