Who we are and what we do

Who we are and what we do

The Parish Council is the third tier of local government covering the villages of Offord Cluny and Offord Darcy which became one Parish in 2008.  The two tiers above are Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) and Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC).

We aim to provide services for the Parish of Offord Cluny and Offord Darcy, within the resources provided by the annual budget (precept) from HDC, considering the wishes of village residents and the need to obtain value for money. Council applies for grants when and where it can to provide additional facilities.

The Council is a body that is distinct from its members (either as individuals or collectively) and its acts and liabilities are its own and not those of its members.

The part-time Clerk to the Council is a statutory office holder and is paid a salary for official duties. The current Clerk acts as Secretary and Treasurer (Responsible Financial Officer) to the Council. Council has no other employees and contractors are used as and when required.

Councillors are volunteers.  All councillors are required to declare various interests and to withdraw from discussions should a conflict of interest arise.

The Parish Council is non-political.  It is solely involved in issues, items and developments for the benefit and assistance of the Parish.

Your Parish Council is responsible for the maintenance of most, but not all, of the grassed areas throughout the parish, the upkeep and maintenance of the Recreation Ground including the MUGA, Bus Shelter, Village Signs, Benches, St Peter’s Closed Churchyard and the streetlight in Blenheim Grove as well as the Allotments & Cemetery in Graveley Road, War Memorial, Noticeboards and the two recently installed defibrillators.  As sole Trustee, it is also responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Millennium Green including all the benches and equipment on it. Council is also Custodian Trustee for the Village Hall and its car park and is responsible for the maintenance of the latter.

The Parish Council has a range of local responsibilities:

  • Management and maintenance of amenity and common land and its Assets as listed above
  • Addressing issues raised by residents that are of concern or interest to the village as a whole
  • Support, including donations to local groups
  • Giving opinions on planning applications affecting land or property within the parish
  • Lobbying for improvements in infrastructure and public services