Community governance review – Witherley

It is clear from the previous stages of consultation that the residents of Ratcliffe Culey see their community as distinct and would like a governance arrangement which is independent from the current Witherley Parish Council structure.

However, in the second round of consultation, while a parish meeting was the most selected option, it was less clear if this was an accurate representation of residents’ preferences.

We have therefore decided to start a third stage of consultation of Ratcliffe residents only to ensure the final recommendations for their community are made on the clearest possible understanding of local views.

There are two options are being considered for local governance arrangements in Ratcliffe Culey, a parish council or a parish meeting.

The information below explains the differences between the two options.

A parish council

A parish council for Ratcliffe Culey would consist of five elected councillors, which is the legal minimum, to represent the residents of Ratcliffe Culey on local matters.

The parish council would take on responsibilities currently undertaken by Witherley Parish Council, including commenting on planning applications, managing any local assets or services transferred to it, maintaining certain local amenities and public spaces, and working with other councils and organisations on issues affecting the community.

The councillors would make decisions at public meetings and would be supported by a clerk. The council would have legal powers to own assets, enter into contracts, employ staff and must raise a parish precept through council tax to fund its activities and services.

A parish meeting

A parish meeting is a gathering of local electors (people who are registered to vote), rather than an elected council.

All registered electors in Ratcliffe Culey would be able to attend the meeting, held at least once a year, to speak and vote on matters affecting the community. The meeting is led by a chair elected by those present at the meeting.

Like a parish council, the parish meeting must also hold an annual parish meeting between 1 March and 1 June every year.

The parish meeting has fewer powers than a parish council but can still play an active role in local governance. It can discuss local issues, make representations to other authorities, support community initiatives, and act as a voice for the community.

It may also raise a precept to fund community initiatives. It may appoint a clerk and, in certain circumstances, exercise additional powers or make arrangements for local services or assets to be managed on the community’s behalf.

However, unlike a parish council, its legal powers are more limited, and it generally cannot exercise the full range of powers available to a parish council.

Have your say in the third stage of Witherley's review

Last updated: ‎05/10/2026 09:43