National Park Authority members
What do the Authority’s members do?
The members are the people with overall responsibility for making decisions. They set policies and priorities, and ensure efficient and effective use of resources. They act in the interests of the National Park as a whole, reflecting both national and local perspectives.
Members typically spend two to three days a month on formal National Park business including Authority meetings, committees and working groups. They will also spend time representing the National Park Authority at other events such as workshops, seminars, public meetings and external fora.
How are the National Park Authority members chosen?
The 22 National Park Authority members are appointed as follows:
- 12 by the local authorities that have land within the National Park (five from Hampshire County Council, four from New Forest District Council, one each from Wiltshire County Council, Salisbury District Council and Test Valley Borough Council)
- 10 by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, four of whom are selected by the parish councils, each covering a quadrant of the Park.
Local authority members provide local knowledge and expertise, but do not represent the specific views of their own local authority.
Parish members represent the interests of communities across the Park, not just of their own parishes, to help to ensure that the Authority takes truly local concerns into account.
Those appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs bring key skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the work of the Authority. They have a particular interest in the New Forest as well as a wider national viewpoint.
How was the membership mix for the New Forest National Park decided?
All English National Parks apply the same rules, as laid down in the Environment Act 1995, which define the mix between local authority, parish and Secretary of State appointees.
Are National Park Authority members paid?
The New Forest National Park Authority members receive an annual allowance of £1,400. Certain posts receive an additional responsibility allowance (for example Chairman and Deputy Chairman). All members can claim travel and subsistence expenses incurred.
Can I become a member?
Members appointed by the local authorities and parish councils must be serving, elected councillors.
Individuals can apply to be Secretary of State members. Appointments are initially for three years. If any vacancies arise, they will normally be advertised in the local press. Details will also be placed on the New Forest National Park website.
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