Trull Parish Council
A Parish Council is a statutory body set up under the Local Government Act 1972. It operates within a defined civil area and is classified as a first-tier Local Authority. Although it has relatively limited duties compared to the Principal Authorities such as a Borough or County Council, a Parish Council can choose to provide a range of services, either on it's own or in partnership with others. A Town Council has the same powers as a Parish Council, it is simply that the Council has decided to take on the title of 'Town'
Trull Parish Council consists of 10 Elected or co-opted Members, all of whom currently reside in the Parish. Elections are held on a four-year cycle and the next one is due in May 2007.
There are eleven scheduled Meetings throughout the year and these are normally held on the third Monday of the appropriate month at the Memorial Hall, Church Road.
The Council's objectives are to represent the views of the Parishioners in the area as a whole and to enhance the environment for both residents and visitors. This is being demonstrated by support for projects such as the TAP and the feasibility study for the Memorial Halls.
Funding for the Council is raised through taxation, known as the precept. The precept is a share of the Council Tax that is collected by Taunton Deane Borough Council. The amount is determined by the Councillors on an annual basis and is based on expenditure that the Council plans to undertake during the forthcoming financial year. For example, the King George V playing field located off Church Road is considered to be a high priority and the budget for 2006/7 made provision for a number of improvements.
The Council is largely self-regulating but must abide by the Code of Conduct and it’s own agreed Standing Orders. An internal and external Audit is made each year on the Council’s financial management and the outcome published. All meetings are open to the Public and Minutes of the Meetings are made available. In a case of mal-administration, the Council can be referred to the TDBC Parish Liaison Officer and/or the Standards Board for England. The Standards Board has the power to undertake an investigation and, where a complaint has been upheld, can take action, which is usually in the form of suspension.