MwRPC - What we do

What we do

Here you'll learn what we as the Parish Council are responsible for and what the county council of Cornwall or other bodies manage within our community.

The Role of the Parish Council

The role of the council is to take on responsibility of their community and representation of the constituencies. The council is a corporate and statutory elected body in the first tier of government. The local Parish Council are given the power to act by parliament to raise money through the Precept. The Council has the power to act but very few duties. Each council is very different and unique to its parish and therefore, work for and act on recommendations from its committees and electorates, delivering services and financially supporting local needs.

The responsibilities of the council is to make decisions and deliver services to the local needs of the community. Supporting projects and organisations within the community, working with other services to improving the quality of life and the local environment. The council are responsible of employing staff for the functioning of the council. The council must meet at least three times a year and hold one Annual Meeting of the Council. The council have very few duties, one being, they must appoint a chairman of the council and adopt a code of conduct also act in an open and transparent manner.

The Role of the Parish Clerk

The role of the clerk as the proper financial officer of the council. Trusted, professional and responsible in ensuring that the council is run efficiently in accordance with the law. The Clerk offers independent advice and guidance on matters of law and procedures. Making sure the council is well advised before making a decision on any matter. The clerk does not have a vote at the council meeting.

The responsibilities of the clerk is to administer council documents which include:-

Setting agenda
Taking and typing up minutes
Manage and insure assets
Managing planning applications
Corresponding to the public
Implementing the council’s decisions
Supervising staff
Setting the precept for discussion
Overseeing the implementation of current and future projects
First point of call for the public
Reporting to the media of developments within the council
Retaining legal documents
Checking election procedures for election years
Ensuring register of interest are up to date
Reviewing insurance cover
Attending training courses to continue with personal development
Organising training for councillors
Informing councillors of new policies and local government news
Scan for available funding for projects within the parish and supporting grant application processes
Issuing summons to the councillors for their attendance to meetings.

The Role of the Chairman

The role of the chairman who is an elected head of the council. He/she is elected at the annual meeting of the council as the 1st item of business at the Annual Meeting of the Council and can serve for any number of consecutive terms, appointed by members of the committee. If present he/she must presides at all council meetings and maintain good order within the meetings, determining the order of the agenda. He/she has the same duties and obligations as other councillors and cannot make decisions alone. The Chairman has the power of using a second or casing vote to determine the resolution where there is a tie.

The responsibility of the chairman is to act as a representative for the council. The Chairman maintains a close working relationship with the Clerk to ensure awareness of protocol and smooth running of the council. The chairman is usually the person the clerk would approach if he or she had a grievance. The chairman must preside at every council meeting and can call a meeting given three clear days’ notice. He may also appoint one of his members to be Vice-chairman.

The Role of the Councillor

The role of the councillor - they must be over 18 and be a citizen of the commonwealth the European Community or the republic of Ireland. A councillor is a volunteer and accountable to the local people and be proactive in their duties, taking an interest in the local area and representing electorates. Influence and shape the long term developments e.g. Neighbourhood Plan. Councillors are elected for a term of four years and can bring with them different skills and experiences to the parish.

The responsibility of the councillor - they have a duty to attend all meetings, if not an apology of absent must be sent to the clerk. The councillor should study the agenda and accompanying document in readiness for a forthcoming meeting. A councillor must sign a declaration of acceptance of office read and abide by the code of conduct and standing orders of the council also practice the seven Nolan Principles. Take part in voting with consideration of the supporting evidence. They must represent the whole of the electorates always acting in the public interest. A councillor has a duty to declare, disclose and decline from a vote if they have a pecuniary interest.

The Role of the Responsible Finance Officer

The role of the responsible finance officer usually the clerk and would hold a separate job description. Responsible Finance Officer must ensure that the account and records are maintained and regulated and in accordance with proper practices.

The responsibility of the responsible finance officer to report and advice on financial activities and prepare end of year accounts to include a brief report. An accounting system must be in place to ensure accurate recordings of financial transactions. Make certain the council does not take any unnecessary risks with public money. The RFO is also responsible for drawing cheques which must be signed by two councillors and that the accounts are presented for internal audit. Once the annual return is satisfactorily complete and signed by the Chair and RFO is sent to the external auditor for inspection. The RFO will ensure the councils assets and liabilities are adequately insured. To be responsible for monthly financial book keeping, administering PAYE and NI when necessary, calculate and claiming all VAT due to the council. Review financial regulations annually, record and minute. Computer facilities to be backed up to safeguard council documents. Make available to the councillors a copy of the Governance and Accountability 2014.

Maker with Rame

Parish Council

Coombe Park Children’s Play Area - maintenance of equipment

Street Furniture (Seats and litter bins) - maintenance

Public Footpaths - maintenance of designated paths, stiles, kissing gates

Street Lighting

Village Orchard - trimming and general maintenance

Rame Graveyard - trimming and general maintenance

Public Toilets

Advise Cornwall Council on local planning applications

Other Local

Bodies

Street sweeping - Cornwall Council

Cawsand Bay Moorings - The Parish, in the name of the Clerk, used to hold the licence issued by the Queen’s Harbour Master. This is now run by the Gig Club.

Refuse Collection - Cornwall Council

Cawsand Car Park - Cornwall Council

Cremyll Car Park - Mt Edgcumbe Joint Committee

Maker Graveyard - Cornwall Council

Roads and Verges - Cornwall Council