Startforth Parish Council
Our policies and procedures
The Parish Council is governed by many rules and regulations.
Some of the policies and procedures are set by legislation, others are determined by the Council itself.
Standing Orders
Standing Orders are the written rules of a local council. They are used to confirm a council's internal organisation, administrative and procurement procedures and procedural matters for doing council business. They are not the same of the policies of the Council, but they may refer to them.
A copy of the Standing Orders can be viewed and downloaded by selecting the button.
Financial Regulations
The Council has adopted Financial Regulations alongside its Standing Orders. Startforth Parish Council adopted new Financial Regulations in June 2024.
A copy of the Financial Regulations can be viewed and downloaded by selecting the button.
Planning Applications Policy
The Parish Council receives all planning applications relating to Startforth which are submitted to the Planning Authority — Durham County Council. The Parish Council's Planning Applications Policy sets out how such applications are dealt with.
A copy of the Planning Applications Policy can be viewed and downloaded by selecting the button.
Councillors' Code of Conduct
On first taking up their role with the Parish Council, all councillors sign up to a Code of Conduct.
A copy of the Code of Conduct can be viewed and downloaded by selecting the button.
Grant Awarding Policy
The Parish Council awards grants, at its discretion, to organisations which can demonstrate a clear need for financial support to benefit the parish by: providing a service, enhancing the quality of life, improving recreation and/or sports, improving the environment or promoting the parish in a positive way.
Funds available are limited and guidance can be given to applicants as to how much money is likely to be available in a specific financial year.
A copy of the Grant Awarding Policy can be viewed and downloaded by selecting the button. A copy of the application form is also available to download.
Publication Scheme
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the council must publish certain information about the council. Startforth Parish Council's Publication Scheme details what information is available, how it can be accessed and what charge, if any, applies.
A copy of the Publication Scheme can be viewed and downloaded by selecting the button.
Members' Allowances Scheme
Standardised basic allowances and travel and subsistence allowances for parish councillors have been recommended by the Independent Remuneration Panel to apply across County Durham.
A report from County Durham Association of Local Councils is available to download, as is a report from the Independent Remuneration Panel meeting held on 24 October 2018.
The Parish Council's Members' Allowances Scheme can be viewed and downloaded by selecting the button.
Public participation
Each meeting of Startforth Parish Council includes an agenda item 'Public Participation. Further information about this item, and how you could participate, can be viewed and downloaded by selecting the button.
Other policies
The following policies are self-explanatory from their titles and can be viewed and downloaded by selecting the relevant button.