PARISH COUNCILS form the tier of local government closest to the communities they represent. They have surprisingly wide discretionary powers, but very small budgets available to exercise them. Unitary authorities such as ours (Westmorland and Furness) are the higher tier.
Many of our local residents will know that Chris Johnson retired as our Parish Clerk in September after 38 years doing a superb job for us. We found a new clerk, but unfortunately after just six months she has resigned, for a variety of reasons. We thank her for her service.
The job of parish clerk is more complex than most people realise, requiring a wide range of knowledge and skills about the law, finance, administrative processes, policies and much else. A parish council, as a local authority, cannot function without a parish clerk. Finding a new permanent clerk will not be a quick and easy matter, as we require someone with the training and experience as well as being either resident on Alston Moor or living near enough to be able to come here at least one day each week.
We are very grateful that we have been able to appoint, through a specialist agency, a locum (temporary) clerk – someone who has a great deal of experience and knowledge and will do everything that is needed until we have a new permanent clerk. However, she is not local as our permanent clerk will need to be, and so for now we will be managing parish council meetings with her being on Zoom. She will be undertaking all the tasks of our previous clerks and will help us to find a new permanent clerk.
ALSTON MOOR PARISH COUNCIL covers the easternmost part of Cumbria, high in the North Pennines, bordering Northumberland and County Durham. Its eastern position, isolated from the main part of the unitary authority, is reflected in its inclusion in both the diocese of Newcastle, and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We have 15 Councillors representing three wards: eight Alston Councillors, four from Nenthead and three from Garrigill. The Council is also the sole trustee of Alston Town Hall, and Councillors are trustees for the Fairhill Estate Charity. Although some Parish Councils have politically-affiliated Councillors, this is unusual in our area and has never been the case on Alston Moor – our Councillors all sit as independents. They are elected in May every fourth year, for a four year term. Alston Moor Councillors do not usually claim expenses, although limited expenses can be legally permitted, for example if travel outside the Parish is required.
The Parish Council normally meets in Alston, Garrigill or Nenthead at 7pm/19:00 on the first Monday of the month, although bank holidays may upset this schedule, with the meeting usually happening a week later. The agenda is posted on the website, on noticeboards and in the three post offices. The public is entitled, and very welcome, to attend meetings. There is always a slot on the agenda for local residents to address the Council briefly, to ask or answer any questions on any item on the agenda.
The Parish Council acts as a consultee and lobbying force with our unitary council, Westmorland & Furness Council (WAFC), putting forward the interests of the community. We also take a lead in furthering local interests in all aspects of life on Alston Moor. In many less conspicuous ways, in exerting influence on all sorts of other bodies, the Parish Council acts as a spokesperson and torchbearer for the people of Alston Moor.
Westmorland & Furness Council is responsible for planning matters, although the Parish Council is consulted and given the opportunity to comment. The final decision is made by WAFC.
The list of the Statutory Spending Powers of Parish Councils gives examples of things that Parish Councils can do, and reference to the legislation that provides the power to act (including spending money). Parish Councils may be granted an extension to these powers, the ‘General Power of Competence’ status, which enables them to carry out any activities an individual may legally do.
WAFC raises their income through Council Tax, business rates, fees and charges and Central Government. Parish Councils, however, receive no money from Central Government and receive no contribution from business rates. They are funded by levying a precept on local residents, collected with the Council Tax.
Councillors Declarations of Interest are posted on WAFC website.
Alston Fitness Club
Tyne Willows Management Board
Staffing Committee
Alston Moor Partnership representative
Staffing Committee
Alston Fitness Club
Tree Warden
Alston Moor Emergency Response Group
NWAS Alston Moor Working Group
Alston Moor Traffic Management - Garrigill representative
Staffing Committee
Alston Moor Emergency Response Group
Alston Area Planning Group
Alston Moor Community Transport
Staffing Committee
Staffing Committee
Traffic Management - Alston representative
Alston Moor Research & Development Group representative
Alston Moor Emergency Response Group
Staffing Committee
NWAS Alston Moor Working Group
Alston Moor Emergency Response Group
Alston Moor Traffic Management Group
Staffing Committee
Tree Warden
Staffing Committee
Tyne Willows Management Board
Alston Moor Parish Council, Alston Town Hall,
Front Street, Alston CA9 3RF
You can get in touch here;
Tel: 01434 382076
email: clerk@alstonmoor.org