Budget setting can get temperatures rising at the best of times, but Police were recently called to a budget planning meeting of Peasedown St John Parish Council on 8th December after someone anonymously reported a breach of the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines.
It is assumed that the same source got in touch with The Journal to report the incident. They say: ‘Avon & Somerset Police were called to an incident in Peasedown St John last Tuesday night, 8th December, after a member of the public reported an illegal large gathering at Beacon Hall.
‘Peasedown St John Parish Council, who run the building, held a meeting in breach of the Government’s COVID-19 guidelines.
‘One Officer attended the incident to find ten Parish Councillors, and members of staff, at the meeting.
‘NALC, the National Association of Local Councils, who are the official advisory body for Town and Parish Councils, advised against the meeting going ahead – but their guidance was ignored.’
They said the Parish Council could face a £10,000 fine, with Councillors looking at a £200 fine each for attending.
Peasedown Parish Council told The Journal: “Peasedown St John Parish Council held a meeting on 8th December at Beacon Hall. This was an Advisory Panel meeting, so Councillors were not summonsed to attend, and they are not open to the public.
“These meetings are for discussion and update only and no decisions can be made.
“This meeting was scheduled following a resolution of the Full Council on 20th October 2020 (minute C463 – 20/10/2020 refers) and the details of the resolution were published in the meeting minutes, including some of the reasons why it was felt this meeting was best held face to face.
“The Government guidance, dated 30th November 2020, titled ‘COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of Council buildings’, states under section 3c, Parish Council meetings are exempt from the COVID-19 restrictions.
“The Police attended the meeting, having been called to a suspected breach of regulations, and after investigation, confirmed that the meeting could continue.
“Since then, the Police have informed us they are satisfied that the Parish Council has acted in accordance with the regulations and that no action will be taken.
“The Parish Council has not been contacted by B&NES Council in relation to this matter.
A spokesperson from B&NES Council added: “We are aware of this matter, however no formal involvement is needed from the Council.”
The minutes reveal that the meeting was held without papers and that information had been projected on to a large screen instead. Numbers were limited and the meeting was not open to the public.
Local police have been contacted for comment.