The Town Council operates a committee structure and has delegated certain powers to those committees so that they can undertake the work of the Council. For all committee meetings to proceed a quorum of three councillors is required.
Committees meet according to the agreed schedule, unless an additional meeting is called (known as an extraordinary meeting). Meetings are usually held at Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Town Council offices.
Committee meetings will be open to the press and public in line with legislation. However, a Committee may resolve to exclude the press and public from part or all of the meeting when discussing confidential matters not in the public interest. Each committee meeting allocates 15 minutes prior to consideration of the agenda to allow members of the public to raise any issue relevant to that committee.
Minutes of committee meetings will be produced as soon as possible after the meeting and marked with a DRAFT watermark before being uploaded to this website.
The Finance and Resources Committee is the primary committee of the Town Council and has a membership of eleven councillors. The committee considers the broad economic needs of the towns and the financial position of the Town Council, including managing the portfolio of property. The financial decisions and recommendations of the Committee will impact on the operations of other committees.
The Committee has delegated authority to ensure that the town assets managed by the Council (such as seats, bins, notice boards, flag poles, signage, memorials and other street furniture) are maintained and replaced as necessary within the planned budget of the Committee (other than those in areas controlled by other committees). The Committee ensures that the litter situation throughout the towns (including dog waste) is monitored with regards services provided by our grounds staff and those agreed with the District Council. It takes decisions on the activities undertaken within the Council’s community events programme, including Armed Forces Day, the annual fireworks display or other special celebrations (but not including the civic service or other civic events organised by the Mayor’s office). The Committee will consider the provision of markets within the towns; oversee floral and bedding plant provision; approve any artwork or other aesthetics; monitor CCTV provision and crime and disorder in the towns; maintain and improve amenities; manage the Council’s tourism and destination marketing initiatives.
The Committee has a membership of six councillors and meets four times per year. It oversees the management of three cemeteries. The operational work of the Committee is carried out by the Burial Clerk, who is also the Deputy Clerk to the Council.
The Committee has delegated authority to deal with a number of matters to conclusion, including monitoring the long term direction, use and capacity of the cemeteries; directing the maintenance of the cemeteries, equipment and property within agreed budget; reviewing of the charges levied for the use of the cemeteries and any associated facilities; taking decisions on landscaping and tree management in consultation with an appropriate arboriculturalist; adopting procedures to support the operation of the cemeteries and ensure safety and dignity; ensuring adherence to the rules and regulations pertaining to interments and memorials; ensuring that correct and full records of burials and cremation plots are complete and maintained.
The Committee has a membership of seven councillors and has delegated authority to deal with the administration, maintenance and use of the Princess Theatre & Arts Centre and its equipment; to consider the provision of new or replacement equipment or furniture within budget; setting of fees and conditions of use, provision of equipment by users of all areas of the facility; liaison with community organisations that have an interest in the theatre or entertainment facilities in the town. The Committee is advised by the Princess Business Development Officer.
The Committee has delegated authority to consider and comment on all planning applications sent for consultation from Sedgemoor District Council. It can delegate to Officers, in consultation with the Chairman or Deputy Chairman, to respond on minor, non-contentious applications. The Committee makes recommendations on requests for street naming and highways signage; deals with requests for consultation responses for street trading licenses and deals with matters pertaining to Licensing Acts. It considers and resolves issues affecting roads, highways, development, environment or relating to planning matters upon which the Town Council is consulted or in which to the Town Council has an interest; responds to all Major strategic planning applications subsequent to comment by the Town Council and outline permission having been granted by the Planning Authority; considers and responds to consultation on Local Plans, Waste and Mineral Plans.