We are very lucky to have Lynne Cockerton as our Parish Clerk. Despite the modest title, Lynne’s role is very important and quite wide ranging, keeping the Councillors in line and making sure everything is done correctly!
Key Responsibilities
- Legal Advisor to the Council
- The Clerk ensures the council acts within its legal powers.
- Advises councillors on governance, procedures, and compliance with laws and policies.
- Meeting Administration
- Prepares agendas and supporting papers.
- Takes and publishes minutes of council meetings.
- Ensures decisions are followed through.
- Finance & Budget Management
- Acts as our Responsible Financial Officer (RFO).
- Manages the budget, payments, and audits.
- Prepares financial reports and precept (council tax demand).
- Communications and Correspondence
- Handles all correspondence, including public queries.
- Record Keeping
- Maintains parish records, registers, policies, and legal documents.
- Ensures data protection and document retention compliance.
The Parish Clerk is the only paid employee of the council, is politically neutral and serves the whole council, not individual councillors.
In summary, Lynne is the professional backbone of our Parish Council, ensuring our decisions are lawful, our finances are sound and our actions are implemented efficiently.
