The Role and Operation of the Town Council

Fairford Town Council is the elected local authority for Fairford. It is the tier of local government that is the closest to the people of Fairford and its Parish, and is in place to represent the interests of its local population.  Fairford Town Council is a legal body and can only act within the powers given to it by Statutes (Acts of Parliament).   Fairford Town Council has the right to be consulted by the Local Planning Authority (Cotswold District Council) on all Planning applications in its area.

Fairford Town Council consists of 13 Councillors, a Town Clerk and an Assistant Clerk. Town Councillors are elected by the residents of the Parish and serve for a term of 4 years. They are not paid and have to declare an interest in a matter if they have a pecuniary or substantial personal interest in it. The Clerk and Assistants are paid employees of the Town Council and act according to the instruction of the Councillors. The Town Council operates through the Council Office (Fairford Community Centre) and regular Committee and Council meetings. The Council Office is manned by the Clerk and Assistant and is the main point of contact.

A full Town Council meeting is held once a month on the second Tuesday of the month, and all Councillors should be present at this meeting, which is chaired by the Mayor. Feeding into this Full Council meeting are various Committees and Sub-Committees.  

Services the Town Council Provides:

Operation of the Council Office manned by the Town Clerk and Assistant to carry out the work of the Town Council and as a point of contact for residents
Provision, administration and maintenance of the New Burial Ground, Mill Lane. The Town Council is currently looking at the provision of a further burial ground to be available after the present one is full
Maintenance of part of St Mary’s Churchyard - (original section)
Maintenance of grass verges and certain areas of planting and open spaces within the town
Provision and maintenance of the Town Car Park at the top of the High Street
Liaison with other government authorities such as Cotswold District Council and Gloucestershire County Council with respect to the services they provide for Fairford such as waste management and highways maintenance
Holds all planning applications in the area for residents to view locally and is an official consultee on all local planning applications
Maintenance of local Public Rights of Way
Provision and maintenance of some street furniture eg seats, notice boards and litter bins
Works with relevant authorities to improve the appearance, safety and use of town eg Market Place improvements, road crossings, street lighting
Works with relevant bodies/authorities to improve the local facilities eg community centre, skate ramp, playground
Provision and maintenance of flower tubs to improve the appearance of the town
Maintenance of two bus shelters
Financial assistance to Charities and Groups that are likely to benefit all or a substantial part of the local population
Liaison with local police on the provision of their service locally
Encouragement of tourism in Fairford by production of Town Guide, Leaflets and website
Provision and maintenance of website to provide residents with information on the Council, local events and services
Provision of bimonthly newsletter to all residents of Fairford
Organisation and administration of local events such as Christmas Market and Mini expo
Annual provision and erection of Christmas lights

FAIRFORD TOWN COUNCIL

STANDING ORDERS

These Standing Orders were adopted by the Council at its Meeting held on 14th April 2009

MEETINGS:

1. Meetings of the Town Council shall be held at 7.00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month unless the Council decides otherwise at a previous meeting
2. The Statutory Annual Meeting shall be held as follows:-
(i) In an election year on the Tuesday next following the fourth day after the ordinary day of elections to the Council at 7.00 p.m.
(ii) In a year which is not an election year shall be held on the second Tuesday in May at 7.00 p.m.
3. Smoking is not permitted at any meeting of the Council

FAIRFORD TOWN COUNCIL

CODE OF CONDUCT

This code of conduct was adopted by Fairford Town Council at its Meeting held on April 14th 2009 and is supplementary and subordinate to the provisions of the Local Authorities Model Code of Conduct 2007.

GENERAL OBLIGATIONS:

1. A member must observe Fairford Town Council’s code of conduct whenever he/she:
      (a) conducts the business of the Council;
      (b) conducts the business of the office to which he/she has been elected or
      appointed; or
(c) acts as a representative of the Council.

2. A member must:
(a) promote equality by not discriminating unlawfully against any person;
(b) treat others with respect; and
(c) not do anything which compromises or which is likely to compromise the impartiality of those who work for, or on behalf of, the Council

3. A member must not:
      (a) disclose information given to him/her in confidence by anyone, or
      information acquired which he/she believes is of a confidential nature,
      without the consent of a person authorised to give it, or unless he/she is
      required by law to do so;
      (b) prevent another person from gaining access to information to which
      that person is entitled by law;
(c) conduct himself/herself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing his/her office or authority into disrepute;
(d) must not in his/her official capacity use his position as a member improperly to secure for him/herself or any other person an advantage/disadvantage.;
(f) undermine the Town Clerk and her role.

MODEL PUBLICATION SCHEME

CURRENTLY BEING REVIEWED