Powers of General Competence

Doddinghurst Parish Council, having become eligible, resolved to adopt the Power of General Competence in July 2012 and renewed this resolution in every election since: 2016 and 2020.

• The general power of competence is a statutory power of first resort that enables Local Councils to do anything that individuals generally may do and is found in the Localism Act 2011 S 1-84 .

• To be eligible two criteria must be met:

• Have an electoral mandate of at least two thirds.

• Have an appropriately qualified clerk.

Once eligible the Council may adopt the power at any meeting of its full council. The council must confirm and minute it remains eligible at a relevant annual council meeting.