Hassocks Parish Council

Agenda

A meeting of Hassocks Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 14 February 2023 at 7.30 pm in the Council Chamber, Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.

Parish Clerk – 8 February 2023

Members of the public are encouraged to come to the meetings and there is an opportunity for them to address the Council relating to the non-confidential items on the published agenda. A period of 15 minutes will be set aside in item 4 Public participation.

AGENDA

1. APOLOGIES

To accept Apologies for absence

2. DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS

2.1 To deal with any disclosure by Members of any disclosable pecuniary interests and interests other than pecuniary interests, as defined under Hassocks Parish Council’s Code of Conduct and the Localism Act 2011, in relation to matters on the agenda.

3. MINUTES

3.1. To accept the minutes of the

Parish Council meeting 10th January 2023

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Up to fifteen minutes will be available to allow for the public to make representations, answer questions or give evidence in respect of any items of business included in the agenda, in accordance with Standing Orders.

5. TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING MINUTES

5.1       Planning Committee – to agree the minutes for the 3rd January 2023

& to note the minutes for the 23rd January 2023

5.2       Neighbourhood Plan Committee – to note the minutes for the meeting 26th January 2023

5.3     Grounds & Environment Committee – to note the minutes for the meeting 1st February 2023.

6. FINANCE

6.1       To approve the Financial Report and authorise the list of payments in the sum of £20,021.31 issued between 1 December 2022 and 31st December 2022. (Appendix 1). To view Appendix 1 please click here.

7. REPORTS

7.1       West Sussex County Councillor

7.2       Mid Sussex District Councillors Report

7.3       Police Report

7.4       Rail Matters – oral Report (Leslie Campbell)

7.5       Youth Initiatives – (Frances Gaudencio)

7.6       Reports from Councillors on meetings outside bodies where the Council

Is represented.

8. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

8.1       Current matters (oral report)

9. CLERK’S REPORT

9.1       Grants 2022/23 (Phase 2)

The purpose of this report is to inform the Council of the Grant applications received as part of the second phase of awards. The Council agreed a total budget of £4,500 for grants and donations to local groups and organisations for 2022/23. The current grant application process is set out for Members information in (Appendix 2) the following grants were awarded in September 2022/23 in phase 1 of the allocations process.

No. Applicant Funding agreed
1 Arklight Youth Group £500
2 4 Sight Vision Support £500
3 Victim Support £250
4 Hassocks Community Association £400
5 Keymer & Hassocks FC £500
6 Age Concern £500
Grants Awarded – Phase 1 September 2022 £2,650

Based on the above allocations there remains up to £1,850 available within the budget to be potentially allocated as part of the phase 2 of awards.

Phase 2 Grant Applications – February 2023

No. Applicant Purpose Funding sought
1 The Hurst Rethink To create a year round planting scheme around the welcome to West Sussex sign on the B2116 £600
2 Cycling Without Age Hurst & Hassocks Contribution towards insurance to enable the Trishaws to be used. £300
3 Befriended Contribution toward purchasing blankets as part of Blanket winter project £600
Grants applied for. £1,500

 

Supporting documents for each of the above applications are attached as (Appendix 3) setting out the purpose of grant sought which members should consider. To view Appendix 3 please click here.

Based on the current submissions the total value could be met within the remaining grant budget allocation if members were supportive of the submissions.

RECOMMENDATION: The Council is invited to consider the above applications, and determine the level of grant awards for 2022/23 phase 2 taking into account the contents of the applications and the available budget.

9.2      Elections – 4th May – Candidate Nominations

This report updates members on the proposed timeline for this year’s elections which will include the Parish Council.

Any person interested in standing for election/re-election onto the Parish Council will need to follow with the arrangements published by Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC).   https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/.

The form to be used in relation for the Parish Council is the ‘Town/Parish Council Election – for Independent Candidates’.

A copy of the form is set out in Appendix 4 together with the link below to the relevant webpage to access an electronic version. Nomination pack parish council election (midsussex.gov.uk)

To view Appendix 4 please click here.

It is understood that MSDC will publish the district, town, and parish council Notices of Election on Monday 20 March 2023, representing the start of the regulated period.

The key dates that voters, prospective candidates, and election agents will wish to know are:

Prospective Candidates
Notice of Election Published Monday 20th  March 2023
Candidate Nominations Open Tuesday 21st March 2023
Candidate Nominations Close Tuesday 4th April 2023 at 4.00pm
Voters
Electoral Registration Deadline Monday 17th April at 11.59pm
Application for a Postal vote deadline Tuesday 18th April at 5pm
Application for a Proxy Vote deadline Tuesday 25th April at 5pm

 

Candidate Nominations will therefore open on Tuesday 21 March, and the nominations period has a duration of only 11 working days.

