Can the PC make a decision by private email

Question

Hi , A couple of questions if I may.     

  Can an idea be discussed using email as the forum for debate?                   

  Can a PC use reserves money for said idea and put it on the agenda after the event has passed ?  (Kings coronation) 

 Prepose said idea for agreement by the Cllrs at May's PC meeting?

I would appreciate some advice as I have objected to the way the PC are doing this,

Many Thanks

Yana

Answer 1

All decisions of a parish council must be made in a properly constituted meeting, i.e. agenda published 3 clear days before the meeting, meeting held in public etc. etc.  So no, a decision made via email is not valid unless your clerk has delegated authority to make a decision (usually granted with a requirement for consultation with one or more councillors, but not always), then the suggested approach is likely to be open to challenge.   If you're planning a coronation event, you do still have time to convene an extraordinary meeting to agree the proposals before the date of the coronation weekend or at the very least agree to delegate authority to make a decision.

Answer 2

You could discuss the concept, formulate a plan, gauge opinion via email. But any decisions have to be made in a meeting before money is spent.