Minutes - Full Council - 06 May 2025
Minutes of Bracebridge Heath Parish Council held at The Heath: Village Hall and Library on 6th May 2025 at 7pm
Annual Meeting of the Parish Council
Present: Councillors C Callan, S Manders, C Broad, A Carr, B Emes, K Trought, V Marden, C Barr and S Neilson
In attendance: Clerk to Council, Mrs S Knowles, Deputy Clerk to Council, Mrs R Fraser
District and County Councillor Cawrey and District Councillor Nash were in attendance.
One member of the public was in attendance.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Cllr Callan congratulated Cllr Cawrey on her re-election to Lincolnshire County Council.
REPORT FROM LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY COUNCILLOR - Cllr Cawrey reported that following the election Reform now control Lincolnshire County Council.
REPORTS FROM NORTH KESTEVEN DISTRICT COUNCILLORS - Cllr Nash made a short welcoming presentation to the Parish Council.
Cllr Cawrey – Nil report
QUESTIONS OR POINTS RAISED BY RESIDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC - Nil
COUNCIL SESSION
Code of conduct reminders
Nolan Principles
Members were reminded of the Nolan Principles which underpin the Council’s Code of Conduct - Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty & leadership.
Register of interests
The Chairman reminded members that they should submit to the Monitoring Officer at North Kesteven District Council any changes to the content of their Register of Member Interest forms. Interests should be declared in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
25057. TO ELECT A CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL - It was RESOLVED: That Cllr C Callan be elected as chairman for civic year 2025-2026.
25058. TO ELECT A VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL - It was RESOLVED: That Cllr C Barr be elected as vice-chairman for civic year 2025-2026.
25059. TO DECIDE WHEN THE DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE FOR THE CHAIRMAN SHALL BE RECEIVED - That the declaration of acceptance of office will be received before the next meeting on 3rd June 2025.
25060. TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND ACCEPT VALID REASONS FOR ABSENCE – It was RESOLVED: That apologies for absence be accepted from Cllr Moran.
25061. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
a. TO RECEIVE MEMBERS’ DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADOPTED CODE OF CONDUCT –Cllr Callan declared an ‘other-registerable’ interest in matters relating to the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils (LALC).
b. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER MEMBERS’ REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADOPTED CODE OF CONDUCT AND STANDING ORDERS – Nil
25062. TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING – 1st April 2025 - It was RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 1st April 2025 be approved and signed as a true record by the chairman.
25063. DELEGATION ARRANGEMENTS AND COMMITTEES
a. TO REVIEW DELEGATION ARRANGEMENTS TO COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, STAFF AND OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES - It was RESOLVED: That the council accepts the delegation arrangements made through the existing schemes of delegation (ordinary and emergency schemes), which were reviewed in April 2025.
b. TO APPOINT ANY NEW COMMITTEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDER 4 – No new committees
c. TO REVIEW AND ADOPT TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR EXISTING COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS – It was RESOLVED: That no changes were required for the terms of reference for the Personnel committee (v1.2) and Events Working Group (v1.0); both Terms of Reference were readopted.
d. TO REVIEW MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS - It was RESOLVED: To appoint 3 members to the Events committee – Cllrs Emes, Manders and Carr.
It was RESOLVED: To appoint 5 members to the Personnel committee - Cllrs Manders, Broad, Callan, Trought and Emes.
e. TO APPOINT A CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF STANDING COMMITTEES - It was RESOLVED: That Cllr Manders be appointed as chairman of the Personnel Committee.
It was RESOLVED: That Cllr Broad be appointed as vice-chairman of the Personnel Committee.
25064. TO REVIEW OR CONFIRM ARRANGEMENTS FOR REVIEW OF:
a. STANDING ORDERS – It was RESOLVED – That Standing Orders 4.0 April 2025 be adopted subject to the removal of SO 24b which is not required.
b. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS
c. COMPLAINTS POLICY
d. POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES RELATING TO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION
e. POLICY FOR DEALING WITH THE PRESS AND MEDIA
f. EMPLOYMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
g. THE COUNCIL’S MEETING CALENDAR
h. INVENTORY OF LAND AND OTHER ASSETS
i. INSURANCE
j. SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OTHER BODIES
k. EXPENDITURE INCURRED UNDER S137 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972
l. ARRANGEMENTS FOR WORKING WITH OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES NOT-FOR-PROFIT BODIES AND BUSINESSES
It was RESOLVED: That the review arrangements for items 25064 b to l be accepted as provided in the written report.
m. SOCIAL MEDIA ADMINISTRATORS - It was RESOLVED: That Mrs S Knowles and Mrs R Fraser and a named library volunteer be appointed as administrators of the Library Facebook Page.
It was RESOLVED: That Mrs S Knowles and Mrs R Fraser be appointed as administrators of the Council Facebook Page.
It was RESOLVED: That Cllrs C Barr and K Trought be appointed as administrators of the Facebook Group.
n. COUNCIL REPRESENTATION OR APPOINTMENTS TO OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS – No representations or appointments.
