Public update: Meeting of Electors ("Parish Meeting")

Southwater Parish Council has received eight requests from residents asking for a Parish Meeting, also known as a Meeting of Electors, to discuss matters relating to The Ghyll.

Subject to validation that the requests have been made by local government electors for Southwater parish, this appears to meet the statutory threshold for a Parish Meeting. The Council recognises the statutory process and is working to make the necessary arrangements as soon as reasonably practicable.

By way of context, the Annual Parish Meeting was held recently on 28 May 2026 at The Ghyll. Information relating to Annual Parish Meetings remains available on the Council’s website:

https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/annual-parish-meetings

https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/post/southwater-annual-parish-meeting-gets-a-fresh-new-format

The Annual Parish Meeting provided an opportunity for residents to attend, hear updates, ask questions and engage with local community groups. The Council understands, however, that residents have now requested a further Parish Meeting under the statutory process, and the Council will respond to that request in accordance with the relevant requirements.

A Parish Meeting is a meeting of electors. It is not a council meeting. At least seven clear days’ public notice must be given, and the notice must specify the time, place and business to be transacted. A Parish Meeting cannot start earlier than 6pm.

The Council is currently checking the practical arrangements required. These include venue suitability and availability, Chairman/councillor availability, keyholder arrangements, officer and staffing availability for an evening meeting outside normal office hours and normal working arrangements, safety arrangements, and appropriate arrangements for chairing and managing the meeting.

The Council is currently short-staffed and is managing exceptional levels of correspondence, including formal information requests. This may affect how quickly arrangements can be finalised. However, the Council will arrange the meeting as soon as practically possible and in accordance with statutory requirements.

The Council remains committed to open, respectful and constructive public engagement. Any meeting must be safe, orderly and properly managed.

Note that a Parish Meeting cannot compel the Council to disclose legally privileged advice, confidential legal material, or third-party confidential information.

The Council will confirm the date, time, venue and business to be transacted once arrangements have been finalised.