What is the clerk's role in a Council produced Newsletter?

Question

One of our Councillors produces a Newsletter for the village on behalf of the Council and sends a draft copy to the Clerk to ensure nothing illegal etc. This stopped a couple of months ago over a disagreement. One Councillor claims that he was given little notice to reply and complained to the Clerk. He in turn is demanding to know how many Councillors replied and commented on the draft and copies of replies. Mountain out of a mole hill but I'm unsure whether he has the power. I doubt it but I need confirmation.

 

Someone needs to produce a book, with all the answers to difficult Clerks!

Answer 1

Decisions are made by the council.  The clerk is there to advise, and will usually have a greater understanding of the relevant legislation, so that the clerk's advice should always be taken into consideration.  It is not binding, though.  The clerk may also have delegated powers, decided by the council.  In general, it's better if the clerk can get on with the job without consulting the council on every trifling matter.  But it is up to the council to decide what power is delegated to the clerk, or to vary it.

Likewise, individual councillors have no powers of their own, and can only act on decisions made by the council.

Of course it all works best when people cooperate.  Maybe you're in a good position to make a start on the book!

Comments

Thankyou for your reply. Decisions are always made by the Council.  Unfortunately despite a grievance meeting AND an appraisal, the Clerk still pushes the boundaries. He manipulates policies, procedures and people because he sees it as a game and while we are getting better, sometimes we still need knowledge to counter his nonsense.

---

Persevere - you should win in the end!

---

I should live that long! lol