THE CHARITY COMMISSION has committed to reviewing a decision which has seen newly elected Trustees excluded from parts of Malvern Hills Trust meetings.
The MP met with the regulator to seek guidance on the issue which has resulted in new Trustees unable to share their views on the Malvern Hills Bill, which is being considered by the House of Lords in January.
Dame Harriett has met with both the Malvern Hills Trust management and the new Trustees to get clarity on reports which suggested that democratically elected trustees were precluded from participating in meetings.
The MP has asked the Charity Commission to offer guidance to Malvern Hills Trust about new trustees which it believes may be conflicted during discussion on the new Bill.
The Malvern Hills Bill, which seeks to refresh the legislation which governs the stewardship of the Malvern Hills, had its first debate in June and will be debated further by a group of legislative experts on January 20.
A dedicated committee will be convened to take evidence and assess the feedback on the proposals after over 50 people and local organisations submitted comments on the draft Bill.
Dame Harriett said: “I regularly meet with the leadership of the Malvern Hills Trust and also those who have expressed opposition to the Bill and I plan to meet with my colleagues in the House of Lords who will examine the legislation next year.
“New trustees have shared with me their concerns at being excluded from fully taking part in the Trust’s meeting and as democratically elected representatives, I heard their concerns and agreed to seek guidance from the Charity Commission.
“I have been assured that the Commission will look into this matter and will offer guidance to the Trust in due course.
“In the meantime, people who submitted formal views on the Bill to the House of Lords will get the chance to be heard and I plan to keep a close eye on this legislation as it continues its passage.”
