What does the Parish Council do?
The Parish Council undertakes a wide variety of work with many projects which cover aplethora of interests. A programme of community events that have included the Annual Fun Day, the new and improved Christmas lights and switch on and open air market events, summer activity days and adhoc events such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Kings Coronationhave been planned by the Community Committee.
The Council’s Building and Grounds Committee oversees the management and maintenance of the local community buildings, two allotment sites, parks and open spaces which includes a rolling programme to upgrade play parks, as well as a new pump track and skate park. Two new Community Buildings will soon be built and available for the community. A further sports facility and car park is also being planned for the Sports Field.
The Planning Committee has worked with Gloucestershire County Council to facilitate the resurfacing of the entire length of Church Road and continues to liaise with them on other matters. Planning applications for the village are reviewed fortnightly and any comments are communicated to the Borough Council or in the case of the proposed new school to the County Council.
A local heritage list was recently adopted by Tewkesbury Borough Council helping to preservethe villages’ rich history for future generations.
The Council awards grants to voluntary organisations and charities who are contributing to the local community.
The Parish Council is in the process of writing a Neighbourhood Development Plan to reflect the wishes of the local residents and to obtain increased revenue from development for local infrastructure projects.
When Are the Local Elections?
TheLocal Elections will take place on May 4th 2023.
Why Should I Become a Parish Councillor?
Bishop’s Cleeve Parish Council is looking for enthusiastic individuals who wish to takean active role in their community. By becoming a Councillor you will be able to participate in the governance of the Parish, promoting the economic, social and environmental well-being of the Parish. This is an opportunity to make areal difference to the community you live in.
Who Can Become a Parish Councillor?
You do not need to belong to a political party to stand for election and can standas a candidate to become a Parish Councillor if you are 18 or over and a British, Commonwealth or European Union Citizen.
You also need to meet at least one of the following criteria;
· Be a registered voter living in Bishop’s Cleeve or live within 3 miles of the boundary.
· Have resided in Bishop’s Cleeve for at least 12 months.
· Have worked within Bishop’s Cleeve for at least the past 12 months.
· Ownproperty in Bishop’s Cleeve for at least the past 12 months.
In addition, Bishop’s Cleeve Parish Councillors should be able to attend Counciland committee meetings which are normally held on a Thursday evening between 7pm and 10pm. The Full Council meets once per month on the first Thursday, (except in August) and councillors should be willing to participate in the work of the Council by serving on one or more of its Committees. Community and Buildings and Grounds Committees meet monthly (on the second Wednesday and third Thursday of the month) and the Planning, Highways and Environment Committee meets twice per month (on the second and fourth Thursdays). Other committees such as Finance, Personnel and the Neighbourhood Development Plan Committees meet on a less frequent basis.
You can be a Councillor if you have a full-time job; by law your employer must allow you to take a reasonable amount of time off during working hours to perform your duties as a Councillor.
Who Cannot Stand as a Parish Councillor?
A person is disqualified from being a Councillor if;
• You work for the Council.
• You are subject to bankruptcy restrictions or interim orders.
• Within five years of the election date you have been convicted of any offence and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of at least three months (suspended or not)without the option of a fine.
• You have been found guilty of corrupt or illegal practices, or are responsible forincurring unlawful expenditure.
• You are subject to the notification requirement of or under Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and the ordinary period allowed for making an appeal or application in respect of the order or notification has passed.
How Do I Become a Parish Councillor?
To stand as a candidate, you will need to complete a set of nomination papers forBishop’s Cleeve. Nomination forms are available from the Parish Council office from March 14th 2023. Your nomination papers will need to show that you have a proposer and seconder who support your nomination who live within the Parish. Nomination papers must be hand delivered to the Tewkesbury Borough Council offices by 4pm on the 4thof April 2023. They will be checked upon delivery to ensure they are correctly completed. Please check on the Tewkesbury Borough Council website whether an appointment is necessary.
Nominations are made public after the 4th April.
If there are more candidates than seats an election will be held. If not, the candidates will be duly elected and automatically take office on the 9th May. If there is cause for an election, campaign guidance can be found here; Council toolkit: Planning your localcampaign | Local Government Association
If you have anyquestions or need further information please email the Parish Clerk on:
clerk@bishopscleeveparishcouncil.gov.uk
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