It appears that after seven months of futile effort – some Datchet Parish Councillors (individually named in their own DPC April 2025 Public Statement here) continue to spend public money promoting the assertion that they control the Datchet Recreation Centre Charity Trust (DRCCT) assets.
It is true
- that the DPC holds and manages significant local assets for the benefit of the community.
- that the DRCCT holds and manages significant local assets for the benefit of the community.
- that the DRCCT Trustees are also DPC Councillors
- that dual-roles are covered by the disclosure rules
- that DPC and DRCCT have similar objectives
- that DPC and DRCCT governance is legally different
- that DPC and DRCCT have different sources of funds
- that DPC and DRCCT have overlapping uses of funds
- that DPC and DRCCT have different banks
- that DPC and DRCCT have different accounting systems
- that DPC does not govern or control the DRCCT
- that until recently the relationship between DPC and DRCCT was guided by the ‘Division of Responsibilities’ agreement.
- that DPC continues to take legal action against the DRCCT
- that DPC refuses to consider the issues in public
In the hope of making some progress, please see an open letter and draft Memorandum of Understanding for consideration by all parties.
Ewan Larcombe Datchet Parish Councillor and DRCCT Chair