EPPING TOWN COUNCIL

THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

This meeting must occur each spring in every parish throughout the country and this year it will be held on Friday 16 March.   Its purpose is to give townspeople a chance to discuss (between themselves in a formal setting) any matter of local importance. 

The Annual Town Meeting is not a Council Meeting. although it is a legal duty for the Town Council to make arrangements to hold the meeting and carry any cost.   The Mayor must (if available) chair the meeting and may pass resolutions, however such resolutions are not, in most circumstances, binding on the town council (or any other body).  Of course, depending on the numbers involved in the meeting, the formal views of the public meeting may be viewed as an expression of public will.

Only Epping town residents have a right to participate in the town meeting.   A register is made of those in attendance and the Chairman will request the identity of anyone wishing to speak.  Councillors present at the meeting do not need to respond to every question but may wish to respond to matters directly relating to their councils. 

A copy of this year's report will be available shortly.