After refusing to hold a properly requested meeting to consider Datchet Parish Council matters in accordance with the DPC Standing Orders – below is the text of the Clerks Report dated 5/10/2026 (the day of the Extraordinary Meeting) to all Councillors:
Clerks Report – 05/10/2026
Subject: Extraordinary meeting on 05/10/2026
Dear Councillors
As you are all aware and for the record, the summons and agenda have been issued by Cllr Larcombe and Davies on 29th September 2026 and does not appear to have been served in accordance with Datchet Parish Council Standing Orders. As such, it may be open to challenge.
As the Proper Officer for DPC, part of my role is to ensure that meeting agendas comply with the Council’s legal powers and that decisions are only taken within areas of lawful competency. For clarity, this agenda has been produced by Cllr Larcombe, and advice has already been provided on its content, copied to all members.
I wish to reiterate that the Parish Council, as a local authority, is not competent to make decisions on Charity matters. Charity business must always be considered independently at a properly convened Trust meeting. Any decisions made at a Parish Council meeting in relation to the charity would be unenforceable and outside the Council’s statutory powers.
This position is supported by advice received from the SLCC-appointed legal expert in council and charity legislation.
Cllr Larcombe has been advised to request a Trust meeting to review matters relating to the DRCCT that have been include[d] on this council agenda.
[signed]
Sonia
(Mandeep Masikito)
CLERK and RFO TO THE COUNCIL