Covid-19: What’s happening about Town Council functions ?
The Council have adopted an internal continuity plan and scheme of delegation which will enable us to carry out its core statutory functions whilst meeting on a less regular basis. The Clerk will continue to provide office services and manage the core services, she can be contacted by phone 01963 364276, e-mail clerk@stalbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk or on the web site contact page. Currently all matters that are considered to be outside core services have been suspended and will be reviewed in due course.
Covid-19: What’s happening about Town Council Meetings ?
The Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 regulation 5 covers the holding of remote meetings. The effect of the regulation is that persons attending a local council meeting do not need to be in the same place. “Place” means more than one place including electronic, digital or virtual locations. Regulation 13 modifies the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 allowing for remote attendance by the press and public. We are looking into the viability of public dial in access to video conference meetings and in the interim are asking that members of the public contact us via the Town Council web site contact page or e-mail clerk@stalbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk. All communication received will be circulated to members. In accordance with the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 regulation 4 we have flexibility on the dates and times of video conference meetings though initially we plan to try to keep to our agreed calendar of dates. Notice of video conference meetings will be posted on the Town Council web site 3 clear working days before the meeting not including the posting or meeting date, in line with statutory obligations.
Covid-19: What’s happening about Town Council planning application consultation responses?
Following a statement from The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government concerning the importance of Local Authorities ensuring that the planning system continues to function, Stalbridge Town Council have resolved to delegate consideration and response to Dorset Council on planning applications upon which they are consulted to the newly appointed Interim Planning Committee (consisting of six members) for the duration of the period that public meetings are not possible. In accordance with regulation 5 of the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 this committee will communicate and reach a majority view on applications in a similar process as at a meeting using remote communication. Neighbouring residents as consultees and other interested members of the public are encouraged to make direct response on applications to Dorset Council via ‘Dorset For You’. Should you wish to contact the Town Council with your comments please do so via the Town Council Web site contact page or e-mail clerk@stalbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk, and if doing so please be concise and bullet point your comments rather than using letter form. Any comments received will be circulated to members of the Interim Planning Committee prior to their consideration of applications.
The Council have adopted an internal continuity plan and scheme of delegation which will enable us to carry out its core statutory functions whilst meeting on a less regular basis. The Clerk will continue to provide office services and manage the core services, she can be contacted by phone 01963 364276, e-mail clerk@stalbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk or on the web site contact page. Currently all matters that are considered to be outside core services have been suspended and will be reviewed in due course.
Covid-19: What’s happening about Town Council Meetings ?
The Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 regulation 5 covers the holding of remote meetings. The effect of the regulation is that persons attending a local council meeting do not need to be in the same place. “Place” means more than one place including electronic, digital or virtual locations. Regulation 13 modifies the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 allowing for remote attendance by the press and public. We are looking into the viability of public dial in access to video conference meetings and in the interim are asking that members of the public contact us via the Town Council web site contact page or e-mail clerk@stalbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk. All communication received will be circulated to members. In accordance with the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 regulation 4 we have flexibility on the dates and times of video conference meetings though initially we plan to try to keep to our agreed calendar of dates. Notice of video conference meetings will be posted on the Town Council web site 3 clear working days before the meeting not including the posting or meeting date, in line with statutory obligations.
Covid-19: What’s happening about Town Council planning application consultation responses?
Following a statement from The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government concerning the importance of Local Authorities ensuring that the planning system continues to function, Stalbridge Town Council have resolved to delegate consideration and response to Dorset Council on planning applications upon which they are consulted to the newly appointed Interim Planning Committee (consisting of six members) for the duration of the period that public meetings are not possible. In accordance with regulation 5 of the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 this committee will communicate and reach a majority view on applications in a similar process as at a meeting using remote communication. Neighbouring residents as consultees and other interested members of the public are encouraged to make direct response on applications to Dorset Council via ‘Dorset For You’. Should you wish to contact the Town Council with your comments please do so via the Town Council Web site contact page or e-mail clerk@stalbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk, and if doing so please be concise and bullet point your comments rather than using letter form. Any comments received will be circulated to members of the Interim Planning Committee prior to their consideration of applications.
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It remains our commitment to ensure your views are heard at this time.
Thank you so much for all your help and understanding. Keep Well. K Garland Stalbridge Town Council Chairman |
Katie Garland (Chairman of
Stalbridge Town Council) |