Great Dawley Parish Council

The role of the Chairman

• Is elected annually by the council¹, as the first business of the Annual  Meeting² and a declaration of acceptance of office of Chairman is signed at the meeting the Chairman is elected³.
• If present, the chairman must preside at the meeting⁴ of the council and sign minutes of previous meetings⁵.
• Is a team leader who efficiently and effectively manages the meetings within standing orders and policies.
• Responsible for ensuring that all councillors are involved in debates and discussions, and with the clerk’s assistance, that lawful decisions are made.
• Summarises debates and ensures that voting is fair; in the event of a tied vote, has a casting vote⁶, except for a ballot.
• As the public face of the Council represents the Council. All views expressed to the public and press are those of the Council as a whole.
• Is entitled to a Chairman’s allowance⁷, for civic duties and activities undertaken in the role of Chairman.
• May call an extraordinary meeting at any time⁸, and also a parish meeting.
• The Chairman cannot legally make decisions on behalf of the council.
• A resignation of the Chairman must be given in written notice to the council, not the clerk⁹.

1. Local Government Act 1972 s15 (1)
2. Local Government Act 1972 s 15 (2)
3. Local Government Act 1972 s 83
4. Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12 para 11
5. Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12 para 41
6. Local Government Act 1972 s 15 (3) and Local Government Act Schedule 12 s 39 (2).
7. Local Government Act 1972 s 15 (5)
8. Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12 para 9
9. Local Government Act 1972 s 84

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