Occasionally, Members leave for various reasons, and any vacancies, advertised on the Council notice boards and in the local press. Any 10 people on the Electoral Register may ask for an election. If they do, then one is held in the normal way. If there is not a request, the Council may fill the vacancy by Co-option, that is, asking someone they know or who has expressed an interest, if they would like to become a Councillor.

Full Council Meetings are open to the public and the press. At Committee meetings, it is at the Chairman's discretion to give the public an opportunity to raise matters of relevance. All meetings are advertised on the Parish Council's notice boards as well as on Fawley Parish Council Web site.

Occasionally, it may be necessary to conduct business in private, especially discussions about contractual, legal or staffing matters. When this is the case, the Chairman will usually give a summary of discussion when the public return. This power will be used carefully and it is expected that the public will respect its use.

The annual parish meeting takes place in April each year and the venue varies from year to year. The Council will be represented by the Chairman, who must preside over the meeting, and the Chairman of its Committees. This meeting is not governed by the Council's Standing orders and is the statutory opportunity for the public to raise any issue directly affecting the parish, for local debate.

The Council consults the public in several ways, using surveys to gain information from user groups and holding several public open meetings in addition to the annual parish meeting, as well as inviting comments, suggestions and complaints either in person, or in writing from the public. A recent questionnaire consulted residents in Calshot

The Council represents the views and needs of the community across a wide range of issues, for example the Dibden Bay Port enquiry, and at several New Forest Organisations.

The Council employs 9 full-time, 32 part-time and 2 casual staff, headed by Mr Malcolm Anderson, Clerk to the Council. Most staff are based at Gang Warily, but there are staff at Jubilee Hall in Fawley, and the Grounds Maintenance Staff have their Depot in Newlands Road at the Western end of the Gang Warily Site

Finances
The Council raise their funds using the precept, which forms a very small element of the Council Tax. Income also comes from hire fees of the various Halls and charges for the recreation facilities within the Parish. Parish Councils receive no central government grants so therefore have every incentive to keep expenditure low and to be prudent.

Grants
The Council gives grants to local groups, details posted on the Parish noticeboards. Contact the Clerk for more information.

Partnerships
With New Forest District Council - a local information office at Jubilee Hall

Planning Applications (Planning Homepage)
The Council is consulted by the District Council on all Planning Applications within the Parish Boundary. Parish Councils have influence on strategic planning issues and on a range of other important matters.

BEST VALUE (Best Value Homepage)
The duty of Best Value was imposed on all parish councils with expenditure over £500,000, in the local Government Act 1999. The aim is to ensure continuous improvement of local services.

In meeting this duty, the Council is required to consult with local people and to review all of its services over a 5-year period. It has to publish its annual plan, which is audited by the District Auditor. The Council has to find ways of measuring its performance and compare it with others.

BEST VALUE SUMMARY STATEMENT 2001

Employs 9 full-time, 32 part-time and 2 temporary staff. Offers work experience to School, College and University Students.

Football Clubs, Martial Arts Clubs, Holiday Activities, Nifty 50's Group, Gymtots Classes, Stitching group, 5-a-side leagues, Ladies Hockey, Chess Club and many more!