Vision, Aims and Objectives

1. Vision

Our vision is that through our work, in partnership with the local community, we will be able to protect and improve the social, recreational and environmental well-being of the parish and the lives of all who live, visit or work there.

2. Aims

Our aims, within the means of the council, are to:

• provide effective, efficient and accountable local government for residents of the parish in accordance with statutory requirements
• listen to and value the opinions of all residents so that we can understand their needs and concerns and seek ways in which we can help
• enable residents to be involved in decision making and future developments which will affect their environment or lives
• represent residents’ and business views to local councils and others
• protect and improve both the built and natural environment
• seek the best financial value in everything that we do
• provide high quality amenities and services for residents
• keep residents informed about local issues and the work undertaken by us
• be open and transparent in all aspects of our work

3. Objectives

Our objectives are to:

• hold regular parish council meetings and an Annual Parish Council Meeting (APCM) to which the public are invited
• provide a public forum at every parish council meeting in order to increase public involvement in the work of the council
• work in partnership with other statutory bodies, voluntary groups, agencies and individuals to ensure a high standard of amenities and services which meet the needs of our residents
• respond on time to relevant consultation documents including submitting the parish council’s views on planning applications, ensuring that responses are in line with local policy and are in the best interests of our residents
• work with neighbouring councils to review and update the joint Wootton and St Helen Without Neighbourhood Plan
• work with the local authority and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to guide sustainable development and preserve the character of the area
• maintain and improve local amenities including the parish-owned Sandleigh Road Recreation Ground
• set the precept each year following a review of parish expenditure and financial demands for the year ahead
• maintain transparent and accountable records of expenditure
• consider requests for practical help or applications for grants from charities and voluntary organisations working in the parish
• publish agendas of upcoming parish council meetings and the minutes of these meetings on our parish notice boards and website
• produce an Annual Report to be delivered to every residence in the parish
• provide information about local and parish council activities on the parish website
• review what we do and take up training and development opportunities in order to continue to develop the way we work.