The absolute deadline for submitting nomination papers in-person at MSDC’s office is at 4pm on Tuesday 4 April 2023, but it is never advisable to do so on the last day because if they are not valid/correct there would be little or no time to for candidates to rectify any issues.

We have been advised that the MSDC elections team will be handling potentially high numbers of candidate nominations for both the district and parishes elections therefore have requested in the interest of efficiency, that prospective councillors make an appointment for any working day between 21st March – 4 April at the earliest opportunity. MSDC strongly recommend making an appointment for the earliest possible date in this period.

Those individuals interested in submitting nominations should contact Electoral Services (elections@midsussex.gov.uk) as soon as possible to secure the desired appointment date and time. The electoral team’s direct telephone number is 01444 477222 (option 1). Members can be the’ trusted person’ to submit the forms on behalf of other existing Members if they are unable to attend MSDC offices in person.

If having drafted nomination papers, and an informal check is desired prior to the formal nomination submission appointment, the Electoral services team will be pleased to conduct this. This can be arranged with Electoral Services via email to: elections@midsussex.gov.uk. The informal check does not need to be within the nominations period, it can be arranged sooner.

Members are requested to note the proposed election arrangements for the forthcoming elections.

9.3       Adastra Hall – The hall have currently submitted a grant application via the Jubilee Grant fund to support the installation of a number of solar panels on the halls roof with a view to reducing ongoing running costs. The hall representatives have advised the Council that full planning permission would not be required for the installation of the panels as they would be allowed to be installed under permitted development.

Members are aware that the Council owns the building but leases this to the association, therefore if any significant changes to the building are proposed by the leaseholder the Council as ‘landlord’ is required to consider these proposals.

The association have therefore contacted the Council to consider a request to install Forty Two (42) Solar PV Panels on the roof of the hall, an outline drawing of the positioning of the panels is attached as Appendix 5. It is understood there would not be a need to structurally modify the roof to accommodate these panels. To view Appendix 5 please click here.

Members are therefore requested to consider this request to place Forty Two (42) Solar PV Panels on the roof of the hall. Member’s views are sought.

9.4       Business Rates – Revaluation (Non Domestic Rates) are set nationally but collected locally by Mid Sussex District Council on behalf of government.

The Parish Centre has recently been revalued for business rates as part of the national revaluation scheme which is the first time this exercise has been undertaken for many years. As a consequence of this revaluation the Council will no longer be eligible to receive the 50% Small Business rate relief.

To qualify for this relief the premises rateable value is required to be below £15,000 which the Council had previously met, however the new Rateable value has now increased to £18,250 (from 1/04/23) which has taken the Council outside of this relief scheme.

As a consequence the Council will now only be entitled to receive a tapered transitional relief adjustment to soften the blow of the increased costs. It is estimated that the Councils tax bill will therefore increase significantly; the estimated business rate bill before relief will be £9,107 pa however after applying the tapered relief this will reduce to £6,942 pa (estimate).

As a result of this revaluation the provision in the 2023/24 Business rates budget £2,500 is insufficient to cover the increased costs leaving a budget shortfall of £4,442.

Members are therefore requested to note the revaluation and are requested to release a further £4,442 from General reserves in the new financial year 2023/24 to cover this under provision within the proposed rates budget to meet the increased costs.

10. Adastra Park Tennis Court refurbishments

Members are aware that the Council has been engaged for some time with the Lawn Tennis association to secure additional funding to progress the tennis court refurbishment. This report is to advise members that the Council has now been notified that it has been successful in securing Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) funding to enable the progression of the tennis court scheme. The overall funding of the project will be met from developer contributions (s106 funds), the LTA and Council reserves.

This will facilitate the refurbishment/resurfacing of the existing facility and will incorporate an automated gate entry system/on-line booking and on-line payment facility.

We have now received the terms and conditions of grant which the Council is required to enter into to enable the funding to be accessed:

(a) Authority is therefore sought to enter into an agreement on behalf of the Council accepting the terms of the grant subject to further clarification if required.

(b) Authority is sought to enter into a contract on behalf of the Council with the installer to deliver the programme of works.

