CHARTER TRUSTEES OF CREWE

4.41.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Aug 2009

Who are the Charter Trustees of Crewe?

A Parliamentary Order which took effect on 1st April makes the twelve members of Cheshire East Council who represent Crewe wards "Charter Trustees".

What does that mean?

The trustees are holding the Crewe & Nantwich mayoral regalia - most of which belonged originally to the pre 1974 Borough of Crewe. The regalia would otherwise pass to the Cheshire East Council. The Trustees are required each year to elect one of their number as Charter Mayor of Crewe.

Why is the Mayor chosen from such a small number of people?

This is a temporary situation. When a Crewe Town Council is established, the Trustees will no longer be needed. The Chair of the Town Council will be Mayor.

Why are Crewe residents paying extra Council tax this year?

This gives the Trustees a small budget to work with - approximately £27,000. It may not all be needed this year. But some events that used to be organised by Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council - such as the civic service on Remembrance Sunday - will not happen unless the Trustees take over. The Trustees will also incur costs of identifying and safeguarding Crewe's historic records and artifacts.