Public Statement
In response to article published by Everything Epping Forest 4th November 2025
[EEF NEWS - NORTH WEALD: Councillor will "remain a dedicated councillor" despite living in Ireland]
North Weald Bassett Parish Council has a strong history supporting democratic debate, even when those views may be potentially inflammatory or cause friction. This is what a democratic society is based on.
Every Parish Councillor elected to North Weald Bassett Parish Council passionately represents the views of their communities at each and every meeting, and works to ensure voices of local residents are heard and represented.
As a corporate body, the Parish Council decides if apologies for absence at meetings should be accepted and, as is written in law, this is a collective decision by way of democratic majority vote.
The circumstances of Councillors lives may change during their term of office, as they do for any of us, and in these circumstances the relevant legislation must be considered and applied where relevant. This would include changes in circumstance such as moving abroad. Whilst on face value moving to a different country may seemingly suggest this would prohibit a parish councillor from actively representing their community, this is not always the case, however as a democratic Council we respect the right of any individual or Councillor to challenge this position and air their views.
It should also be remembered that the Parish Council is a body as a whole, and decisions are not made by individual Councillors, but as a collective body. It is not unusual in any local government organisation for differing opinions between a couple of Councillors to cause friction – this is simply evidence of the passion and strength of feeling each has for their own community, and shows how they want to ensure residents have the best possible representation.
Diverse and differing views is not something we shy away from, and short term unease between Councillors is not something we focus on, and is often quickly resolved.
The Parish Council continues to work proactively dealing with current issues and business, and actively encourages all members of the community to attend local meetings to see how they are being represented. Ultimately, the best place to have your voice heard is at the ballot box - after all, this is where each of us has the most impact.
Susan De Luca, Parish Clerk
5th November 2025