5.1   Braintree District Council will consult Parish/Town Councils on those issues which are likely to directly affect their area.

5.2   Braintree District Council will build early consultation into plans for statutory policy & strategy development, ideally allowing 12 weeks (but a minimum of 8 weeks), for written consultation where possible and where not possible giving the reasons why.

(For example Braintree District Council has to comply with statutory requirements and Government targets for consultation on planning issues (See Appendix A for specific arrangements for consultation on planning issues).

5.3   Parish/Town Councils will endeavour to take part in consultation exercises and respond within the given period. Parish/Town Councils will notify Braintree District Council if there is to be a late response when its not possible to respond within the timescale.

5.4   Briefing sessions or workshops will be held for groups of Parish /Town Councils on complex consultation issues.

5.6   All Parish/Town clerks will be given access to Agendas for Cabinet, Area Committees prior to the meetings. Reports to these meetings will be available by email and the Braintree District Council’s Website.

5.6   Parish/Town Councils will send copies of Parish Agendas and papers to Braintree District Council Ward Councillors.

5.7   Officers and Councillors of Braintree District Council will be given the opportunity to speak at Parish/Town Council meetings on matters of mutual interest if invited by the Parish/Town Council.

5.8   Parish/Town Council representatives will be given the opportunity to speak at Braintree District Council Area Committee meetings on matters of mutual interest.

5.9   Parish/Town Councils and Braintree District Council will work in partnership to seek the views of residents on issues of common interest.