Town Council

Chepstow Town Council Vision 2022-2027

Chepstow Town Council was established in 1974, comprises 19 elected Members and employs 11 members of staff.

It is a statutory body and has a powerful role to play in community governance and, by having the power to precept, can deliver some public services directly as well as having the ability to influence the decisions of other service providers. There is a restricted list of powers that have been vested in Town and Community councils by Acts of Parliament. They are listed here as a guide to Councillors and others. Each description is brief and is intended to be a general indication.

The Schedule of Meetings for the Mayoral Year 2025-2026 can be viewed here.

The Town Council has delegated some functions to six main committees as below.  Each committee’s membership is listed here.

Planning and Administration Committee
Comprises 9 Councillors. Meets twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.
Responsible for:-

  • Making recommendations to Monmouthshire County Council in respect of planning applications.
  • Commenting on planning policy matters.
  • Deciding matters of urgent business requiring action prior to the next Full Council meeting.
  • Planning matters of a strategic or substantial nature having a significant impact on the community to be referred to Full Council

Environment and Amenities Committee
Comprises – 11 Councillors – Meets bi-monthly.
Responsible for:-

  • Town amenities and has the authority to spend within the Council’s approved budgets for Christmas Lighting, Town Publications, Summer play schemes, War Memorials, litter bins, dog bins and environmental projects.

Finance, Policy and Audit Committee
Comprises – 9 Councillors – Meets quarterly
Responsible for:-

  • Focusing attention on all relevant aspect of the Council’s expenditure and investments; engendering interest in all financial matters by all Members; taking on the role of ‘watchdog’ in respect of the Council’s finances; providing an opportunity for more detailed discussion and making recommendations to full Council.
  • Agreeing the Council’s Asset Register, Insurance Schedules, Annual Investment Strategy, Risk Assessment, Lettings Policy and Letting Income.
  • Considering and agreeing Community Grant Funding Applications and other funding requests received up to a limit of £5,000.
  • Authorising expenditure within the Council’s agreed budgets on essential works to the Town Arch, Gatehouse and Old Library Building.

Personnel Committee
Comprises 9 Councillors – Meets quarterly
Responsible for:-

  • Meeting as an interview panel as required making recommendations to Council in respect of permanent Town Council positions.
  • All staffing matters, staff welfare, training and development etc.
  • Wherever possible, trained Members of the Personnel Committee sit on any Grievance/Disciplinary or Appeals Panel appointed by Full Council.

Drill Hall Committee
Comprises 9 Councillors
The committe has delegated powers to:-

  • Provide the residents of Chepstow, its hinterland and visitors to both, with a high-quality community and arts centre and all that that entails;
  • Ensure that the Drill Hall building and its fittings and furnishings are maintained to a standard the complies with all legislation and terms of the lease held with Monmouthshire County Council;
  • Monitor and allocate all spending as identified within the finalised budget – any item not included in the budget that the DHC proposes to spend will be discussed as a recommendation at Full Council;
  • Monitor and exercise control over income and expenditure and all other items relating to bookings;
  • Make decisions with regard to bookings, hire rates and the set up and day to day running of the Drill Hall;
  • Consider all new business opportunities and to apply for any appropriate grants for the use of the Drill Hall.

Complaints Committee / Consultative Committee (Chairs of Committees)
These committees are called as required.

Street Cleansing

In December 2024, the Town Council renewed its partnership agreement with Monmouthshire County Council for 5 years:

“To see an improved street scene within the 7 main wards of Chepstow: Bulwark, Chepstow Castle, Larkfield, Maple Avenue, Mount Pleasant, St Kingsmark and Thornwell”

Principles of the Partnership Agreement

Partnership working between two Councils with a common aim of increasing the street scene of a local area

  • Chepstow Town Council benefits from the operational expertise of Monmouthshire County Council
  • Chepstow Town Council maintains day-to-day Supervision of the Town Crew enabling control and autonomy over the team, in accordance with an agreed Service Level Agreement.
  • Chepstow Town Council benefits from HR, payroll, management, training, vehicle hire, equipment and is able to utilise assistance from Monmouthshire County Council
  • Residents, businesses and tourists benefit from a cleaner and tidier town

 

 

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