Our Role and Responsibilities

Hathern Parish Council comprises 7 elected Councilors plus a Parish Clerk and has ownership of a range of public assets in the Parish and plays a vital part in representing the community we serve and in improving the quality of life and the local environment.

In carrying out its duties the Council must ensure that parish business is conducted in accordance with the law and proper standards, and that public money is safeguarded, properly accounted for and used economically, efficiently and effectively. In discharging this accountability the Council is responsible for putting in place and maintaining proper arrangements for the governance of Council affairs and stewardship of the resources at its disposal. To those ends the Council has developed and operates with a set of policies, procedures and monitoring systems, including a strategic plan, financial regulations, budget controls, risk assessment, and standing orders.

Our key responsibilities and associated activities are:

• Setting the annual budget, together with the precept (local rate), to cover the Council's operating costs including expenditure on staff, administration, maintenance, repair and replacement for amenity areas and equipment, grants and capital projects. Annual production of accounts for public accountability. Maintenance, repairs and improvements to parish assets including recreational areas (and associated equipment) and public spaces Initiation and delivery of capital projects to improve the environment and amenities within the village. Management for revenue generating assets including allotment rentals, pitch bookings, lease rentals and burials. Scrutinising and commenting on planning applications within the parish, submitted to the local planning authority, Charnwood Borough Council. Supporting local community, sports, youth groups and societies, including grants where appropriate. Liaison with the local police on crime, anti-social behavior and security issues. Liaison with other local authorities on the maintenance, repair and improvement of highways, drainage, footpaths, cycle-ways, public transport, street cleaning, and conservation matters including trees and listed buildings.
• Investigation and resolution of local problems and complaints received from the community.

The parish assets we are currently responsible for include:

• Recreation Ground Pasture Lane (the home of Hathern Old Cricket Club) and its associated children’s play area and youth soccer pitch, Sports Ground in Pasture Lane (the home of Hathern FC and Hathern Band), Hathern Cemetery (including the War Memorial) and its approach, Allotments on Shepshed Road, The Leys public space, Bus shelters on the A6, Litter and Grit bins around the village streets.
• Wayside seats and benches around the village.