Part 4Parishes

Chapter 1Parishes

I176Appointed councillors

1

The Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70) is amended as follows.

2

In section 15 (chairman and vice-chairman of parish council)—

a

in subsection (1) after “from among the” insert “ elected ”;

b

in subsection (6) for “a member” substitute “ one of the elected members ”.

3

In section 16 (parish councillors), in subsection (1) after “number of” insert “ elected ”.

4

After section 16 insert—

16AAppointed councillors

1

A parish council may appoint persons to be councillors of the council.

2

The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about—

a

the appointment of persons under this section;

b

the holding of office after appointment under this section.

3

The regulations may, in particular, make provision about any of the following matters—

a

persons who may be appointed;

b

the number of persons who may be appointed;

c

the term of office of persons appointed;

d

the right of persons appointed to participate in decision-making by the council (including voting);

e

purposes for which a person appointed is to be treated as an elected councillor;

f

the filling of vacancies.

4

In exercising a function under or by virtue of this section a parish council must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State about the exercise of that function.

5

A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.