Council News

The Mayor of Chard invites you to join him for the
 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING at
The Guildhall

Tuesday 1^st May 2018

From 7.00 pm

All Parish and Town Councils throughout England are required by law to hold an Annual Parish Meeting. The Annual Parish Meeting is a meeting of all the local government electors for the Parish. It is not a Meeting of the Parish Council.

Members of the public (including the press) are welcome at the meeting but the only persons entitled to speak and vote are the persons registered as local government electors for the parish.

Purpose of the Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting is an excellent opportunity for electors to have their say on anything they consider is important to the people of the Town.

The Mayor will read his annual report and Chard Town Council’s annual report, in its entirety, will be on display on will be on display. There will be a Police Report and update.

Any registered elector may ask questions of the Council, which will usually be answered by the Mayor, the Clerk to the Council, or a designated Councillor.

An elector may also make suggestions and comment on anything pertinent to the people of Chard. This is very much welcomed.

The Mayor will be also be awarding cheques to his nominated Charities for the funds he has raised on their behalf throughout the year. Details of successful community groups, who were awarded grants from Chard Town Council’s Community Development Fund, will be given with all recipients welcome at the meeting to give brief presentations.

As always at the Annual Parish Meeting we will be honoured to give out the Mayors award and Outstanding Citizen’s Awards to local residents of Chard who have contributed to the town in some outstanding way.

Refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting.

South Somerset District Council is warning residents to be aware of Council Tax scammers who may offer you deals to reduce monthly payments or reduce your banding.

Council Tax scammers are very prevalent at the moment due to bills recently being delivered to residents across the district.

One current scam that has been bought to the district council’s attention is from a resident who received a visit from someone claiming to be from Somerset County Council who demanded payment of £150 to lower their Council Tax band. Please note this person is not a representative of South Somerset District Council or Somerset County Council.

Tax bands are set by the Valuation Office Agency and can only be changed under certain conditions. Details can be found at www.gov.uk/council-tax-appeals. You will not be charged for the service.

Ian Potter, Revenues Manager at South Somerset District Council said, “Many scams are highlighted to the Council and we try to inform residents when they are brought to our attention because ultimately it’s you, the resident, who may lose out.

“If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax bill and need help, speak with a member of the Council Tax Team on 01935 462462 who will be able to offer help and advice”.

If you are unsure of who you are talking to and instinct tells you something is not quite right, ask to see a means of official identification or call 01935 462462 and check with a customer advisor whether the name of the person who called on you is genuine.

If you have given over personal details, we would advise you to call the Police straight away on 101 and report the matter as an identity theft scam. The Police will also direct you to the Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040.

Wessex Water will be closing a section of the chard cycle path between Touches Lane and Chaffcombe Lane on 9th April 2018 for up to three weeks to remove an abandoned pipeline. A diversion will be set up and signposted for the duration of the work.

Any enquiries please contact Wessex Water on 0345 600 4 600.