VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN HUGHENDEN PARISH COUNCIL

Good Evening, I am John Beveridge making a public statement on behalf of a substantial group of parishioners under protection in law for freedom of speech. I claim the right not to be interrupted.

The operation of Hughenden Parish Council (HPC) including its Clerk have been called into question by parishioners on several occasions.

At the Annual Parish Meeting on 25th May 2020 a Vote of No Confidence in HPC was proposed, seconded and duly carried by a majority of parishioners in favour. However the Vote was rejected by Council Members and no action has been taken to improve the operations of HPC.

Accordingly, I consider it necessary and appropriate to table a further Vote of No Confidence in Hughenden Parish Council and its Clerk for the following reasons: 1.HPC has not conformed to General Parish Council Practices, HPC's own Code of Conduct and the accepted provisions and principles of the Nolan Report on Standards in Public Life. The operation of HPC Business is inconsistent and Councillors are often rude and aggressive not only to parishioners but also to fellow Councillors who do not agree with its Chairman.

2.HPC business had not been open or transparent and is often held 'in camera', misusing 'confidentiality' as an excuse for concealment; and parishioners were often told to leave HPC meetings in an unreasonable manner.

3.During 'Public Speaking' the HPC meeting has been limited to a closed agenda and a minimal 'note' of questions and concerns is recorded in the Minutes. Some questions raised by parishioners are never answered or recorded.

Furthermore, there is an unacceptable lack of both response and action taken by HPC in respect of matters raised by parishioners in general.

4.Conflicts of interest have not always been declared appropriately. Contracts of Work have been granted to interested parties known or related to members of HPC. Minutes have failed to properly and factually reflect the business of the meetings.

5.HPC has not exercised due process or properly examined the case for Rural Affordable Housing. HPC's approach has been unprofessional and high-handed, with scant regard for the informed and well researched views of parishioners and the organisations representing their interests. The first housing needs survey was flawed and out of date. The current survey questionnaire is also fatally flawed and biased, the accompanying letter and 'FAQs' are fraught with inaccuracies and misleading information. Despite many requests, there will be no impartial audit of the Housing Needs questionnaire.

There has been a manifest failure in both public duty and duty of care by HPC through its resolution that, “no further correspondence or discussion of any kind be entered into by HPC on any aspect of past processes for Rural Affordable Housing, save for legitimate requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.” In disregard of the legitimate rights and requests of parishioners, HPC has failed to provide information requested under the Act.

6.Financial reporting is totally inadequate. At the Annual Parish Meeting on 25th May 2010 an un-audited income and expenditure account with no accompanying balance sheet was presented for approval, which should have been for “noting” only. This is contrary to the intentions of the Local Government and Audit Commissions Acts.

The attitude of HPC and some of its members has been arrogant, uncaring and in disregard to the genuine and responsible concerns of parishioners and the organisations that represent them. HPC's performance is both inadequate and irresponsible; it is failing in its public duty.

This is a damning indictment and I therefore propose a Vote of No Confidence in Hughenden Parish Council and its Clerk. I call for this proposal to be seconded and put to the vote, counted and recorded. If carried, I wish to register a Vote of No Confidence in Hughenden Parish Council and its Clerk for acceptance and record by Hughenden Parish Council.

Accordingly, I propose a Vote of No Confidence in Hughenden Parish Council and its Clerk and call for a seconder.