EAST Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and myriad parish and town councils have signed up to a charter that sets out how they will work together in future.

District council chairman Lynn Evans and Jim MacDonald, chairman of the East Hampshire Association of Parish and Town Councils, pledged to follow the guidelines set out in the new Parish Charter.

The charter will see councils working together, sharing information, responsibilities, training and consultation. It was originally drawn up in 1997 but has been re-vamped by officers from the district council and town and parish councils to make it relevant today.

Mr Evans said: “We have a successful working relationship with the town and parish councils in the district, but this document sets out, in black and white, what is expected of all partners.

“The revised charter is the foundation on which both tiers of local council can work together and a written commitment of the importance of fostering mutual trust and respect.

“Successful partnerships can only be achieved if both sides understand and respect each other’s roles and this charter sets out what that should look like on a day-to-day basis.”

The charter includes chapters on sharing information, on consultation and on joint governance. There is also advice on practical support and training as well as planning.

A copy of the charter will be sent to all the town and parish clerks and district councillors.