The Annual Statutory Meeting of Hassocks Parish Council is being held on Tuesday 20 May 2025 which is scheduled to commence at 7.30 pm in the Council Chamber, Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.
Parish Clerk – 14 May 2025
Members of the public are encouraged to come to the meetings and there is an opportunity for them to address the Council relating to non-confidential items on the published agenda. A period of 15 minutes will be set aside in item 10 Public participation. 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.
AGENDA
1. APOLOGIES
1.1 To accept Apologies for absence
2. ELECTION OF CHAIR
3. DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
4. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR
5. DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
6. DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS
6.1 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.
7. APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS
To confirm the membership of each of the following set out in (Appendix 1). To view Appendix 1 please click here.
8. APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES
Details of Outside bodies are set out in (Appendix 2). To view Appendix 2 please click here.
9. MINUTES
9.1. To resolve that the minutes of the Council meeting held on the 8 April 2024 be taken as read, confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
10. 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.
11. TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING MINUTES
11.1 Planning Committee – to agree the minutes for 6 May 2025 and to note the minutes for the 14 April 2025.
11.2 Policy Resources & Communications – to agree and note the minutes for 29 April 2025.
12. FINANCE
12.1 To approve the Financial Report and authorise the list of payments in the sum of £54,270.58 issued between 1 March 2025 and 31st March 2025. (Appendix 3). To view Appendix 3 please click here.
13. INTERNAL AUDIT REPORT 2024/25 To note and approve the Internal Auditor’s Report (Appendix 4). The attached report sets out the final year end internal audit report for the year ending 31st March 2025, which follows on from the interim audit review completed earlier in the year. The report sets out the work undertaken by the auditor together with any findings and recommendations. To view Appendix 4 please click here.
The year-end audit did not raise any recommendations and the Internal auditor noted ‘It is clear the council takes governance, policies and procedures seriously and I am pleased to report that overall, the systems and procedures you have in place are fit for purpose.’
14. ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN. To consider and approve the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ending 31 March 2025 as follows:
i) To note the signed Annual Internal Audit Report. (Appendix 5). To view Appendix 5 please click here.
ii) To consider and approve the Annual Governance Statement (Section 1) for 2024/25 (Appendix 6). This report sets out how the Council has met its governance responsibilities. To view Appendix 6 please click here.
iii) To consider and approve the Accounting Statements (Section 2) for 2024/25 (Appendix 7). To view Appendix 7 please click here.
15. REPORTS
15.1 West Sussex County Councillor
15.2 Mid Sussex District Councillors Report
15.3 Police Report
15.4 Rail Matters
15.5 Youth Initiatives
15.6 Reports from Councillors on meetings outside bodies where the Council is represented
16. CHAIR’S REPORT
16.1 Current matters (oral report)
17. CLERK’S REPORT
17.1 Insurance Members are requested to note the Local Council Insurance policy is due for renewal on 1 June 2025 through a three year agreement with Clear Councils insurance broker. The policy will be underwritten by Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc, part of the Benefact Group. The policy cover has been reviewed and the renewal terms are offered at the same rates that Aviva provided in 2024. The total annual cost will be £4,229.85
17.2 Precept Members are advised that the Council has received the first Parish precept instalment in the sum of £169,789 from Mid Sussex District Council.
17.3 Internal auditor appointment Members are asked to note that the Council has a three year agreement with Mulberry & Co until 31 March 2026 to deliver annual internal audit services.
17.4 Remembrance Day Members are asked to approve a transfer from General Reserves of £2,000 to fund the planned Remembrance Day event on 9 November 2025. This will cover the cost of a marching band, wooden crosses, a poppy wreath, the road closure application, barriers and signage.
17.5 General Power of Competence The General Power of Competence is the power of a local council to do anything that individuals generally may do (Localism Act 2011, s.1) within certain boundaries, for example when an activity is done for a commercial purpose it must be done through a limited company.
