A public consultation on proposals to bring the organisation into the 21st century is now open.
The Trust is planning to update its governing Acts and make the charity fit for the future. It is the first time in 30 years that new legislation is proposed for this 140-year-old organisation.
Full details of the Trust's proposals are now available as well as access to an online questionnaire to gather responses.
The consultation will be supported by five drop-in sessions to provide the opportunity to meet staff and trustees and to discuss the proposals, ask questions and make comments. This includes a session at Malvern Theatre’s Circle Bar in Great Malvern on Sunday 7 July from 1.30pm-5.30pm. The Trust will also be attending other public events such as parish and town council meetings.
Over the next few months the Trust will be discussing these proposals with stakeholders and Government Departments. The Trust is also keen to speak with local organisations, who may have concerns and encourage them to take part in the consultation.
The Trust’s last public consultation took place in 2019. There was an excellent response and the Trust has incorporated some of the suggestions received into its revised proposals. The Trust will be making the changes by a Parliamentary Private Bill.
Trust CEO Deborah Fox said:
“The proposals are about making the Trust fit for the 21st century. In the light of a changing climate, economic challenges and an increased numbers of visitors, we need to be able to adapt and evolve if we are to continue to effectively care for this landscape for the next 140 years and beyond.
“Our proposals have been carefully considered so that our charity can meet its objectives protecting and conserving the Hills and Commons. We welcome comments and responses from the public, stakeholders and other interested parties to inform these proposed changes.
“Under the proposals, the essential objects of the charity – to preserve public access and to look after the landscape - will remain the same but expressed in more modern language. As now, the Trust will not be able to sell off its public land, nor allow building upon it.”
“The Trust’s outdated legislation puts undue onus on levy payers and those using our car parks to cover the costs of managing 3,000 acres with open public access for all. I feel more people outside of the area could be contributing to the upkeep of the Hills and Commons, for example, by joining in fundraising events.”
“We welcome invitations to speak at upcoming events and I look forward to meeting members of the public at the drop-in events that we will run alongside our public consultation.”
There will be no changes to the Trust’s power to grant rights of access to adjoining land and no changes to who pays the levy and who can vote in trustee elections.
The Trust has published a series of frequently asked questions on its website.
