Who are Hoxne's Parish Councillors?

Parish Councils are the smallest unit of local government and the closest to their electors. Councillors are elected and work to support and improve the area they represent. Hoxne Parish Council currently has 10 Councillors and one vacancy. Councillors are elected for a period of four years. The next election will take place in 2027.

Chairman - Chris Parkin

Vice Chairman - Paul Ellis

Councillor - Caroline Abbott

Councillor - Angus Herron

Councillor - Richard Kraszewski

Councillor - Marie Lagerberg

Councillor - Bryn Lerwill

Councillor - Jason Middleton

Councillor - Margaret Sillis

Councillor - Pasco Warner

Parish Clerk - Ginny O'Hegarty 07594 657416 (during office hours only)

Register of Interest forms can be viewed on the Mid Suffolk District Council website.

How often does the Parish Council meet?

The Council meets every month usually on the first Thursday of the month either at the Village Hall or the Playingfield Pavilion. Occasionally extraordinary meetings may also be called if there is an issue which needs to be dealt with between meetings.

There is also an Annual Parish Meeting which usually takes place in May. This is an open meeting for all electors of Hoxne and an opportunity to ask questions about matters relating to the village.

Do Councillors get paid?

No, Councillors are volunteers although they can claim travel expenses if they attend meetings outside the parish.

Why do people become Councillors?

People usually become Councillors because they care about their community and want to give something back.

What does the Parish Council do?

The Parish Council is responsible for setting the precept. This is money that the Council receives to cover the cost of the services it provides and any staff costs. The precept is one element of the Council Tax householders pay. The Council employs a Clerk to oversee its day-to-day affairs.

The Council is consulted on planning applications within the village.

The Council is responsible for some property in the village including the village sign and notice boards, the dog and litter bins.

The Council acts as a link with other local government organisations such as Mid Suffolk Dustrict Council and Suffolk County Council.

The Council manages its own website to provide information about the Council, its meetings and useful contacts.

What is the Clerk's role?

The role of the Clerk is varied. The Clerk manages the day-to-day affairs of the Council including the Council's financial affairs. Responsibilities include organising meetings, dealing with correspondence and acting as a point of contact for members of the public and other organisations. The Clerk may also carry out functions formally delegated by the Council, such as reporting highways issues. The Clerk provides impartial advice and guidance to Councillors to enable them to make decisions and to ensure that current legislation is complied with. The Clerk also researches matters brought to the attention of the Council and ensures that all the information required by Councillors is made available to them. 

What happens at Parish Council meetings?

Parish councils make decisions on a variety of issues including planning, highways and finance. All decisions are required to be minuted to provide a true and accurate record of the meeting. Once the minutes have been approved they are signed by the Chairman and cannot be changed.

Could the agendas be published in the newsletter?

No, agendas are usually only published 3 working days before a meeting and are advertised on the village notice boards and Parish Council website. Only matters which have been included on the agenda can be discussed at meetings, which is why agendas are not published too far in advance.

Can members of the public attend Parish Council meetings?

Yes, Parish Council meetings are open to members of the public but members of the public are not permitted to address the Council during the meeting. The Council holds a public session towards the beginning of each meeting to give residents an opportunity to talk to Councillors about any items on the agenda or any concerns they may have. 15 minutes is set aside at the start of each meeting for this, although this can be extended if necessary.

How can I become a Councillor?

Do you want to support your community and help to improve it? Are you prepared to work with other Councillors to make decisions? Are you able to be objective and represent the needs of the whole community? If you want to become a Councillor, contact the Clerk who will notify you if a casual vacancy arises because a councillor has resigned or put your name forward at the next Council election. Elections will be advertised on the notice board and in the Village Voice newsletter.