Councillors
Whittingham Parish Councillors are elected to serve the whole Whittingham area and is split into 2 wards - lower and higher. Councillors tend to live in the ward they represent but they are responsible for decisions affecting the whole Parish.
Councillors are elected for a maximum term of 4 years. They must be over 21, be an elector or reside/work in the parish. They are required to sign a formal declaration of office and agree to abide by a code of conduct - available on the documents page.
Councillors have a responsibility to listen and take an active part in meetings by suggesting ideas and engaging in constructive debate. They make collective decisions in the interests of the community. Councillors should abide by the majority decision and may not make a decision or act individually on behalf of the Council.
Councils must appoint a Proper Officer and a responsible financial officer (Clerk) to discharge its functions.
Clerk
The Clerk is an independent, professional officer employed by the Council. They are answerable to the Council as a whole and cannot act on the instructions of individual Councillors. The Council may delegate powers and functions to the Clerk and these are specified in Standing Orders.
The Clerk manages Parish Council business, implements Council decisions, undertakes research, produces reports and provides independent, objective and professional advice. They are responsible for administration and communication with the public and helps increase the awareness of the Council by producing newsletters and managing websites.
In Whittingham, the Clerk is also the responsible financial officer providing financial management information by completing budgets and precepts for approval, processing accounts and payments and dealing with audit arrangements.
Millennium Garden
The Parish Council maintains a small plot of land off Beacon Drive for the benefit of the community. A Christmas tree is erected each year and plans are underway to unveil a stone to commemorate the centenary of World War 1.