25065. FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE
a. TO RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT ON PAYMENTS BETWEEN MEETINGS –. Direct debit payments for April. Payments made by delegated authority on 15th April 25 and 30th April 25 and payments made to return deposits to two hirers.
All reports can be downloaded https://bracebridge-heath.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/download/66/meeting-reports---may-2025
b. TO REVIEW AND CONSIDER PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS - It was RESOLVED: That payment of accounts as presented at report 25065b be approved. All reports can be downloaded https://bracebridge-heath.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/download/66/meeting-reports---may-2025
c. TO REVIEW AND CONSIDER APPROVAL OF BANK RECONCILIATIONS – This item was deferred until the next meeting as the nominated councillor was not in attendance.
d. TO REVIEW BUDGET, INCOME AND EXPENDITURE – A written report was given. No concerns raised.
e. TO REVIEW AND ACCEPT REGULAR DIRECT DEBITS - It was RESOLVED: That the list of regular direct debits be accepted.
f. TO REVIEW THE COUNCIL’S BANK MANDATE AND SIGNATORIES - It was RESOLVED: That
- the council’s mandate remains the same; any two signatories to sign
- the council continue with four signatories - Cllrs Broad, Callan, Manders and Trought
25066. TO RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT ON CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND CONSIDER ANY RECOMMENDATIONS –
Items noted:
- Bracebridge Heath Parish Council streetlights
- Construction traffic on Lichfield Road
- Queries regarding access to the recreation ground from Bracebridge Manor estate
a. TO CONSIDER A BEER FESTIVAL EVENT AT THE RECREATION GROUND – a written report was received. The Parish Council is not opposed to the principle of holding such an event, however, members of council raised concerns about the size and duration of the proposed event. It was agreed the Clerk would write to the organiser to explain the council’s concerns and suggest that the event is held over one day only with a more family focus.
19:52 Cllr Adey joined the meeting.
25067. TO RECEIVE AND ACCEPT A REPORT ON DECISIONS MADE USING DELEGATED AUTHORITY – The following report was accepted.
Payments made as reported at item 4a.
25068. PLANNING
a. TO CONSIDER PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE LAST MEETING –
25/0345/FUL Blacksmith’s Arms - It was RESOLVED: That Bracebridge Heath Parish Council has no comments or objections.
b. TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON PLANNING DECISIONS – a written report was given.
25069. TO CONSIDER THE REPORT OF THE INTERNAL AUDITOR FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 - It was RESOLVED: That the report of the Internal Auditor for the Financial Year 31st March 2025 be accepted. The Council notes that no actions are required.
25070. TO CONSIDER PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 - It was RESOLVED: That the balance sheet and income and expenditure reports for year ended 31st March 2025 be accepted.
25071. TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE 2024/2025 ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN – SECTION 1 – ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT - It was RESOLVED: That ‘yes’ responses are provided for each statement, excluding number 9 which is not applicable, and the Annual Governance Statement of the Annual Return for the financial year ended 31st March 2025 be accepted, approved and signed by the chairman and clerk.
25072. TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE 2024/2025 ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN – SECTION 2 – ACCOUNTING STATEMENTS - It was RESOLVED: That the Annual Accounting Statements of the Annual Return for the financial year ended 31st March 2025 be accepted, approved and signed by the chairman.
25073. TO CONSIDER SUBMISSION OF OTHER ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR AND CONFIRM THE DATES FOR THE EXERCISE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS – It was RESOLVED: That the additional documents required for an intermediate level review as noted in the report be accepted and submitted to the external auditor.
It was RESOLVED: That the recommended dates for public rights inspection – 3rd June 2025 to 14th July 2025 be accepted
Thanks were given to the Clerk to Council for her continued hard work and receipt of a positive internal audit report.
25074. TO CONSIDER HIRE CHARGES FOR COUNCIL’S FACILITIES - It was RESOLVED: that the recommended charges for new private and ad-hoc bookings be implemented in accordance with the written report.
25075. TO CONSIDER ADDITIONAL WASTE DISPOSAL AT THE HEATH: VILLAGE HALL & LIBRARY - It was RESOLVED: That the council applies for a larger 1100l general refuse bin from North Kesteven District Council to replace the existing 660l bin, at an additional cost of £150 per year.
25076. TO CONSIDER PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL FURNITURE FOR THE HEATH: VILLAGE HALL & LIBRARY AND PAVILION - It was RESOLVED: That a large Gopak trolley and three Gopak Economy folding tables be purchased for The Heath and an additional Gopak Economy folding table be purchased for the pavilion.
It was RESOLVED: That the purchases would be funded from the respective earmarked reserves (pavilion – covid-19 and Village Hall)
25077. TO CONSIDER A SUBSCRIPTION TO CANVA PRO - It was RESOLVED: To purchase Canva Pro subscription at a cost of £100 per year. The subscription would be paid for from the ‘office equipment’ budget.
25078. TO CONSIDER CO-OPTION TO COUNCIL VACANCIES - no applications received.
25079. TO CONSIDER ITEMS FOR INCLUSION ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING – Items to be emailed to the Clerk.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 20:30
Signed___________________________Chairman 03 June 2025