20 November 2023 (AFM)
Minutes of the Annual Finance Meeting of Billinghay Parish Council held at Billinghay Methodist Chapel, Victoria Street on Monday 20 November 2023 at 7.00pm.
Present:
Cllrs Liles Chair (WL), Catlett (AC), Ball (LB), Cassidy (TC) & Miller (RM).
Deputy Clerk: Lou Hird (LH)
1 members of the public present.
Minutes of the Council Meeting
1. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting.
Apologies had been received from Councillor Cottrell. It was proposed by TC, seconded by AC, and agreed unanimously that these be accepted.
2. To receive Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary or other registerable interests in agenda items not previously recorded on members’ Disclosable Pecuniary and Other Registerable Interests' declaration.
None declared.
3. Finance.
a. To consider the following Grant Requests (full details circulated prior to meeting)
- Billinghay Village Hall Repairs to building Façade £1950
Reasons for request and details of finances were provided by members of the Village Hall Committee. It was proposed by TC, seconded by AC, and agreed unanimously that the grant be paid in full. (RM and LB did not vote)
- Citizens Advice Bureau Donation Request Not specified.
It was proposed by AC, seconded by TC, and agreed unanimously that a donation of £200 be given. In addition, the Council would like the Bureau to attend an event in the village to explain their role and increase public awareness of their availability.
- Billinghay Football Club Replacement doors to pavilion £500
It was proposed by TC, seconded by LB, and agreed unanimously to award a grant of £500.
- Billinghay Bowls Club Fencing/Pavilion repair/Green £1324.80
It was proposed by TC, seconded by RM, and agreed unanimously to award the grant in full.
- LIVES Donation Request Not specified.
It was proposed by LB, seconded by AC, and agreed unanimously that a donation of £200 be given.
b. To review grant for War Memorial Flowers (current details already circulated)
The current Annual Allowance is an amount not exceeding £450. The amount still seems adequate bearing in mind, the cost over the last two years. It was proposed by AC, seconded by TC, and agreed unanimously that the £450 limit be retained.
c. To review Cemetery Fees (comparison figures already issued)
Full consideration was given to our current fees in relation to those charged by similar sized parishes. The cost of maintenance of the cemetery has gradually increased and it was felt that a small increase was justified. Consequently, it was proposed by AC, seconded by TC, and agreed unanimously, that effective from 1 January 2024:
Burial Fees be increased to £400.
Ashes Fees be increased to £280.
LH to advise Funeral Directors. Also, LH to investigate reason for no charge under 12 as the age limit differs from parish to parish.
d. To review Allotment Rents
These were reviewed in August for the year from October 2023 to 2024. The review showed that the amount being charged was adequate. It was proposed by TC, seconded by AC, and agreed unanimously that the rates remain unaltered for 2024 to 2025 unless there was a major change in circumstances before October 2024.
e. To consider draft budget for 2024 to 2025 and any proposed Project expenditure.
Prior to the meeting a draft budget had been produced by LH and AC and the rationale for the figures suggested were discussed in detail. Some changes were agreed. It was proposed by AC, seconded by TC, and agreed unanimously that the revised budget be accepted. LH to circulate the revised figures.
f. To review and allocate reserves.
These were discussed in detail as major changes are need from the provisions the current year. Some revisions were agreed, and the document will be finalised when the precept is set, and details are needed by the Auditors. Provisional reserves agreed at this stage were:
- Neighbourhood Plan Review £10000
- Repairs to Closed Cemetery £20000
- Possible legal advice £15000
- Possible Clerk long-term Sick Leave £12500
- Special Parish Events £ 4000
g. To receive the NJC Pay Scales for 2023 to 2024 and apply from 1 April 2023.
It was proposed by AC, seconded by TC, and agreed unanimously that these be accepted and applied from 1 April 2023.
4. Report on the Community Infrastructure Levy Income and Expenditure – report issued prior to the meeting.
The report on the Levy and its use had been approved by NKDC. It was proposed by LB, seconded by RM, and agreed unanimously to accept the report.
5. Approve purchase of new Mobile Phone.
It was proposed by RM, seconded by AC, and agreed unanimously that a replacement deal for the current Office Mobile be accepted. LH/TC to proceed and retain the same Phone Number.
Meeting Closed at 8.50pm
Signed
Date