What is the difference in Standing Orders, when some are in normal type and others in bold?

Question

If a parish council wants to vary their Standing Orders, normally those in normal type can be varied by having the SO added to the agenda and left with no discussion until the next meeting.

As some are in bold type, is the procedure the same or can they only be varied by applying to the government?

Answer 1

This usually stems from following the NALC model standing orders.  In that situation, the standing orders in bold are simply stating legal requirements.

So you're quite likely to find that standing order 1a says in bold "Meetings shall not take place in premises, which at the time of the meeting, are used for the supply of alcohol unless no other premises are available free of charge or at a reasonable cost. ".  That is because one of the local government acts states this as mandatory for local councils.

Because the items in bold are enshrined in law, you can't vote to suspend them, nor can you vote to change them.