Councillor Handbook
This handbook is being updated for 2023-27 following the May 2023 elections.
Section 1 – Getting Started
Register of Members’ Interests Form [PDF]
Request for Dispensation [PDF]
Openness and Transparency of Personal Interests [PDF]
Predetermination Guidance [PDF]
Gifts and Hospitality Register [PDF]
- Members Allowances Scheme [PDF]
- Members Allowances Guidance [PDF]
- Travel & Subsistence Allowance Claim Form [PDF]
Councillor Contact Details Form [PDF]
Councillor Laptop Agreement – document is being updated for the 2023-27 administration.
Councillor Training Schedule – document is being updated for the 2023-27 administration.
Mayor & Standing Committees Form – document is being updated for the 2023-27 administration.
Section 2 – Structure
Contact Information:
- Town, District & County Councils contact information [PDF] – document is being updated for the 2023-27 administration.
- Thame Town Council Councillors
Town Council Roles & Responsibilities [PDF]
Staff Structure, Service & Responsibilities
Standing Committee Structure 2023-24 [PDF]
Standing Committees Terms of Reference
- Budget Working Group Terms of Reference 2023-24 [PDF]
- Community, Leisure & Recreation Committee Terms of Reference 2023-24 [PDF]
- Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Committee Terms of Reference 2023-24 [PDF]
- Personnel Committee Terms of Reference 2023-24 [PDF]
- Planning & Environment Committee Terms of Reference 2023-24 [PDF]
- Policy & Resources Committee Terms of Reference 2023-24 [PDF]
External Organisations and Appointments
![Which Council does What? [JPEG]](https://www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Responsibilities-Graphic-2021-Update-01-scaled.jpg){kind=link}
Section 3 – Meetings
Social Media and Council Meetings Guidelines [PDF]
Help us Get it Right – document is being updated for the 2023-27 administration.
Section 5 – Scheme of Administration
Financial Regulations – 2023 [PDF]
Code of Conduct (Councillors) – 2023 [PDF]
Delegations Policy – 2023 [PDF]
Dispensations Policy – 2023 [PDF]
Freedom of Information Policy – 2022 [PDF]
Insurance Schedule – document is being updated for the 2023-27 administration.
Section 7 – Planning
Thame Parish Map
Thame Conservation Area Map
Plain English Guide to the Planning System [PDF]
‘How Planning Works’ by the Planning Advisory Service [PDF]
Town / District / County / National Plans
- Thame Neighbourhood Plan Overview [PDF]
- Thame Neighbourhood Plan (March 2013) [PDF]
- District / County / National Plans Overview [PDF]
The Good Councillor’s Guide to Neighbourhood Planning – Access provided on request.
Section 8 – Policies & Procedures
Request to meet with a Councillor Procedure – document is being updated for the 2023-27 administration.
Section 9 – Publications
A Plain English Guide to Localism [PDF]
The Good Councillor’s Guide 2018 – Access provided on request.
The Good Councillor’s Guide to Finance & Transparency 2017 – Access provided on request.
Section 10 – Civic
Including:
- The Role of the Town Mayor
- Support for the Mayor
- Mayor’s Charity
- Town Mayor’s Allowance
- The Role of the Deputy Mayor
- Civic Insignia and Regalia
- Receipt of Gifts
- Civic Events
Including:
- Terms of Reference
- Guidance Notes for Mayor’s Cadet