Chard Town Council's thought for the day unaffected by prayer ruling (From Yeovil Express)

Chard Town Council's thought for the day unaffected by prayer ruling

11:10am Thursday 16th February 2012 in News By Jamie Brooks

THE decision to rule that local councils lack power to hold prayers as part of a formal authority meeting last week should have little impact on Chard.

In a test case in the high court, Mr Justice Ouseley ruled that under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972 councils did not have the power to hold prayers as part of formal proceedings.

The ruling did however find that it was lawful for prayers to be said in a chamber prior to a formal meeting, so long as councillors were not formally summoned to attend.

On agendas for Chard Town Council there is a thought for the day, but it is held prior to formal council proceedings, before the public question time takes place. As such, there is no requirement for councillors to be present.

Despite this it is expected that the high court ruling will be discussed in future town council meetings.

Terry Powell, operations manager at Chard Town Council said: “What Mr Justice Ouseley is saying is that as part of a formal meeting it is unlawful. If you look at the agenda because we do it before public question time this is not part of the formal section of the council meeting.

“There is no requirement for councillors to attend the thought for the day, but I’m sure in conversation the issue will be raised in one of the council meetings and a decision will be taken in light of the ruling.”