Are Local government Acts classed as law or guidelines.

Question

It's probably a very novice question, but i want to be sure, before replying to a question I received from a Parishner.

Answer 1

They are not guidelines but Acts of Parliament which provide legislation that must be complied with.  Non compliance can result in fines and can in some instances be seen as a criminal offence.

Comments

Perfect. Many thanks Graeme. Much appreciated and the answer I was hoping for.

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Absolutely, they are the law, however, you must always be sure that a specific enactment applies to a parish council, and not just a district or county council.
There is usually a list somewhere within each act that makes it (sort of) clear, which apply to parishes.

Answer 2

Lol, that won't stop parishioners or councillors trying to bend them to suit though!

Comments

"Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively" as the Dalai Lama once said!