Historic Perspective

Traceable roots of the Town Council include a commemorative stone plaque on the gable end of a property in School Yard which testifies - “This entrance to the cattle market made by order of the Town Council August 1852 J.P. Everard Esq. Mayor”.

Another reference to the earlier Town Council can be found beneath the “Pillar of Salt” traffic sign on the Angel Hill (pictured right), which was designed by Basil Oliver, “Architect to The Bury St Edmunds Town Council”, 1935.

Accountability and Funding

The Town Council is publicly accountable through its meetings and published documents.  It is principally funded through Council Tax precept with its financial position being subject to independent internal and external audits.  Total operating funding for 2011/12 is £198,355 (including £188,585 raised by precept).  Click here to download the budget for 2011/12.  In 2005 it became recognised as a Quality Town Council, confirming compliance with standards set by the National Association of Local Councils and other government bodies.

Organisation Structure

The Town Council comprises 17 Councillors representing nine Wards of the Town, each elected to hold office for four years.  Elections are next scheduled for 2015 and at intervals of four years thereafter.  The Council has resolved not to use the title of Town Mayor but annually the Councillors elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman and these represent the Council at civic functions and are entitled to wear the Council’s chains of office.

The business of the Council and its decision making is conducted by Full Council or its committees to whom authority to do so has been delegated.  Subordinate Committees have been established to ensure that business can be transacted efficiently and effectively, their recommendations being considered and subject to ratification by Council (except where delegated authority has been given):

• Finance, Policy and Resources Committee
• Planning and Licensing Committee (has delegated powers)
• Staffing and Employment Committee

Click here to download membership details for each committee.

Members represent the Council on external bodies, including:

• Bury in Bloom Committee
• Christmas Fayre Working Group
• Greene King Tenants’ Association
• Guildhall Feoffment Trust
• West Suffolk Local Strategic Partnership
• Suffolk Association of Local Councils
• Safer Neighbourhoods Tasking Meetings

The Council is supported by three members of staff:

• Town Clerk (part-time), having overall accountability for servicing the Council
• Assistant Town Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer (full-time)
• Allotments and Administration Assistant (part-time)

Deriving from internal and external consultation, the following have been determined:

Vision

To be a Town Council that maximises its opportunities to provide its townspeople with relevant services in a manner that is fair, equal, allows community enjoyment and gives value for money.

Mission

To fulfil the statutory and community requirements of the Town Council, working with the community and in partnership.

Aims and Objectives

Bury St Edmunds Town Council has identified the following six aims.  Details of subordinate objectives and the framework for realisation are available on request from the Town Clerk.

Ensure effective engagement with the community

1. Ensure effective engagement with the community
2. Discharge statutory obligations
3. Demonstrate best value
4. Strengthen partnership working
5. Maintain the proficiency of Councillors and members of staff
6. Promote understanding and awareness of the Town Council

Areas of Service

Democracy
Representation of the Town Council at public events; acting as a ‘community voice’ on issues referred for statutory consultation; responding to community needs and expectations.

Planning and Licensing applications
Viewing and commenting upon relevant planning and licensing applications; providing a perspective to the longer-term development of the Town.

Corporate
Operating within the bounds of probity; endeavouring to demonstrate best value; ensuring growth commensurate with demands and resources.

Allotments
Provision of allotments for hire to residents of Bury St Edmunds.  Current plots exist at Cotton Lane, Barn Lane, The Vinefields, Nowton Road and Sicklesmere Road.  Enquiries are ongoing into the potential to obtain additional land.

Nativity Scene
Since April 2007 the annually displayed Nativity Sculpture has been held by the Town Council in trust for the people of Bury St Edmunds.

War Memorials
Since April 2007 the care and management of memorials at Angel Hill and Cornhill have been responsibilities of the Town Council.

Council Offices
Alternative premises in the former offices of St Edmundsbury Borough Council on Angel Hill have been secured to sustain corporate requirements and public interface.

Health and Safety Management
Exercise of devolved powers to provide salt/grit bins at sites in the Town; dog waste and litter bins at 18 locations across the Town in response to residents’ requests and Town Councillor ward inspections.

Financial Forecast
Details can be obtained from the Responsible Financial Officer.