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- Councillor K. Rigby (Chair)
- Councillor K. Harrison
- Councillor Mrs E. Harrison
- Councillor Ms L. Hopkin
- Councillor D. Keating
- Councillor Mrs M. Gilbert (Ex Officio)
Clerk
Mrs S.M. Bircumshaw
1. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Rigby be elected as Chair.
There was a show of hands and all were in favour.
Councillor Rigby accepted the position of Chair
It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Harrison be elected as Vice-Chair.
There was a show of hands and all were in favour.
Councillor Harrison accepted the position of Vice-Chair.
2. Apologies for absence
There were no apologies for absence.
3. Electricity supply
There has been a significant increase in the monthly payments for the electricity supply for the Church floodlights, the standing charge being £1/day regardless of usage – seemingly since the smart meter was fitted a couple of years ago. There was a discussion as to what measures should be taken regarding this. It was suggested that we cancel our account with EON and look at moving supplier or approach the Church to take on the electricity for the floodlights and the Parish Council pay a donation towards the costs.
The following proposals were made –
a) Make enquiries re moving supplier
b) Approach John Wheatley to advise us
It was suggested that before we look into changing our supplier the Church be approached off the record – and this could then be discussed at the Church Management meeting.
Before approaching the Church would it be better to speak to John Wheatley to ascertain how much it is likely to cost to move the floodlights over to the Church meter – as £1/day standing charge is unsustainable. We need to know the Church angle but it is our problem to sort out.
Following the discussion it was proposed and seconded that we initially discuss with the Church to find out the true picture. There was a show of hands and all were in favour. Councillor Mrs Gilbert will speak to Karen, the Minister.
It was then proposed and seconded that John Wheatley be contacted for technical advice. There was a show of hands and all were in favour. Councillor Rigby will speak to John Wheatley.
4. Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)
Very pleased that we now have an MTFS set up. Nothing is set in stone and it does not go towards the year-end accounts.
The following projects have been approved on a 1/2/3 year basis.
a) Real Christmas tree (every year) including lights and electrics – budget of £1350.00 over 3 years at £450/year.
A recommendation could be made in September. It is probably too late for the electrical installation this year but we could start to put feelers out and discuss with the full council. A tree could be placed at the bottom of Church Lane/Coronation Road and we would want a new tree every year. It was proposed that the recommendation be made to the full council that we start to make enquiries re electrical installation. The proposal was seconded, there was a show of hands and all were in favour.
b) Cast Iron Water Fountain/Plumbing – budget of £250.00 out of this year’s budget.
It was proposed and seconded that we start to go forward with this project. There was a show of hands and all were in favour of this proposal.
c) Defibrillator/Bleed Control Kit for Newtons Lane end of Cossall – budget of £2500.00 over 2 years at £1250/year.
A grant of £1500.00 has been received from Councillor Doddy towards these projects and we now need to find a suitable location to have them installed. As this has got to be sorted by the end of March 2024 it was recommended that we proceed urgently by identifying a site. Suggestions made were – Trinity Farm if can be accessed from outside, and the notice board outside the Gardeners.
d) Village Gateway signs x 3 – budget of £2250.00 over 3 years at £750/year.
This project will be looked at next year. It was proposed that the budget be increased to £2500.00 as a contingency for inflation. This proposal was seconded, there was a show of hands and all were in favour.
e) Community Support Fund – nominal figure of £2000.00
There has been no call for this but it was proposed and seconded that it be left as it is. There was a show of hands and all were in favour.
There was a discussion regarding the re-instatement of the purchase of flower seeds to distribute to the parishioners, to be included in this year’s budget. An allocation of £300.00 to be added to the MFTS.
These could be sent out with Spring Newsletter but the question was raised as to whether it would be better for us to distribute the seeds ourselves in suitable areas rather than give out to the parishioners. We would need to get permission from the County Council to put anything on the verges.
It was also proposed and seconded that we do this bi-annually instead of annually to halve the costs.
There was a show of hands and all were in favour of this proposal.
The Precept for next year will need to be discussed at the next meeting, plus any other ideas.
5. Date and time of next meeting
The next meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee will be held on Tuesday 3 October 2023, in the Church Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 8.35pm