Meetings 2024/2025 - Text

Notes – 12th March 2025

Chair:                                      Jon Mold (JM)

Present Councillors:               Ian Taylor (IT), Graham Johnson (GJ)

Parish Clerk & RFO:               Diane De Halle (DDH)

Members of the Public            2

52. Chairman’s remarks – welcomed all present.

53. Apologies for absence and reasons given – none.

54. Declaration of interests and requests for dispensations – none received.

55. To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd December 2024 along with the confidential minutes of the same date – RESOLVED to accept.

56. To receive reports from the Clerk and Councillors on matters outstanding – noted.

57. To receive reports from District and County Councillors – updates received at end of the meeting:

Councillor Marfleet: detailed update on Devolution provided, 2 Mayors will take over a more strategic view on Lincolnshire covering public transport and development once the county has separated into 2 zones (all still to be decided and worked through).  Updates provided on the pylons, solar and nuclear projects across the County (all decisions / consultations to be worked through).  There is a £10m proposed review on defences for the East Coast whilst discussions continue on the nuclear waste project.

Councillor Simpson: Budgets increased for the Councillor Community Grant.  There are a number of grants on the ELDC website.  Increase from £3m to £5m for the internal drainage board, awaiting details on how this is distributed to local drainage boards.  ELDC withdrawn from the working group on Nuclear Waste due to the time taken to consult residents and moving from Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal to ‘open farmland’ in Carlton/Gayton le Marsh area.  County Council and Mayor elections taking place in May 2025.

58. To receive an overview of the issues reported to highways by Councillors since the last meeting and agree any action – only 1 reported water leak on Butt Lane, passed to owner of clay pits via resident, contacted Water Board and LCC Flood Dept. for advice – RESOLVED no further action.

59. To consider planning applications/correspondence received 

a – Decision Notice: N/060/01646/24 (18.12.24)

PROPOSAL: Planning Permission – alterations to existing dwelling to provide an annexe (works commenced)

LOCATION: BRIDGE HOUSE, BUTT LANE, GOULCEBY, LOUTH, LN11 9UP 

DECISION: Full Planning Permission Granted

b – Consultation Request: S/086/00283/25 (03.03.25)

PROPOSAL: Consultation from the Planning Inspectorate on the Scoping Opinion in relation to Ossian Off-shore Wind Farm

LOCATION: Ossian Offshore Wind Farm 

No further action – beyond the distance required to make comment

60. VE DAY 80 YEARS celebrations 8th May – RESOLVED not to purchase signs for ‘once only’ use.  Possible purchase of metal status value £325 for November – RESOLVED to add to later meeting.  RESOLVED to find details to work on WWII memorial for lost pilots from 2 crashes near parish(s).

61. Internal audit 24-25 – RESOLVED not use LALC for their interim and annual audit costing £137.50 + VAT with potential additional costs; RESOLVED to use Scamblesby Auditor at an estimated cost of £40.

62. Review Parish Plan for 25/26 – currently on hold since 24/25, RESOLVED longer required.

63. Review current banking arrangements – reviewed many banks services, most banks seem to charge; RESOLVEDto stay with Lloyds, look to add internet banking to allow 2 signatories instead of cheques.

64. To consider correspondence received since the last Parish Council meeting:

65. To review and agree the following policies (or documents) for the Parish Council:

• Dignity at Work Policy (last reviewed Mar. 23) – RESOLVED to accept
• Draft Grant Awarding Policy (not currently adopted) – RESOLVED to accept with minor adjustments

66. Financial matters:

a) To receive an updated bank reconciliation from RFO (see Appendix 1);

b) To receive an updated budget vs forecast for 24-25 (see Appendix 2); 

c) To discuss and approve internal audit 24-25 and agree estimated cost of £40 (see item 61 above);

d) To note Lloyds bank error with standing order for 01.01.25 – salary payment not updated as per Minutes 02.12.24, therefore, agreed outside of meeting to raise a cheque for the difference of £26.13; bank updated for next payment 01.04.25 – financial records updated; 

e) To discuss and approve LALC Annual Subs 25-26 £100.04 (no VAT) – RESOLVED to accept;

f) To discuss and approve LALC Annual Training for 25-26 £132 (inc. VAT of £22) – RESOLVED to decline, reserving amount for any training during 25-26;

g) To consider and approve income/payments due including: All Saints Church – Meeting 12.03.25 £10.00 – 11.02.25; Outstanding claim of VAT 24/25 of £31.51 (claimed with an additional £2.83 for compost); Lloyds Banking Charges 10.2.25 £4.75; Salary SO 01.04.25 £580.32; 

    RESOLVED to accept bank reconciliation, updated budget vs forecast and payments.

67. To agree items to be included in the next newsletter

-     Annual Parish Meeting 6.30pm and AGM 7.00pm 7th May

-     New Grants Policy

-     All Saints Church update

-     Councillors to forward anything of interest before next deadline of 15th April

68. To confirm the date and agenda items for the next meeting 

Wednesday 7th May 6.30pm for Annual Parish Meeting / 7.00pm for AGM

Meeting closed 8.10pm

Financial Matters

Appendix 1 - NOT AVAILABLE IN THIS FORMAT

Appendix 2 - NOT AVAILABLE IN THIS FORMAT