Members of the community who want the Parish Council to consider a new idea, take action on a suggestion, or tackle a problem or concern, could get the chance to make their case in person in future.
As things stand, residents aren’t allowed to speak at a Council meeting unless the matter they want to raise is on a meeting agenda – an agenda which is set by the Council. But a proposal to change to a rule that governs how the village’s Council meetings are conducted would give Histon & Impington residents the right to speak formally at meetings and have their position recorded in the minutes.
This proposed amendment to the rules – which are known as ‘standing orders’ – is being put forward by Chair Denis Payne. If endorsed by Councillors, this would bring the village into line with other Councils, including South Cambridgeshire District Council.
Denis told HI HUB: “Members of the public can already make representations, answer questions and give evidence at Council meetings, but only if this relates to an item that is on the agenda set by Councillors. By removing this restriction I hope we can improve community engagement and respond more effectively to the people who elected us.
“If agreed, this would allow residents to ask questions or raise topics at the start of meetings. It’s a small change – but an important one as currently there is no means for the public to formally raise an issue or concern with the Council.”
This proposal will be made at the next meeting of the full Histon &Impington Parish Council on 16 January, but however Councillors vote on this, the rules will remain as before for this meeting.
Money month
Other key decisions to be taken at the meeting will relate to income and expenditure for 2023/4. The Finance and Governance Committee is proposing a 2.86% increase in the element of Council Tax that can be spent by the Parish Council. This would mean residents in Band D properties paying £123.27 for direct use by the village in 2023/4, compared with £119.94 this year.
Other items on the agenda include HI Friends request for £17,500 towards the cost of the Wellbeing Team. Connections Bus Youth Work is also asking the council to consider funding request for £25,575 for youth work provision in the village.
The next meeting of the full Parish Council will take place on Monday 16 January in the Community Room on the Rec, starting at 7.30pm. All Histon & Impington residents are invited to attend to listen to the debates, and any resident wishing to address the meeting on these or any other agenda item can speak at the meeting. For full details, see the agenda here. To speak at the meeting, contact the office to request a slot. Email clerk@hisimp-pc.gov.uk