Decision details

Councillor Cutler advised that he was not the chair of the Advisory Group.

He explained the origins of the Advisory Group and its relationship with the Denmead and Southwick Parish Councils.  The Advisory Group had adopted within its membership local residents to improve its ability to provide feedback.  It was the driver for the new parish council and had also requested the governance review.  From 1 April 2019 the new parish council would replace the Advisory Group.

It was important that the new parish council evolved so that it was competent at its inception, as it would have considerable work to undertake.  The Advisory Group would act as an informal ‘shadow parish council’ until the new parish council was established and would consider matters such as the precept that was required and the training of the prospective parish councillors.  The composition of the shadow parish council remained under review and was required to be resolved before the next Advisory Group meeting.

Neil Lander- Brinkley commented that the formation of a shadow body was a standard way for transition and similar bodies had been set up in unparished areas, for example at Queen’s Park in London.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.