How CPC Fixes Minutes - Cardinham Parish Council Exposed

Cardinham Parish Council Fixes Minutes

Minutes; - A public record of every lawful decision of a Council.. They are required by law. After CPC certifies its minutes are true, it lets us Parishioners see them

	1) CPC produces Draft Minutes but keeps them secret. The Clerk records the meeting and writes Draft Minutes for Councillors eyes only So Parishioners can't check if there are any errors or ommissions

	2) CPC certifies them itself at the next meeting. Now they cannot be changed. And by law they are admissible as evidence.

	3) CPC uses a legal loophole to keep drafts secret. You can’t ask for Drafts until they're written (X days after meeting) Then you make a FOIA request for them. (Y days more) Then CPC can wait up to 20 days before it gives them to you. X+Y+20 days takes you past the next meeting. Hard Luck!!! ICO Complaints Officer says it’s legal. - Well done CPC

	4) ICO guidance recommends publishing drafts: - a) They are documents supporting the Agenda. b) They record a public meeting, so are not confidential. c) They are circulated in preparation for the meeting. d) Publication shows openness and informs parishioners

	5) Many other Councils do publish Draft Minutes. Its an excellent idea. Parishioners know whats its Council is doing in a few days
	To avoid confusion they stamp them "DRAFT"

	6) Why doesn't CPC publish Draft Minutes? You won't believe this! They say they might be altered!!!

	7) So there you are you 8000 Parish Councils You can make sure your minutes say what you want them to. By law, they are unchallengable. Just don't let Parishioners see the Draft Minutes - it might confuse them.