Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 15 May 2023
at Stocksfield Community Centre
Present: Mr J Harrison (Chair), Mr T Hills, Mr C Liddle, Mr M Parker, Mrs K Pollock, Professor P Vickers, Miss A Brooks.
Ms L Guthrie (Clerk to the Council).
Apologies: Mrs A Dale.
Also present: Mr C Hall, Environment Agency.
Mr Harrison opened the meeting at 7pm and welcomed those present to the annual meeting of the Council.
23/5/64 Election of Chair of the Parish Council
Mr Harrison invited nominations for the Chair. Mr Harrison (proposed by Mr Parker and seconded by Mr Hills) was elected as the Chair of the Parish Council.
23/5/65 Election of Vice Chair of the Parish Council
Prof Vickers was elected as Vice Chair (proposed Mr Parker, seconded Mrs Pollock).
23/5/66 Apologies for absence
It was AGREED to authorise the absence of Mrs Dale.
23/5/67 Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
23/5/68 Public Participation
Parking
Parking on the roadside opposite Birches Nook Road was discussed. It was AGREED that the Clerk will raise the matter with Mrs Dale as county councillor.
Action: Clerk
Cycleways update
Mrs Pollock had been approached by a resident for an update on cycleways. Mr Liddle AGREED to liaise with the resident directly on the matter.
Action: Mr Liddle
Bike rack at Broomley First School
Mr Liddle has received an enquiry from a parent at the school as to whether a bike rack could be installed for children’s and parents’ bikes. Mr Liddle AGREED to raise this with the school.
Action: Mr Liddle
Environmental matters
Mr Liddle provided a brief update on his meeting with SCATA to discuss management of environmental issues within the village.
23/5/69 Presentation from Mr C Hall, Environment Agency
Mr Hall gave a presentation on the Environment Agency’s new early flood warning system. It was AGREED that information will be shared by the Clerk on appropriate platforms including Facebook, the Parish Council website and the summer edition of NE43 News. The Chair thanked Mr Hall for his enlightening presentation. Mr Hall left the meeting.
Action: Clerk
23/5/70 County Councillor update
Mrs Dale had provided a written update which had been circulated. Members noted the report and identified some issues which it was AGREED will be discussed with Mrs Dale at a future meeting.
23/5/71 Dates of future Council meetings
It was AGREED to adopt the proposed schedule of meetings and to continue to meet in the Richardson Room of the Community Centre. Action: Clerk DISCH
23/5/72 Review of arrangements for internal audit
The Chair referred to a previously circulated report of the Clerk which reviewed the arrangements for internal audit and members noted its content. DISCH
23/5/73 Internal auditor 2023/24
It was AGREED to appoint Mrs Margaret Weatherley as internal auditor for 2023/24. DISCH
23/5/74 Review of Council’s policies
After discussion it was AGREED that the Clerk will undertake a review of the Council’s Standing Orders, Members’ Code of Conduct and Financial Regulations within a timeframe of 6 – 12 months. Action: Clerk B/F
23/5/75 Council Committees
After discussion it was AGREED to make no changes to the policies in respect of the Council’s committees and to note the vacancy on the Planning Committee. Action: Clerk DISCH
23/5/76 Advisory Groups
Members discussed the membership of the Council’s advisory groups and it was AGREED that Mr Liddle will take on the role of convener for the Rights of Way Group and Mr Hills will take on the role of convener for the Communications Group. Action: Clerk
23/5/77 Minutes of the meeting held on 3 April 2023
It was AGREED (proposed Prof Vickers, seconded Mr Hills) that the previously circulated minutes of the meeting held on 3 April 2023 were a true and accurate record.
23/5/78 Matters Arising
The Chair noted that the Council is awaiting an update on the grant provided to the Stocksfield Climate Change Group. It was AGREED that the Clerk will request an update.
Action: Clerk
23/5/79 Finance
a) Approval of April 2023 payments
It was AGREED to approve the payments for April 2023 as detailed in the previously circulated schedule and the summary of receipts and payments for the month was noted.
b) Year-end statement of receipts and payments
Members AGREED to approve the previously circulated statement of receipts and payments for 2022/23.
c) Recurring payments 2023/24
Members AGREED to approve the previously circulated schedule of recurring payments for 2023/24.
d) Annual subscriptions 2023/24
Members AGREED to approve the annual subscriptions for 2023/24 as set out below
| Organisation | Month payable | Fee 2023/24 (£) (if known) |
| Northumberland Association of Local Councils | May | 604.43 |
| Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership | May | 10.00 |
| Northumberland and Newcastle Society | May | 35.00 |
| Communicorp | July | 12.00 |
| Society of Local Council Clerks | January | |
| Campaign to Protect Rural England | February | 36.00 |
e) Authorised bank signatories
It was AGREED that the authorised bank signatories will be Mr Harrison, Mr Parker, Prof Vickers and the Clerk. Action: Clerk
23/5/80 General Governance Advisory Group (GGAG)
a) Notes of the GGAG meeting held on 17/04/23
Members received the notes of the GGAG.
b) Service level agreement with Northumberland County Council
Members discussed the terms of the service level agreement with Northumberland County Council.
c) Data Protection Policy
Members AGREED that this policy will be reviewed by the Clerk. Action: Clerk
d) Email and Internet Policy
Members AGREED that this policy will be reviewed by the Clerk. Action: Clerk
23/5/81 Planning Advisory Group
Members noted the planning report and noted use of delegated authority as outlined below:
|
23/01180/FUL Eden House Ridley Mill Rd |
Proposed north extension to create utility, office, cloakroom, extension of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom on ground floor; demolition of garage and erection of single storey garden room; relocation of garage. |
No comment Note use of delegated powers |
23/5/82 Annual report of the Chair 2022/23
The Chair referred to the annual report for the last year. Members received the report which will be incorporated into the next edition of NE43 news. Action: Clerk
23/5/83 Parish Council Representatives
The Chair gave a brief update.
23/5/84St Margaret’s Hindley Burial Board
The Chair referred to an application from the Burial Board in respect of its operation of the cemetery at St Margaret’s Hindley. After discussion it was AGREED to make a grant award of £2,000. Action: Clerk
23/5/85 Any other business
There were no items of other business.
23/5/86 Date of next meeting
Monday 5 June 2023
The Chair thanked members for attending and closed the meeting at 8.32pm.