Provided authority is granted discussions will then commence with the LTA regarding the time frame for programming in the work and further work streams will emerge such as:

(c) Subject to any agreement the Council will need to discuss options regarding the LTA coach; the Council would need enter into a contract with the coach setting out our charges to use the facility for coaching sessions and the level of service to be provided to promote usage. The emphasis will be on increasing usage for members of the public and this will be co-ordinated with the LTA.

(d) To agree the level of club usage of the facility

(e) Set up and configure the on-line booking system/payments system in the background in preparedness for re-opening (supported by LTA).

(f) Site promotion/launch – supported by LTA.

11. Communication presentation (verbal update)

12.URGENT MATTERS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.

13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To note that the date of the next Council meeting is Tuesday 14th March 2023

EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

In view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted Councillors will be referred to the Confidential Agenda. If any members of the public or press are in attendance they will be requested to withdraw from the meeting in the public interest.

Confidential

14. Burial Ground – path network

FILMING, RECORDING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS AND USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
During this meeting members of the public may film or record the Committee and officers from the public area only providing it does not disrupt the meeting. The Confidential section of the meeting may not be filmed or recorded. If a member of the public objects to being recorded, the person(s) filming must stop doing so until that member of the public has finished speaking. The use of social media is permitted but members of the public are requested to switch their mobile devices to silent for the duration of the meeting.

Please Note
All members of the public are welcome to attend to attend meetings of the Parish Council and its Committees.
Item 4 – a period of 15 minutes will be set aside for the public statements and questions relating to the published non-confidential business of the Meeting.
It may be necessary to consider particular items in confidential session and where this arises, these items will be considered at the end of the agenda.

Appendix 2

Hassocks Parish Council Community Grants Scheme 2022/23

Hassocks Parish Council is pleased to announce that it is now inviting applications for community grants for 2022/23. Projects must be achievable within a year and grants are for a maximum of £600 each.

The Council has powers to give financial aid under various statutes, notably the Local Government Act 1972:

  • S137 in respect of expenditure for purposes not otherwise authorised, which are considered to be in the interests of, and bringing direct benefit to the area and its community

There is a limited budget each year for grants and the amounts requested can sometimes exceed the fund available. It is therefore important that all questions on the application form are answered as fully as possible to provide a detailed description of your proposed project/activity.

All grants are at the discretion of the Council. The Council is not bound by previous decisions, and retrospective grants will not be considered.

Once awarded the Council will require written confirmation of how the grant has been spent. This may include a report, photographs, copies of receipts etc. This must be provided by the end of the financial year.

Applications will be considered twice yearly by Council in September and February.

The Council supports voluntary and charitable organisations that provide services of direct benefit to the residents of the parish. The granting of funds will be considered in line with the aims and priorities set out within the Council’s Business Plan:

  • Our Neighbourhood Plan
  • Engaging with the Community
  • A great place to live, work and enjoy
  • A Parish for all
  • Connecting our village
  • Our staff and ourselves

Applications should consider:

  • The benefit to the local community
  • Increasing local peoples engagement and interest in local democracy
  • Promoting involvement in community life.
  • Bringing together people from different backgrounds.
  • Reducing inequalities.
  • Supporting individuals with disabilities.
  • Engaging young people in positive activities.
  • Supporting the needs of the elderly.

Each award is considered as a ‘one off’ grant and are therefore limited. However, this should not deter groups from applying. Applications will be particularly welcome from:-

  • Voluntary groups/organisations that provide services to other people.
  • Voluntary groups/organisations that support disadvantaged people to access something they could not otherwise access.
  • Applications to purchase items that will be shared by many.
  • Different and innovative events or projects that benefit the community.

GRANT CONDITIONS.

  • Grants will only be made to organisations (not individuals) with bank accounts.
  • Applications will not be considered from private organisations operated as a business to make a profit or surplus.
  • Applications from education, health or social services establishments will be considered where the organisation can demonstrate that it is working in partnership with other groups and where there are benefits to the wider community.
  • Only voluntary or not for profit organisations will be considered.
  • The organisation must provide, or propose to provide, an activity or service that is considered to be clearly needed by the local community or by a particular group of residents.
  • All applications must specify a specific item(s)/purpose to be funded.
  • No organisation will be allowed more than one application in any one financial year of the Council. (April 1st – March 31st)
  • Any money granted will be paid directly to the organisation and not to any individual or private bank account.
  • Once paid, the money must be used for the intended purpose and for no other unless so specifically approved by the Council.
  • Hassocks Parish Council reserves the right to reclaim the grant in the event of it not being used for the purpose specified on the application.
  • The recipient organisation should acknowledge Hassocks Parish Council as a funding source in any promotional matters.
  • The Grant budget will be determined in advance of the financial year and will not normally be exceeded.
  • All grant requests must be made on the appropriate form.

Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 14th February 2023 at 7.30pm in Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks

Attendees: Parish Councillors Ian Weir, Sue Hatton, Bill Hatton, Kristian Berggreen, Carolyn Barton,  Claire Tester, Robert Brewer, Frances Gaudencio, Alex Simmons and Leslie Campbell.

Visiting Member(s): –  (WSCC) Cllr Kirsty Lord (arrived 8.42)

Parish Clerk: Ian Cumberworth

MINUTES

PC22/113       APOLOGIES   Cllr David Bunting, Cllr Dan Sewell and Cllr Jane Baker

Absent without apologies: Cllr Kate Bailey and Cllr Angus Neil

PC22/114     DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS

Disclosure by Councillors of personal interests in matters on the agenda, and whether the Councillor regards their interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct. –

Cllr S Hatton and Cllr Barton in relation to item 9.3 – Adastra Hall Improvement options.

The above members did not vote on these disclosed items.

PC22/115     MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on the 10th January 2023 were accepted as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

PC22/116     PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Two members of the public were present Chris Hobbs and Nick Owens who spoke in support of the proposed installation of solar panels (item 9.3) on the roof of Adastra Hall. Further detailed/technical explanations were provided by Mr Hobbs and Mr Owens to members to assist them in their deliberations. Members were also provided with the opportunity to clarify some of the technical aspects and received a brief update on progress of work streams and the new lease on the hall.

PC22/117     MINUTES

117.1    Members accepted the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting on the 3rd January 2023 and to note the minutes for the 23rd January 2023.

117.2    Members noted the minutes of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee for the 26th January 2023.

117.3    Members noted the minutes of the Grounds & Environment Committee for the 1st February 2023.

PC22/118     FINANCE

118.1     Members considered the finance reports and the supporting bank statements and reviewed the following payment lists.

The Finance report and payments totalling £20,021.31 (Appendix 1) for the period 1st December 2022 were considered and APPROVED.

The Chair proposed that members consider changing the running order of the agenda to enable item 9.3 Adastra Hall to be considered first before considering the other reports. The proposal was seconded and Members RESOLVED to bring forward item 9.3 for consideration at this stage of the agenda.

PC22/119 Reports

119.1 Adastra Hall 

Members were advised by the Clerk that the hall has currently submitted a number of grant applications including the Jubilee Fund to support the installation of a number of solar panels onto the roof of Adastra Hall with a view to reducing the on-going running costs.

The hall representative had advised that the work would not require planning permission but could be undertaken under permitted development.

As Hassocks Parish Council own the building any material changes proposed by the leaseholder are required to be considered and approved by the Parish Council. The Clerk invited members to view Appendix 5 (drawing) which set out details of the placement of the panels, however they have been subsequently advised that the panels will need to be  located across a number of the roof sections and not just those identified on the drawing in Appendix 5. This matter was explained further earlier in the meeting by Mr Hobbs and Mr Owens in the public participation session.

The hall are requesting approval from the Council to install forty two (42) solar panels onto the roof, if members are minded to support this arrangements will be made to incorporate these in the new lease which is currently being drafted. Member’s views were sought.

119.1.1 Members discussed the proposal and were very supportive of the initiative therefore RESOLVED to APPROVE the installation of 42 solar panels on the roof of the hall and for the Clerk to instruct the council’s legal advisor to incorporate this within the lease

The two members of the public left the meeting after this item was considered.

119.2   County Councillors reports: – Cllr Kirsty Lord (KL) indicated that she would be delayed in attending the meeting and had therefore provided the Clerk with a written reportThe Clerk read out the following report:

Budget
‘WSCC budget meeting is scheduled for this Friday (17th). It is proposed that council tax is raised by the full 4.99% (2.99% + 2% for adult social care) which allows the books to be balanced and releases some extra money which will be targeted mostly towards highways (with drainage specifically mentioned).  I will report back on the details of the budget more fully in March if this would be of interest – please let me know.

Highways
There was very sadly a fatality on Brighton Road yesterday evening.  WSCC has kept me informed so far but the information is sub judice so I cannot share.  It is too early to know the cause but as more details become available and I am able to share them I will bring them to you.  I am sure all our thoughts are with the bereaved family.

