Parish Councils are an essential part of the structure of local democracy and they have a vital role in acting on behalf of the communities they represent. They give their views on behalf of the community, on planning applications as statutory consultees, they help local groups and campaign for better services and facilities. Parish Councils have limited powers to make decisions and many issues which affect rural communities such as speeding and traffic volume, HGV movements, waste collection and recycling and anti-social behaviour are the responsibility of the County Council and District Council.
Debenham Parish Council serves, and makes decisions on behalf of, the residents of Debenham and aims to keep everyone informed about important issues and ongoing projects. Councillors are members of the community, elected by the community. Elections take place every four years and the next elections will be held in 2027.
The Parish Council maintains the allotments and St Mary's Churchyard and clock, the cemetery and the play areas. It has the right to be notified of any planning application affecting the area and to make comments to the planning authority. It assists Suffolk County Council in the maintenance of public footpaths and bridleways and undertakes the maintenance and provision of street lighting.
The Parish Council reviews and sets a budget annually which is levied through the District Council.
There are nine councillors who are committed to the community of Debenham and they give their time, effort and resources without financial reward.
Ian Collins: cllr.iancollins@debenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk (Chair)
Tom Faggionato: cllr.tomfaggionato@debenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk (Vice Chair)
Charlotte Alexander: cllr.charlottealexander@debenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Edward Bell: cllr.edwardbell@debenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Lynne Cockerton: cllr.lynnecockerton@debenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Ken Grimshaw: cllr.kengrimshaw@debenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Dan Haddon: cllr.danhaddon@debenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Nick Hughes: cllr.nickhughes@debenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Morgan Potter: cllr.morganpotter@debenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Councillors' Registers of Interests may be viewed at: Babergh Mid Suffolk District Councils Democratic Services
Please contact the Parish Council via the Clerk:
Email: clerk@debenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 07895 583798
A casual vacancy occurs if a Councillor leaves their seat during the course of their term. The term of a Councillor may end upon written resignation to the Chair, death of a Councillor, failure to attend meetings for six consecutive months without a reason approved by the Council; or disqualification of a Councillor.
When a Councillor's seat becomes vacant, a Parish Council displays a 'Notice of Vacancy' advertising the fact that there is a vacancy. This is displayed as soon as is practicable on the Parish Council's website and noticeboards. Details of any current casual vacancies may be viewed further down this page.
The Notice explains that an election can be called by a request made in writing to the Council's Proper Officer by 10 electors from the relevant electoral area within the Parish within 14 working days of the Notice being published. If 10 valid requests are received, the Returning Officer will determine when an election is to be held, which must be within 60 working days of the date of the Notice of Vacancy. If 10 requests are not received, then the Returning Officer will advise the Parish Council that they may advertise to fill the vacancy by co-option.
There are currently four vacancies on the Parish Council available to be filled by co-option. If you are interested in joining a team of Councillors working on a range of projects to benefit the village, please contact the Parish Clerk.
Eligibility criteria and application form
