Councillors says joining Herefordshire Association of Local councils is a 'waste of money'

Kington Town Council has turned down the chance of joining Herefordshire Association of Local Councils – with one member calling it a waste of money.

The association supports town and parish councils across the county by giving advice, legal opinions and by holding training sessions.

But they wanted to charge Kington Town Council over £800 for six months membership.

Members considered whether they wanted to join the association at the October town council meeting.

HALC said it provides indemnified, specialist information and advice for parish councils, unlimited legal opinions throughout the year, an extensive training schedule for councillors and clerks, 24-hour information source via a member section of its website, website hosting, informal telephone advice, a monthly bulletin with regular updates on parish council matters, qualified clerk cover, employment advice and support for Neighbourhood Development Plans.

But Councillor Bob Widdowson said he thought joining the association is a 'waste of money'.

“Its very expensive, the advice we have got from them was often not correct and we have done without them for 10 years, we should carry on,” he added

Councillor Rae Morgan said: “It does look like it complicates things.”

Members agreed not to join Herefordshire Association of Local Councils.