a. Role of the Chair

A council must have a Chair of the Council, elected by members as the first item of business at its Annual Meeting. Unless they resign or become disqualified in the meantime, the Chair will hold office until the following annual meeting.

Where a parish council has resolved that it will have the status of a town, the Chair will be entitled to the style of Town Mayor.

 
If present, the Chair must preside over meetings. Their role is to ensure that meetings run in a democratic and lawful fashion, that all business is properly considered and all councillors who wish to speak can do so. It is good practice for the Chair to refer to the clerk for advice. 

The Chair has no individual powers, other than being able to call a meeting of the parish council at any time, and to give a casting vote in the event of an equality of votes.  Additionally, they can convene a Parish Meeting, even though these are not council meetings. If in attendance at a parish meeting, they must preside.

 
The Council Chair often enjoys a special relationship with the public, especially in a town where they are also the Mayor. It is often the Chair who leads the Annual Town or Parish Meeting, opens the fête, or welcomes official visitors from abroad. This is one reason why the Chair can receive an allowance to support this important public role.

Where councillors, clerk and the Chair work together as a team, they combine knowledge and skills to deliver real benefits to the community they serve. Good working relationships, mutual respect and an understanding of their different roles are vital. Conflict between these key players, especially during meetings in front of the press or public can damage the council