Richard Speller, Area Highways Manager, has now left WSCC and we await news of his replacement.  Christine Ellison is looking after Hassocks issues for us in the meantime.  I spoke with her and Richard on Friday.  They visited the bottom of Clayton Hill last week to look at the road condition which, as we know, deteriorates quite quickly after repairs and the surface is very uneven on the inside bend.  It is scheduled for maintenance work in 2024/25 but Christine is working to try and bring this in during 2023/34 if possible.

I convened a meeting with highways and drainage engineers at WSCC last week to discuss Parklands Rd drainage.  We reviewed what has happened since the new scheme was installed in December 2021.  Highways agreed to my suggestion that we move the drain clearing up from the current 12 months to every 6 months.  Parklands Rd was originally on the side road jetting schedule of every 4 years until I raised this with them and they moved to every 12 months, so I am pleased that they have agreed it should be every 6 months instead.  In addition, they have agreed that they will put a flag on the system so that if anybody calls in as the water levels rise then WSCC Highways knows that this is an area requiring particularly urgent attention.

Some investigative CCTV works are being carried out on Thursday and Friday this week to check that the new scheme is functioning properly and identify whether any tweaks need to be made.

In the meeting we also discussed the works that are needed by the railway bridge.  Kevin MacNay is working through the proposals now. I asked that they ensure any drainage down to the stream doesn’t inadvertently affect Parklands Road by raising the stream levels upstream from Spitalford Bridge and he said they will make sure to look at this.  Kevin is also in discussions with Downsview Road residents about a possible Operation Watershed application.

Potholes continue to be a problem across the county due to the freezing weather both before and after Christmas.  Please continue to report them to WSCC and I can chase any that aren’t repaired within 28 days.

Schools
I have met with the Chair of governors and head at Downlands about school places and also attended the site plan review meeting at WSCC for the expansion.  The planning application should be submitted within the next few weeks, with the build planned to start on 21st June.  The groundworks will be carried out while the school is still in session, but as it is a modular building built offsite and only assembled on site, most of the works during the summer holidays will be internal fittings and therefore shouldn’t be too disruptive to Dale Avenue residents when they reasonably expect a little more peace.’

119.3    District Councillor Report (Cllr Sue Hatton) advised members that MSDC were proposing to increase Council tax by 2.75% subject to Full Council approval.

Cllr Hatton raised concerns over the promotional information published to date of the pending changes for the forthcoming elections in respect of the need to provide Photo ID when voting and the need to update signatures for postal voting if the original application for postal votes was applied for over 5 years ago. Concern was expressed that some people will be confused by the changes particularly as it was felt that from information received to date regarding acceptable ID was incomplete at present. Cllr Hatton agreed to take this matter up with MSDC although it was acknowledged that the promotional material is being initiated by the Electoral commission.

Some Parish Council members expressed a similar view. The Clerk indicated he had recently attended a meeting where MSDC officers were present and they indicated they were to roll out a promotional campaign to raise awareness of these changes.

Members were advised that MSDC are in the process of rolling out a number of playground/park improvement schemes as part of a government funding initiative. Cllr Hatton has been advised that the Belmont Recreation Ground will be in the next tranche of schemes which the Council currently holds substantial developer contributions for.

Cllr Hatton stated that she had recently received complaints regarding vehicles being parked on the grass verges at Keymer Parade and that the Dustbin collection vehicles have struggled to access Parklands road due to parking and the ongoing works being undertaken to install fibre cable broadband.

Cllr Hatton clarified that the reference to the school expansion in Cllr Lords report was referencing some additional prefabricated accommodation for the bulge classes.

FG raised the issue of responsibility regarding the damage to the verges in Ockley lane due to the gas installation works. Cllr Hatton agreed to take this matter up.

119.4       Police Report – Members were advised that a Police Beat meeting had been scheduled in for the 6th April 11am -12pm where members of the public will have the opportunity to discuss any issues with our local PCSO’s.

119.5 Rail Matters – Cllr Campbell advised members that a meeting of the rail group was scheduled for the 1st March.

Members requested that Cllr Campbell request that the rail group raise concerns with network rail regarding the potential closure of the ticket office at the station.

Members were informed that this concern had also been raised by a number of respondents as part of the current Neighbourhood Priorities Statement consultation.

Members felt that concerns relating to this matter would be more effective coming from the rail group rather than the parish council expressing the communities concerns regarding the potential closure of the ticket office. Cllr Campbell undertook to raise the Councils concerns.

119.6    Youth Initiatives – nothing to report.

8.42 Cllr Lord (WSCC – arrived).

119.7 Report from Councillors on meetings of outside bodies where the Council is represented

Cllr Weir had recently attended a meeting of WSALC but there were no material issues to report.

