INTRODUCTION
The need for a new Act of Parliament
Malvern Hills Trust (working name of the Malvern Hills Conservators) was established in 1884 by an Act of Parliament. The core duties, as set out in the Acts are to preserve the natural aspect of the Hills and Commons and to keep them unenclosed and unbuilt on as an open space for the enjoyment of the public. Over the last 140 years the organisation has ensured that this iconic landscape has been safeguarded for the nation.
Since 1884 there have been four subsequent Acts of Parliament, and in addition some of the Trust's administrative arrangements are set out in other legislation in part dating back to 1847. The world has changed dramatically since the organisation was established and now our ability to conserve this landscape effectively is being stifled by our outdated governance arrangements and they are no longer fit for purpose.
Because the Trust is governed by statute, such changes to our governance arrangements have to be made by Parliament by way of a Private Bill. This was confirmed by the Charity Commission and the Department of Culture Media and Sport in 2020.
The Charity Commission has now given consent for the Trust to proceed with this course of action.
Proposals for a new Act will put in place much needed reforms but certain core principles will remain the same:
- protecting and preserving the Hills as a public open space
- keeping all decision making meetings open to the public
- the right of those who pay the levy to elect trustees to the Board.
Public Consultation Results
A consultation on proposals to update the Trust's governance arrangements took place from 22nd May to 22nd July 2024. The proposals are still available to view.
We'd like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation on proposals to bring the Trust into the 21st century. The trustees have now reviewed all the consultation responses. The report of overall findings is available here and the results and outcomes are available in the Consultation Outcomes Report.
Thank you again for taking the time to complete the consultation questionnaire and share your views.
At its Special Meeting on 17 October 2024, the Board voted to proceed with lodging a Private Bill in Parliament in November 2024.
Request for information
The Trust is interested in hearing from any person or body who is or claims to be:
- the owner of any land or interests in land (including interests as Lord of the Manor) within the area shown on the map referred in the request for information
- any successor in title to land shown on that map and which was owned in 1884 by John Vincent Hornyold and Thomas Charles Gandolfi Hornyold
- the successors in title of Lady Emily Foley or Sir Henry Foley Grey, Baronet, to land or interests in land in the parish of Malvern, or the lessees, tenants or grantees of those successors in title.
The particular provisions of the Malvern Hills Acts which are relevant are sections 13, 20 and 25 of and Schedule 3 to the Malvern Hills Act 1884 and section 8 of the Malvern Hills Act 1909.
If you consider that you are a person described above, or you require any further information about the notice you are invited to contact the Trust, giving your name, contact details and an explanation of what your interest is or may be.
Please send any response to this notice to the Malvern Hills Trust either by email to info@malvernhills.org.uk or by post or delivering to Manor House, Grange Road, Malvern WR14 3EY. Please ensure any responses are received by 18:00 hours on 1 November 2024.