Councillor Keith Aspden with Cllr Peter Powell signing York’s Parish Charter at West Offices

A York Parish Charter between City of York Council and the 31 parish and town councils within the York area was signed today by Cllr Keith Aspden, Deputy Leader of City of York Council and Cllr Peter Powell, Chair of the York Branch of the Yorkshire Local Councils Associations (YLCA).

The Charter was approved at a recent Executive Member decision session on 10 May and will help to advance partnership working by City of York Council and the city’s parish and town councils.

Councillor Keith Aspden Deputy Leader of City of York Council with responsibility for Economic Development and Community Engagement said:

“Parish Councils are the grass roots of our local democracy and play an invaluable role across York. I welcome this new Charter which will help strengthen the relationship between City of York Council and Parish Councils. By working together in partnership we can improve outcomes for residents and ensure the voice of local communities is always heard.”

A Charter was first produced in 1996 and has been reviewed regularly since. A recent review, undertaken earlier this year, was co-ordinated by the York Parish Council Liaison Group whose membership comprises parish councillors and representatives from City of York Council. Consultation took place with parish councils, Councillors and officers and the Parish Council Liaison Group.

As a result of the consultation two additional objectives were added to the charter: to advance the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 and to encourage the sharing of information and data to improve outcomes for residents. Additional minor amendments were made to bring the charter up-to-date and to reflect current practice.

The charter sets out a number of different objectives, including how the parties aim to work together, to confirm the principles of democratic local government and to review and improve local democracy. The charter also aims to encourage public participation in the system, promote sustainable social, economic and environmental development and encourage the sharing of information to improve outcomes for residents. It also includes standards of communications, consultation and practical support between City of York Council and parish councils.

Cllr Ian Cuthbertson works closely with Haxby Town Council and Wigginton Parish Council. To find out more about Haxby Town Council click here and Wigginton Parish Council here.