The General Power of Competence in sections 1 to 8 of the Localism Act 2011 is available only to ’eligible’ parish councils in England. The eligibility criteria are that the Parish Council has resolved at a meeting of the Council that it meets the following conditions at the time the resolution is passed:
Members are asked to agree to APPROVE a resolution that the Council currently meets the criteria for eligibility for the General Power of Competence.
17.6 Municipal Meeting Calendar – The attached paper set out in (Appendix 8) details the proposed meeting schedule for the forthcoming Municipal Year. To view Appendix 8 please click here.
Member’s views are sought on the proposed meeting schedule.
18. URGENT MATTERS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIR for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.
19. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
To note that the date of the next Council meeting 10th June 2025.
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.
Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 20 May 2025
Attendees: Parish Councillors Maria Angelaki-King, Kristian Berggreen, David Bunting, Lesley Cruikshank-Robb, Frances Gaudencio (Chair), Bill Hatton, Sue Hatton, Don McBeth, Angus Neil, Peter Richardson, Alex Simmons, Ian Weir
In Attendance: Elaine Langridge (Clerk & RFO), Helen Valler (Deputy Clerk)
MINUTES
PC25/1 APOLOGIES Cllr Paul Shepherd
Absent without apologies: Cllr Robert Brewer
PC25/2 ELECTION OF CHAIR
Members were requested to elect a Chair of the Council for the forthcoming year. Cllr Gaudencio indicated that she would like to be considered for the position. This was proposed by Cllr Berggreen and seconded by Cllr Simmons. All Members voted in favour.
RESOLVED that Cllr Frances Gaudencio was elected as Chair for the year 2025/26.
PC25/3 DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
The declaration was duly signed by the Chair Cllr Frances Gaudencio and countersigned by the Clerk in the presence of the meeting.
PC25/4 ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR
Members were requested to elect a Vice Chair of the Council for the forthcoming year. Cllr Weir indicated that he would like to be considered for the position. This was proposed by Cllr Gaudencio and seconded by Cllr Berggreen. All Members voted in favour.
RESOLVED that Cllr Ian Weir was elected as Vice Chair for the year 2025/26.
PC25/5 DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
The declaration was duly signed by the Vice Chair Cllr Ian Weir and countersigned by the Clerk in the presence of the meeting.
PC25/6 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 – None.
PC25/7 APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS
The Clerk introduced Appendix 1 setting out the expressions of interest received to date for consideration on the respective committees and working groups. The Clerk invited members to consider the proposals and to make amendments where necessary. Each Committee was considered in turn.
PC25/8 a) POLICY, RESOURCES & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
RESOLVED that Cllrs Maria Angelaki-King, Lesley Cruikshank-Robb, Frances Gaudencio, Don McBeth, Paul Shepherd and Ian Weir be appointed to the Policy Resources & Communications Committee (6 members).
PC25/9 b) GROUNDS & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
RESOLVED that Cllrs Kristian Berggreen, David Bunting, Frances Gaudencio, Bill Hatton, Sue Hatton, Peter Richardson, Paul Shepherd and Ian Weir be appointed to the Grounds & Environment Committee (8 members).
PC25/10 c) PLANNING COMMITTEE
There is one vacant position on this Committee so Cllrs Frances Gaudencio and/or Ian Weir may be called on, in an ex-officio capacity, to attend as necessary.
RESOLVED that Cllrs Maria Angelaki-King, Kristian Berggreen, Robert Brewer, Lesley Cruikshank-Robb, Bill Hatton and Don McBeth be appointed to the Planning Committee (6 members).
PC25/11 d) NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN COMMITTEE
The Clerk advised that this Committee did not meet in 2024/25 as there was no business. In 2025/26, the Committee could be convened to review the Developer Protocol and to update the Neighbourhood Plan in line with the new district Plan (2021-39) if it is adopted. These meetings will be organised on an ad hoc basis, as required.
RESOLVED that Cllrs Kristian Berggreen, Lesley Cruikshank-Robb, Frances Gaudencio, Bill Hatton, Don McBeth and Ian Weir be appointed to the Neighbourhood Plan Committee (6 members).
