Minutes from Annual council meeting 11.05.2023
THORNTON LE FEN PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the remote meeting held on Thursday 11th May 2023 at 7:30pm in the chapel of the Methodist church.
Present: Cllrs: John Best, Pat Hawkes (Chairman) and Pat Corke. County Cllr Tom Ashton and District Cllr Neil Jones were also present.
Apologies: Apologies received from Cllr J. Daff.
Public: There was one member of public present.
1. Election of Chairman, signing of declaration of acceptance of office.
It was:-
Proposed by Cllr J. Best for Cllr P. Hawkes to be Chairman which was seconded by P. Corke and RESOLVED.
The council have thanked the previous Chairman G Foreman for his 12 years of service on the council.
2. Election of Vice Chairman, signing of declaration of acceptance of office.
It was:-
Proposed by P Corke for J Daff to be Vice- Chairman as he was not in attendance he shall be asked at the next meeting if he accepts.
3. All councillors to sign declarations of acceptance of office following uncontested election, DPI forms to be filled out for the next 4 year term. – The forms were completed prior to the meeting commencing.
4. Proposal needed for any absent councillors to sign declaration of acceptance of office prior to the next meeting. (to meet legal requirements) – The clerk will take the paper work to Cllr J. Daff for him to complete.
5. Apologies for absence and reasons given – Apologies received and accepted from Cllr John Daff.
6. The notes from the meeting of the Council held on Thursday 5th January 2023 (attached) to be approved as Minutes and signed by the Chairman –
It was:-
Proposed by Cllr P. Corke Seconded by P Hawkes and RESOLVED.
7. The co-option of any potential candidates present -There was none.
8. Reports from Police and District Councillor if present
a) District Cllr N. Jones congratulated all of the members of the council regarding the recent elections he asked if the council had any outstanding issues. Cllr P. Hawkes asked him to chase the erection of a dog waste bin on Newham Lane.
b) County Cllr T Ashton has apologized as it has been a while since he has attended these meetings, due to it clashing with Carrington’s meetings. He reported that the Council tax has gone up and they are having to use 7m out of their own budget to help support Highways roads this will help maintain the current road conditions. The biggest cost the budget uses is adult and social care as it is a national function and is being led by local councils. There is an ongoing challenge of IDB funding as ELDC has to give 60% of its funds to IDB. ELDC are challenging this with the government, they are pleased that the government is now aware and are looking for a solution as it affects a small council in a significant way. It was mentioned that ELDC money should go to ELDC services instead of IDB. Cllr P. Corke has informed the council that the roads in the area have become worse. Cllr Ahston told him to report each pothole individually via fix my street. He will continue to push for repairs in the area. Cllr T. Ashton told the council that any surplus is always put into Highways. The County Council are capped so they are unable to put anymore money towards the roads, but the council can be assured that anything spare does go towards HW road maintenance.
9. Audit of accounts – presentation of accounts – Internal auditor has done checks all cleared for approval of this Council.
a) To approve the council’s certificate of exemption
It was:-
Proposed by Cllr P. Hawkes and Seconded by Cllr P. Corke and RESOLVED for the chairman to sign.
b) To confirm and approve the accounting statements contained in the annual return – The figures from the councils account have been prescribed into section 2 of the annual return.
It was:-
Proposed by P Hawkes and seconded by P Corke and RESOLVED.
c) To approve the annual governance statement in the annual return – The council has read and understood what they were agreeing to.
It was:-
Proposed by P Corke and seconded by P Hawkes and RESOLVED.
10. To consider and approve the Following payments.
a) LALC Annual Subs - £142.69
b) ICO Data protection - £40.00
c) ELAN City speed sign - £2807.99 (paid)
d) LCC Post - £300.00 (paid)
e) Zurich - £188.18
f) Clerks Salary - £233.40
g) HMRC - £31.20
It was:-
Proposed by P Corke and seconded by P Hawkes and RESOLVED.
h) St. Margarets Church donation to be discussed.
It was:-
Proposed by P Corke that a donation of £700.00 be made. None in favour.
It was:-
Proposed by J. Best that a donation of £350.00 be given and seconded by P Hawkes and RESOLVED.
11. Planning Application/s
a) Canister Lane – enforcement 183/00519/21/S – Case closed with no further action.
12. Correspondence for the Council – All done via email.
13. Highways Matters
a) Reactive speed sign – The clerk has received the speed sign and requires approval for getting an electrician to install it. Cllr P. Hawkes told all that she will speak with a local electrician to see if he would fit it for free.
b) Cllr J. Best informed the council that the grass verges out of the village are very overgrown just as you pass Kirks yard.
c) Cllr P. Corke voiced her concern regarding potholes outside 70 Leagate Road and Castledyke bank near Castledyke farm.
d) Cllr P. Hawkes reported a pothole outside her home on the road and grass verge.
14. The date of the next meeting is scheduled for 06th July 2023 to commence at 7.00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Methodist Church. – P Corke will be unable to attend due to being on holiday.
15. Any other matters for discussion only or on the next agenda – There are none.
The meeting closed at 7:46pm
Signed by chairman: ……………………………. 0006.07.2023