Malvern Hills Trust will deposit its Parliamentary Bill on 27 November.
This follows 10 years of hard and focused work on identifying the problems with its outdated legislation and identifying the best solutions. There was an eight-week public consultation over the summer and an intensive period of considering the feedback, special board meetings held in public and a series of decisive votes by the board of trustees. The Trust has placed public notices in press circulating locally and nationally.
You’ll be able to view the bill from the 4th December on the Parliamentary website and there will be a link from the Trust’s website. For those who want one, a hard copy will also be available to purchase from the 4th December at the Malvern Hills Trust offices on Grange Road, Malvern WR14 3EY between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays). The price will be £3.50 plus £1.00 for the accompanying map.
More information about the proposals to future-proof the Trust for the benefit of the landscape and people is available at www.malvernhills.org.uk/governance-changes
The Trust continues to address misinformation about its governance change proposals, which are critical for taking the Trust into the 21st Century. You can find out more on its myth-busters web page https://www.malvernhills.org.uk/governance-changes/myth-busters/
John Michael, Chair said:
“The board took full account of the feedback given in the public consultation and we have published all of the feedback online. The deposit of the Parliamentary Bill means that the proposed governance changes will be made under full public scrutiny. We understand there are likely to be four private bills deposited this year, which is unusual. We will most likely hear in December which house the Bill will start in - the House of Lords or Commons.
“The changes proposed will increase the percentage of elected trustees and ensure an appropriate mix of skills and relevant backgrounds.”
Deborah Fox, Chief Executive Officer said:
“This is a significant milestone for Malvern and for the Trust that cares passionately for this iconic landscape.
“The decisive voting by the board on 17 October and 14 November means the Parliamentary Bill has been deposited on 27 November. This is the only day of the year on which private bills may be deposited. A private bill is one that applies to a local area or organisation.
“A couple of things that I feel would really make a difference in future will be having a supporters’ organisation for those that wish to follow the great work of the team to keep the Hills and Commons open and unspoiled so they can enjoy them. Also, the ability to fundraise, which isn’t currently in our supporting legislation.”
