Overview
Brixworth Parish Council meetings take place at the Community Centre & Library on Spratton Road. Attendees should enter via the side door; access through the main entrance can be arranged by contacting the Parish Clerk.
Meeting agendas are available on the Meetings Documents page.
- Full Council Meetings: Held on the last Thursday of each month at 7:30pm.
- Planning Committee: Meets every three weeks at 7:30pm.
- Finance and Personnel Committees: Convene quarterly or as needed, with advance notice provided via our website, social media, and notice boards.
Meeting dates are listed on the Events page. Please check for updates before attending, as schedules may change to accommodate Council business. Extraordinary meetings may also be called when urgent matters arise.
How Brixworth Parish Council Makes Decisions
Brixworth Parish Council is committed to openness, transparency and accountability. All decisions are made in accordance with legislation, our Standing Orders, and the principles of good governance.
Decision‑Making Framework
Full Council
The Full Council is the main decision‑making body. It meets regularly throughout the year, on the last Thursday of the Month (except August), to:
- Set the strategic direction of the parish
- Approve policies, budgets, spending and major projects
- Consider matters raised by residents
- Make decisions that affect the whole community
The Council can only make decisions on items that appear on the published agenda. This ensures transparency and allows residents to know what will be discussed. Agendas are available on our website and notice board at the Community Centre.
Committees and Working Groups
Some responsibilities are delegated to committees such as:
- Planning Committee
- Finance Committee
- Personnel Committee
Committees meet separately and make decisions within their delegated powers. Their agendas and minutes are also published on the website.
Working groups may be formed to explore specific issues, but they cannot make decisions. They report back to Full Council or a committee.
Agendas
Agendas are published on the website and parish noticeboards at least three clear days before each meeting, as required by law. They include:
- The date, time and location of the meeting
- The business to be transacted
- Any supporting documents where appropriate
Minutes
Minutes are a legal record of decisions made. They include:
- Attendance
- Declarations of interest
- Resolutions and voting outcomes
- Actions agreed
Draft minutes are published promptly and approved at the next meeting.
How the Public Can Observe or Take Part
Brixworth Parish Council encourages residents to be involved in local democracy. All meetings are open to the public unless confidential matters must be discussed. Full Council and Committee meeting invites are also posted on our social media channels.
Attending Meetings
Residents are welcome to attend any Full Council or committee meeting to observe how decisions are made. Seating is provided for members of the public.
Public Open Forum
Every meeting includes a Public Open Forum, where residents may:
- Ask questions
- Raise concerns
- Comment on agenda items
- Share ideas or information
The Chairman manages this session to ensure fairness and order. Councillors may respond immediately or refer the matter for future consideration.
Confidential (Exempt) Items
While the Council conducts the vast majority of its business in public, there are occasions where certain matters must be considered in confidence. This is permitted under the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960.
A meeting will only move into confidential session when required to discuss information such as:
- Personal data relating to staff or individual residents
- Employment matters
- Legal advice or ongoing legal proceedings
- Commercially sensitive information (e.g., tenders, contracts, negotiations)
- Matters where publicity would prejudice the public interest
Before entering a confidential session, the Council must pass a formal resolution to exclude the press and public. This is recorded in the minutes.
Agendas will indicate when a confidential item exists, but details are not published. Minutes will record the decision made, but sensitive information is withheld to comply with data protection and legal requirements.
Submitting Questions in Advance
Residents who cannot attend may submit questions or statements to the Clerk. These can be read out during the Public Open Forum or referred to councillors for a written response.
Annual Parish Meeting
Once a year, the Council hosts the Annual Parish Meeting, which is a meeting of the electors of Brixworth. It provides an opportunity to:
- Hear reports on parish activities
- Celebrate local achievements
- Raise issues directly with councillors
- Engage with community groups and organisations
All residents are invited to attend and participate.
Engaging With Local Democracy
Residents can engage with the Council in several ways:
- Attend meetings throughout the year
- Read agendas and minutes published on the website
- Respond to consultations and surveys
- Contact councillors with questions or ideas
- Follow updates on the website and noticeboards
- Stand for election or express interest in co‑option when vacancies arise
The Council is committed to ensuring that local people have every opportunity to understand how decisions are made and to take part in shaping the future of the parish.