PC22/120  CHAIRMANS REPORT –  Cllr Weir invited any members wishing to attend the SDNP West Sussex Parish meeting workshop being held on the 5th March 6pm in Midhurst to liaise with the office. The theme of the event is to provide an opportunity to share best practice within the national park, use of community space and the local plan review. There may be an opportunity to utilise the display boards being prepared for the upcoming consultation in any feedback to SDNP

PC22/121   CLERK’S REPORT

  • Grants 22/23 (Phase 2)

The Clerk introduced the report and informed Members this report represented the second phase of applications being considered this financial year.

The overall budget for the year was £4,500 of which £2,650 was allocated at its September meeting therefore members have potentially £1,850 to allocate at today’s meeting. The Council had received funding bids for up to £1,500 therefore members were invited to review each grant application in turn and determine the funding allocation if any in each case.

Members were requested to review the table set out in item 9.1 of the agenda which details the phase 1 grants awarded in September together with a summary of the current funding bids received for phase 2 which were to be considered.

To assist members the grant application process and conditions were set out in Appendix 2 and the three current grant applications and supporting information were set out in Appendix 3.

The Council carefully considered each of the following grant applications taking into account the merits of the funding request and the level of support being sought together with the content set out within the respective submissions.

The following grant requests were considered for phase 2 of the 2022/23 grant scheme.

 

No Applicant Funding Sought
1 The Hurst Rethink
To create a year-round planting scheme around the welcome to West Sussex sign on the B2116
£600
PC22/121.1/1 Members RESOLVED not to award £ NIL.
Members expressed concerns that the proposal did not currently fit with the Councils current priorities and did not provide sufficient value for the cost .It was also unclear from the application whether the appropriate licence/permissions had been secured from WSCC.
2 Cycling Without Age Hurst & Hassocks
Contribution towards insurance to enable the Trishaws to be used.
£300
PC22/121.1/2 Members RESOLVED to award the sum of £300
3 Befriended
Contribution towards purchasing blankets as part of the Blanket winter project
£600
PC22/121.1/3 Members RESOLVED to award the sum of £600 on condition that the beneficiaries are from within the parish. Any funds provided by the Parish Council that are not spent on beneficiaries within the parish should be returned to the parish council.

 

Members therefore agreed to allocate £900 from the remaining 2022/23 grants budget in relation to phase 2 of the grant applications.

   121.2      Elections – May 4th – Candidate Nominations

   The Clerk introduced a paper setting out the arrangements for the forthcoming elections and in particular the process to be followed for any individuals wishing to stand for election/re-election on the Parish Council. A paper copy of the Nominations Paper was set out in Appendix 4 together with the link to MSDC website which set out the arrangements required to be followed.

Members were advised that the Notice of Election will be published on the 20th March 2023 therefore Candidate Nominations will open on the 21st March 2023 and will close on Tuesday 4th April 2023 at 4pm, therefore any interested persons should ensure their forms are submitted by this date.

Existing members who were interested in seeking re-election were encouraged to submit their Nomination forms as soon as practical.

The report was duly NOTED.           

121.3      Business Rates (Non Domestic Rates)

The Clerk advised members that the Council will no longer qualify for Small Business Grant relief in 2023/24 as the Parish Centre has been revalued which now takes the Rateable Value outside of the eligibility criteria.

The revaluation is part of a national programme and it’s the first time the Parish Centre has been revalued for many years.

The estimated rates will now rise to £9,107 per annum however the Council will now qualify for a tapered transitional relief adjustment to soften the blow of the increase.

This will reduce the payment down too £6,942 for 2023/24 although this still remains well above the Councils previous rates bill. Members were advised that as a result of this increase insufficient funds had been allocated within the rates budget for 2023/24 therefore

authority was being sought to release a further £4,442 from General Reserves in the new financial year to cover the budget shortfall.

121.3.1   Members RESOLVED to APPROVE the release of £4,442 from General Reserves in the new financial year (2023/24) to meet the increased costs.

 121.4       Communications (verbal update) – nothing to report.

PC22/122   URGENT MATTERS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN – none.             

PC22/123   DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To note that the date of the next Parish Council meeting is Tuesday 14th March 2023 at 7.30pm.

Cllr Lord left the meeting prior to the confidential item being considered.

EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
In view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted Councillors will be referred to the Confidential Agenda. If any members of the public or press are in attendance they will be requested to withdraw from the meeting in the public interest