Parish Councils are the first rung of Local Government. They were set up in the 1890s to provide local services which had been previously the domain of the Church.
As a result we are the most accessible port of call for residents, and we aim to respond to their needs based on the local knowledge of our Councillors.
How does Council operate
As a relatively small Council, Brancaster PC makes its decisions through Full Council meetings, rather than Committees.
All Full Council meetings are open to the Public, and the agenda and minutes are all available on this website. There is a Public Participation item on the agenda to allow for comments from residents.
It has advisory working groups, who are listed elsewhere to assist the smooth running of Council. No powers are delegated to these, so recommendations are made to Full Council.
Some local groups ask that they have a Council representative – these are also listed in the document below.
Current groups and reps – 6/8/2024
The Clerk has a set of delegated powers to allow them to perform their job without constant reference back to Council – these include limited spending, responses to planning applications, press comments etc. and are listed in full on the Policies page.
Mission Statement
Our standing orders (updated 2024) state:
Brancaster Parish Council aims to:
- exercise such powers and duties are laid upon it by statute, by these rules, and agreed delegation from Norfolk County Council or the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.
- protect, enhance and promote the environment of the area of the Parish Council, and to promote the collective interests and well-being of all residents, organisations and businesses of the Parish of Brancaster.
- make representations to King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, Norfolk County council, and any other Statutory Body or Public Utility on matters affecting the residents of Brancaster Parish.
- work collaboratively with other local councils where it will enhance our efforts in the areas above.
- stimulate and foster support for approved policies of Council.
This is wide remit, and we encourage residents to help us with this by supporting our efforts, and drawing our attention to areas where we could improve.
Support for External Organisations
As well as our local role, Council supports external groups which represent a variety of relevant causes. This can be through direct support, adjusting our policies and practices to make a difference, or simply stating our support for their aims, as part of our wider commitment to living in a civilised society.
Such organisations include:
- the White Ribbon Scheme – dedicated to ending violence again women and girls. White Ribbon – BPC page
- Everyone has the Right to Play – awaiting certificate.
