Minutes

Feb 2022

Anderby Parish Council

Notice is given that the Parish Council meeting took place on:

Monday 21st February 2022

 Village Hall, Anderby Village.

The council meeting commenced at 7.05pm.

Signed – Alan Vassar  - Alan Vassar – Clerk to the Council

PARISH COUNCIL AGENDA

  1. Apologies for absence

Cllrs Bullimore, Hayes, Rushton, W Fisher, Williams.

  1. Councillors present at this meeting

Cllr G Fisher, Johnson and Wood

  1. Councillors absent and no apologies sent
  2.  
  3. To receive Declaration of Interests

None

  1. To receive reports from outside bodies

Cllr Colin Davie presented the LCC Budget Speech 2022 brochure in which it details the financial details of the County Council for the forthcoming year.

‘The LC Council Tax will increase by 5% - 3% of the increase to be used for the increased costs in Social Care and 2% for General usage, including repairing the roads – necessary after the deep cuts of funding from the Government that would have been directed to this issue.

In reality, as the Government are giving £150 to each household to reduce their overall council tax, this would equate to an almost zero increase overall.

The Huttoft development is due to come live in March.

Due to vandalism on new signage in the area, the employees that empty the bins etc have been given graffiti removal kits and that should reduce the problem, but if anyone sees any that have not been cleared, please report to Highways.

The Local Car Park Officer will work with Police and local Traffic Wardens and will proactively pursue illegal parking in the area.

Due to the latest Gov thinking re:the dangers of caravan sites opening all year – all pending applications for annual extensions to the holiday year have been withdrawn.’

It was noted by Cllr Wood that the number of parking spaces per car park and displayed on the LCC web site were incorrect. This had been reported to Highways and Anderby Creek and Huttoft Car Terrace numbers had been corrected but he felt that the others may well be overstated as well. Cllr Davie to check.

A question was also raised at to how parking would be controlled on Wolla Bank – a car park jointly owned by LCC and the EA. Half the CP would be subject to the regulations and the other half would not. Cllr Davie acknowledged that there were some difficulties with applying the bylaw but this would be sorted by the summer.

He also explained that there is a feasibility study for the area ongoing – looking at improving facilities/bike access routes etc.

Cllr Davie was informed of major road slippage just past the PZ caravan site. Highways to be informed.

  1. Notes of meeting held on January 2022 to be approved as Minutes.

Unanimously agreed.

  1. Update on Action Notes generated from last APC Meeting.

These were discussed point by point, and the items outstanding carried forward to the next meeting.

It was reported that the camera near the Village Hall was faulty and was triggering with no cause – Cllr Wood to check.

  1. Reports from Councillors re external meetings.
  2.  
  3. Method of payment of Parish Clerk – PAYE?

After discussion with another Clerk to a Parish Council, it seemed that paying the Clerk gross (without deducting tax) was incorrect.

The Clerk checked with HMRC and their position is very clear.

They state that the previous guidance EIM67320 should no longer be followed and the following conditions apply:

  • The Parish Clerk is an Office holder and therefore subject to PAYE
  • They can never be considered self employed for tax or NIC purposes.
  • And must be taxed under PAYE

Parish Councils must register as an Employer and operate PAYE on the income that the Clerk earns.

A discussion ensued as to the implications of this ruling to the PC. As an employee, how do they treat holidays, sickness, pension plans, well-being, and appraisals etc. The Clerk thought these issues would not apply during his tenure of office, but he would research the items and report back in March. It was felt that it would be OK to finish this financial year with the old system, but start the new one in April.

  1. Grant applications – any updates and possible new project – Sunshine Outdoor Gym?

The Village Hall representatives advised the PC that they had received a quote of £6500 from a local company to install 10 solar panels/battery on the Village Hall roof.

The PC’s outstanding grant application should be ratified in March.

The idea of placing outdoor gym equipment on the LCC owned land was greeted with enthusiasm. Cllr Johnson to look at sources of funding and Cllr Wood to photograph the area, and the Clerk to send the details to Cllr Davie so permission can be sought to use this land.

A £300 grant had been applied for to the District Council and this will probably be approved – to be used for the purchase of more dog waste bins.

The Anderby Creek roundabout is being actively planned with quotes etc needed from landscape gardeners, excavation companies etc. Cllrs Johnson and Wood pursuing all avenues to bring this project to a conclusion.

  1. Queen’s Jubilee Event

The Queen officially marks 70 years on the throne on February 6. However, the key events will take place over the weekend of 2nd June - 5th June.

The Village Hall Committee indicated that they would be delighted to join the PC in all activities ref Queen’s Jubilee Events.

Requests to the general public asking for ideas for these few days will be put on the Anderby Creek website. (Cllr Wood).

As this will be a full Bank Holiday, discussion ensued as to how car parking would be resolved at Anderby Creek if stalls were in situ as well. Further thought on this subject needed, and dependant on the volunteers coming forward to stand stalls etc.  Ideas so far – Street Party, Table Top Sale.

 

 

 

 

  1. Agreement to continue with LALC Membership

There had been a small increase in this subscription, but it was unanimously felt that membership of LALC gave the PC access to lots of information and training that would be very expensive to source elsewhere. The price is quoted as £147.35 and this was unanimously agreed.

  1. Guest Speaker for AGM

Cllr Davie had suggested that we should ask someone from the National Trust to be our guest speaker at the AGM.  After an email consultation with all the Councillors, it was agreed to invite Kirsty James to this event, and she has accepted. It was mentioned that the Village Hall/PC had no projector so she should bring her own if it was required. The Clerk to thank her for accepting the invitation and supply her with further details (times, post code etc).

The Village Hall Committee offered any assistance we would need with refreshments etc.

  1. Review of Asset Register

Councillors reviewed the Asset Register for 2020 and adjusted this as necessary.

  1. Agree Auditor and fees

The Clerk has checked with the External Auditor that the PC employed last year (Mrs Jen Cooper) and she has agreed to do it this year with no increase in cost. (£30).

  1. Finance:

To approve payment of accounts:

  1. Any cheques required for immediate action – None due
  2. Payment of LALC Membership – awaiting reminder
  1. Date of next meeting Monday 21st March 2022
  2. Any other business for discussion only or next agenda

The Clerk informed the PC that:

  1. Work is due to be started in the removal of the concrete posts from the old sewage works – but access will not be via Anderby Creek car park but through Wolla bank, so no disruption expected.
  2. Planning – no decision made yet on the caravan/pod applications.
  3. The maintenance contract with Finch? Cllr Wood to confirm the contract with them.

It was noted that the drain at the end of Sandy Lane, Anderby Creek has been filled with rubble. The drain (marked on O.S. maps) has been filled for 25 meters with building rubble. It is understood that the perpetrator is planning to cover the drain with earth. This needs reporting ASAP.