December 2023
Notes from the public forum held on 07 December 2023
There were no members of the public present.
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 02 November 2023 at 7.45pm in the bungalow at The Old Rectory, Main Road
The clerk reported that Cllr Roberts has resigned due to a possible conflict of interests in a new job.
1. To accept apologies and reason for absence
Apologies were received from Cllr Jones and from County Cllr Bowkett and Dist Cllrs Ashton & Jones
Present: Cllrs Pritchard, Edwards, Hopkins, Pocklington, Sherriff and Edwards (Chairman)
2. To receive reports from representatives on outside bodies
a. There were no representatives on outside bodies present.
b. Cllrs Pocklington and Hopkins reported on the Police teams meeting:
i. The issues discussed, affecting most parishes, were Community Speed Watch and anti-social behaviour with houses being ‘egged’.
ii. The meeting was interesting and they will now be held 6 monthly.
iii. Unfortunately there was not enough time for all questions to be asked, this was due to the use of technology that not everyone could use.
3. Receive declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011
There were no declarations of interest.
4. Notes of the meeting held on 02 November 2023 to be approved and signed as the minutes
It was resolved that the notes, previously circulated, be signed as the minutes.
5. Clerk’s report
The Clerk had nothing to report, all items are on the agenda.
6. Chairman’s report
a. The Christmas light switch-on was very well attended, around 150 residents came along.
b. Santa did a good job, handing out gifts to around 40 children.
c. The Choir were appreciated by all who attended, thanks will be passed to the choir.
d. The donations given for refreshments were left for the Church and a ‘thank you’ letter has
been received.
7. Finance report:
a. Authority for payment: £
i. Clerk’s expenses (November) 47.30
ii. Salaries (November) 834.01
iii. E L Arnold (White paper for magazine) 34.30
iv. E L Arnold (Ink) 33.50
v. K & P Services (clock winding/cemetery work) 80.00
vi. 707 Ltd (cemetery skip - November) 45.76
vii. 707 Ltd (cemetery skip – October, extra weight ) 43.61
viii. Bolingbroke Deanery (February) TBA
ix. Bolingbroke Deanery (December/January magazine) 84.00
x. HSBC Bank Charges 11.00
xi. Malc Firth Landscapes (Play area grass cuts) 54.43
xii. Cllr Sherriff (Santa gifts) 50.00
xiii. Cllr Hopkins (batteries for Christmas lights) 21.75
xiv. T A Blackamore (Cemetery grass and hedge cuts) 4437.90
xv. Salaries (December) TBA
xvi. K & P Services (clock winding/cemetery work) 80.00
xvii. 707 Ltd (cemetery skip – December) 45.76
a. The balances in bank at 15 November 2023: Current account £15,426.23 rec: £14,057.83
Deposit account £11,705.20
No2 account £5,954.30
8. To approve the cemetery fees, applicable from 01 January 2024
a. The proposed cemetery fees have been sent to all Councillors.
b. Following discussion it was resolved to implement the increase from 01 January 2024.
9. Clerk’s salary – new NALC pay scales
a. The Clerk reported the new pay scales from April 2023 and the new monthly salary.
b. It was resolved that the new rate be approved for 2023.
10. To consider new accountant for PAYE from April 2024
a. The Clerk reported that a new accountant would be required for PAYE from April 2024.
b. It was resolved that the Clerks would ask a local accountant if they can take on this job for the Parish Council.
11. To approve the budget for the year ended 31 March 2025 and set the precept
a. There were no further changes made to the draft budget.
b. The precept was set at £25,000.00 for the year ended 31 March 2024.
12. Planning applications received
The Parish Council supported to the following planning application:
S/169/02246/23 - Mr Littler & Miss Brown - Extensions to existing dwelling to provide additional living accommodation to include an attached annexe at Thorpelands, Hall Lane
13. To report any planning decisions from ELDC
Full planning permission has been received for:
S/169/01747/23 - Mr H Hiley - Change of use to Nature Conservation Area including replacement access, revised parking and turning and re-location of mobile home at Caravan, Main Road
14. To receive update regarding the siting of a defibrillator at the Youth Centre
a. Nothing has been heard about the grant application.
b. A defibrillator has been applied for where half the money is in the form of a second grant, the acknowledgement has been received and the outcome of the application is awaited.
15. To discuss where meetings will be held in 2024
a. The cost of having ten meetings in the Youth Centre will be £170.00 per year.
b. Following discussion it was resolved to meet at the Youth Centre. A request to put on the heating one hour before the start of the meetings in cold weather will be made.
16. To receive play area report
a. Cllr Hopkins checks the play area regularly on behalf of the Council.
b. The signs need to be replaced, the Clerk will chase this up.
c. The graffiti does not look good. Previously it was resolved to leave it as it is inoffensive and any new graffiti may be offensive. The ELDC ‘Pride Team’ will be asked about removing the graffiti.
17. To receive reports for highways
The burger van has reappeared in the village, this will be report to the relevant authorities.
18. Correspondence received for this meeting
There was no additional correspondence for this meeting.
19. Other business – matters for the next agenda
a. To discuss any work for the Pride Team at ELDC.
b. To receive update regarding the artwork for the bus shelter.
20. Date of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 01 February 2024 at 7.30pm in Youth Centre, Hall Lane with a Public Forum from 7.15pm
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.15pm