Fit for the future? - Have your say

INTRODUCTION

The need for a new Act of Parliament

Malvern Hills Trust (working name of the Malvern Hills Conservators) was established in 1884 by an Act of Parliament.  The core duties, as set out in the Acts are to preserve the natural aspect of the Hills and Commons and to keep them unenclosed and unbuilt on as an open space for the enjoyment of the public.  Over the last 140 years the organisation has ensured that this iconic landscape has been safeguarded for the nation.

Since 1884 there have been four subsequent Acts of Parliament, and in addition some of the Trust's administrative arrangements are set out in other legislation in part dating back to 1847.  The world has changed dramatically since the organisation was established and now our ability to conserve this landscape effectively is being stifled by our outdated governance arrangements and they are no longer fit for purpose.

Because the Trust is governed by statute, such changes to our governance arrangements have to be made by Parliament by way of a Private Bill.  This was confirmed by the Charity Commission and the Department of Culture Media and Sport in 2020.

The Charity Commission has now given consent for the Trust to proceed with this course of action.

Proposals for a new Act will put in place much needed reforms but certain core principles will remain the same:

  • protecting and preserving the Hills as a public open space
  • keeping all decision making meetings open to the public
  • the right of those who pay the levy to elect trustees to the Board.

A consultation on proposals to update the Trust's governance arrangements took place from the 22nd May to the 22nd July and has now closed.  The proposals are still available to view.


Request for information

The Trust is interested in hearing from any person or body who is or claims to be:

  • the owner of any land or interests in land (including interests as Lord of the Manor) within the area shown on the map referred in the request for information
  • any successor in title to land shown on that map and which was owned in 1884 by John Vincent Hornyold and Thomas Charles Gandolfi Hornyold
  • the successors in title of Lady Emily Foley or Sir Henry Foley Grey, Baronet, to land or interests in land in the parish of Malvern, or the lessees, tenants or grantees of those successors in title.

The particular provisions of the Malvern Hills Acts which are relevant are sections 13, 20 and 25 of and Schedule 3 to the Malvern Hills Act 1884 and section 8 of the Malvern Hills Act 1909.

If you consider that you are a person described above, or you require any further information about the notice you are invited to contact the Trust, giving your name, contact details and an explanation of what your interest is or may be.


Please send any response to this notice to the Malvern Hills Trust either by email to info@malvernhills.org.uk or by post or delivering to Manor House, Grange Road, Malvern WR14 3EY. Please ensure any responses are received by 18:00 hours on 1 November 2024.

 


Public consultation

A consultation on proposals to update the Trust's governance arrangements took place from the 22nd May to the 22nd July and has now closed.

We'd like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation on proposals to bring the Trust into the 21st century.  Over the next few weeks, all the responses will be carefully considered by staff and trustees. An analysis of the submissions will be undertaken and the Board will make a decision on whether any amendments to the proposals will be made in response to the consultation. Any decisions made by the Board must be in the best interests of the charity and will be fed back into the Bill which is currently being drafted.

Further information following the consultation will be made available to the public in due course. 

Thank you again for taking the time to complete the consultation questionnaire and share your views.

Check the facts

We’ve noticed that a number of incorrect statements have been made about our governance proposals. Some of the most misleading ones we've addressed in 'myth-busters'. For more information see our FAQs and detailed consultation proposals.

Drop-ins

Thank you to everyone who attended our five drop in sessions.  We were delighted to welcome more than 300 people to these events and had many some highly constructive and informative conversations.



Page edits:

12th February Introduction published
9th April 2024 Addition of FAQs
18th April 2024 Updated FAQs
7th May 2024 Drop-in sessions
12th June Updated FAQs
9th July Drop-in session updated
23rd July Consultation closed