Can a parish councillor be personally liable for a late submission of the annual return?

Question

Our parish council was criticised by the Audit Commission for a very late submission of the Annual Return ,required by law.

What is thew sanction against Parish Councillors-if deficits can they be personally liable?

Answer 1

Not personally, no. A parish council's position in law is as a body corporate. That is to say that it has it's own legal status seperate from it composition. Any sanction can therefore only be applied to the council. There may however be internal ramifications; the clerk may be held responsible by the council etc.