NALC elects new vice chair

3 January 2006

Cllr Michael Chater has been elected vice chair of the National Association of Local Councils, after defeating his predecessor - Cllr Hazel Williams - in a close-run election.

Cllr Michael Chater is vice chairman of West Itchenor Parish Council and Sussex Association of Local Councils. He is also chairman of Chichester District Association of Local Councils and the Joint East and West Sussex Liaison Committee.

Cllr Chater was elected to the regional assembly - SEERA - and the executive from its inception in 1999, representing the nine county authorities of the South East parish and town councils

Outside of the first tier, Cllr Chater has been a consultant specialising in governor training. He is also a school governor and schools' inspector, and was formerly a teacher. Michael is married, with two sons, a daughter and six granddaughters under six

Cllr Michael Chater, the new vice chair of NALC, said: "I am honoured that the elected representatives of NALC Council have given me the opportunity to serve the National Association at a level where I can work closely with the Chairman, Cllr Ken Cleary, and colleagues in building on the key achievements of our town and parish Councils at local, county, regional and national level. The challenge and opportunities that face us are clearly visible in the reform agendas of all the political parties, as they give emphasis to the importance of grass-root democracy: for it is at the grassroots that we work.

"I believe that the extraordinary achievements of Councillors serving their Town and Parishes across the land are examples we not only cherish, but in this time of change need to emulate. The training programmes and structures for the resourcing and sharing of good practice are increasingly available and we must push hard together to ensure that the message gets across to government - give us the tools and funding and we will continue to give freely of our time and skills seeking to be effective in public service. But encouraging words must be backed by legislation that underpins rather than undermines the statutory obligations that affect the delivery of the neighbourhood agenda. I am hopeful that together we have such a strong sense of direction that we can get our message across and really make for a reinvigorated, nationwide, sense of community."

Cllr Ken Cleary, chairman of NALC, said: "I am delighted for Michael, following his election as vice chair. He is massively experienced in local government - particularly the first tier - and I am sure he will be a massive asset to the organisation. I am looking forward to working with him and continuing the Association's delivery of representation, support and advice to the 10,000 community, parish and town councils."

"I am very sorry to have lost Cllr Hazel Williams has my vice chair. She has been of enormous support and assistance over the last twelve months, and her contribution to the sector both in that role and previously cannot be overstated. I am glad she will continue to be a major part of NALC's future

Commenting on his re-election, Cllr Cleary said: I am very proud to get re-elected for a second year, and would like to thank all those who has supported me. It is very gratifying to get no opposition for my re-election, and I intend to use this mandate to continue the job I have stared - to further develop the partnership between parish councils, county associations, NALC and other stakeholders and to continue to strengthen the voice of the sector."

Notes for editors

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