The Nolan Principles

Selflessness – Integrity – Objectivity – Accountability – Openness – Honesty – Leadership

“Parish councils, we all know, are hotbeds of intrigue, corruption and passion. Those who sit on them, a colourful mixture of oddballs, bullies and idiots.”

It would be unfair to characterise all those who give up their free time to serve on a Parish or Town council as ‘corrupt, bullies or idiots’. Over the years councillors have made a significant contribution to their parish, as a result of a great deal of hard work and dedication and they deserve the thanks and admiration of their parish. Given that there over 10,000 councils and around 80,000 councillors, there will always be some who work to a different agenda than that of their colleagues. It is these councillors who have allowed the name ‘parish council’ and in particular ‘parish councillor’ to be held in such low esteem by the public. But what is important is that many councils and councillors fail to uphold the very principles they agreed to uphold – The Nolan Principles.

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Parish Poll

Residents maybe interested in a website regarding Local Referendums. Citizens’ initiative and Referendums Campaign for direct democracy in Britain Local referendum in England and Wales the Parish Poll Probably few people know of our rights to initiate community and parish referendums. Regulations and practice, which apply only in Wales and England, are outlined below. You… Read More

A question for councillors!

It is hard to comprehend why the majority on the parish council still wish to prevent the publication of the report. The councillor concerned has admitted that at least some of the accusations in the document are true. Although, he is now arguing that the person was not an employee of the council, but a… Read More

Some friendly advice

I write this piece as someone who has dedicated a very significant amount of time and energy to the support of Melbourn Village. Moreover, along the way I have gained much insight into the difficulties encountered by those who serve as Parish Councillors and also the great benefit the Parish Council normally brings to the… Read More