Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting (known in Hankerton as the Annual Village Meeting) is not a Parish Council meeting.  It is a meeting of the parish residents, required by law (Local Govt Act 1972 Schedule 12 section 14(1)).  LGA 72 states that every parish must hold a Parish Meeting, however it does not make it anyone's responsibility to arrange it. This meeting must be held between 1st March and 1st June. If there is a Parish Council the Chairman of the Parish Council (or vice-chair if the Chairman is unable to attend) must preside. If there is not a Parish Council then a Chairman is elected by the meeting itself. The Agenda is to give reports on the business of the last 12 months. The Parish Council reports to its electorate on its activities over the last year and there are usually reports from our Unitary Councillor and perhaps from any voluntary or local community group. It is also an opportunity for parishioners to question people and organisations on any issues relating to the village.  Members of the public are permitted to make statements on relevant matters during the meeting. Any resolutions passed do not bind the Parish Council (but it will generally take note of them).