Parish councils counting cost of lack of members

INE parishes in Northumberland are currently without a functioning parish council due to a lack of willing volunteers to serve.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Parish councils require a minimum number of members to make proceedings valid - known as quorum - meaning without enough councillors some councils are unable to meet.

Parish councils are the first tier of local government in England, and perform a variety of duties including managing allotments and parks and provide a community voice on planning applications. Parish councils may also be referred to as town or community councils.

‘The nine parishes without councillors are Akeld, Ewart, Kilham, Bewick, Hart-leyburn, Roddam, Earle, Ilderton and Snitter.

‘A notice of election has been published by Northumberland County Council twice since May, but no nominations were received.

The council has launched a community governance review, which will allow the county council to make changes to parish councils.