PC25/12 e) ADASTRA PARK WORKING GROUP
RESOLVED that Cllrs Kristian Berggreen, David Bunting, Frances Gaudencio, Bill Hatton and Peter Richardson be appointed to the Adastra Park Working Group (5 members).
PC25/13 f) FLOOD WORKING GROUP
This Group was temporarily suspended in 2024/25 whilst West Sussex County Council (WSCC) review and update the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and Capital Programme. The Group will meet on an ad hoc basis in 2025/26 as and when we receive an update from WSCC.
External representatives from Greener Hassocks & Ditchling, the Ouse and Adur River Trust and WSCC will also be invited to participate in future meetings.
RESOLVED that Cllrs Frances Gaudencio, Sue Hatton, Angus Neil, Peter Richardson and Ian Weir be appointed to the Flood Working Group (5 members).
PC25/14 g) SPEED LIMIT WORKING GROUP
The Speed Limit Working Group has submitted an application to WSCC for a 20mph Community Highway Scheme in Hassocks. The Terms of Reference for this Group will be reviewed to consider the potential for the delivery of further traffic management projects such as the introduction of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs).
Andy Hanson (Greener Hassocks & Ditchling), Bob Kennard (Hassocks Community Association) and Sue Hatton (Mid Sussex District Council) will be invited to participate in future meetings as representatives of external organisations.
RESOLVED that Cllrs Peter Richardson and Paul Shepherd be appointed to the Speed Limit Working Group (2 members).
PC25/15 APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES
The Clerk introduced Appendix 2 setting out expressions of interest received regarding the appointment of Parish Councillors as representatives on outside bodies. Each appointment was considered in turn.
PC25/16 ADASTRA HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
RESOLVED that Cllr Sue Hatton be appointed as the representative for Hassocks Parish Council.
PC25/17 HASSOCKS AMENITY ASSOCIATION RAIL GROUP
RESOLVED that Cllr Bill Hatton be appointed as the representative for Hassocks Parish Council.
PC25/18 HASSOCKS COMMUNITY ORGANISATION (HCO)
Hassocks Parish Council has not been invited to attend HCO meetings so a representative was not appointed in 2025/26. Councillors could consider appointing a representative at a later date if a request is made by the outside body.
RESOLVED that this appointment be deleted.
PC25/19 HASSOCKS TWINNING ASSOCIATION
This position is currently vacant and there were no expressions of interest. Councillors could consider appointing a representative at a later date if a request is made by the outside body.
RESOLVED that this appointment be deleted.
PC25/20 MID SUSSEX ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
Cllr Frances Gaudencio is happy to attend these meetings if the appointed representatives are unavailable.
RESOLVED that Cllrs Kristian Berggreen and Don McBeth be appointed as representatives of Hassocks Parish Council.
PC25/21 OLDLANDS MILL TRUST
RESOLVED that Cllr David Bunting be appointed as the representative for Hassocks Parish Council.
PC25/22 MSDC PARISH LIAISON MEETINGS
RESOLVED that Cllrs Frances Gaudencio and Ian Weir be appointed as representatives of Hassocks Parish Council.
PC25/23 DOWNLANDS SCHOOL SPORTS HALL COMMITTEE
RESOLVED that Cllrs Peter Richardson and Alex Simmons be appointed as representatives of Hassocks Parish Council.
PC25/24 MINUTES
The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on the 8 April 2025 were ACCEPTED as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
PC25/25 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No members of the public were present.
PC25/26 TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING MINUTES
PC25/26.1 Policy, Resources and Communications Committee – Members ACCEPTED minutes of the meeting held on 29 April 2025.
PC25/26.2 Planning Committee – Members ACCEPTED minutes of the meeting held on 6 May 2025 were accepted and NOTED minutes of the meeting held on 14 April 2025.
PC25/27 FINANCE
Members considered the Financial Report and supporting bank statements for the period ending 31 March 2025 as set out in Appendix 3. Members queried the £25,000 payment to Unity Current and the Clerk explained that this was a transfer between bank accounts. Cllr Bunting drew Members attention to the £383.23 payment for electricity at Adastra Pavilion. It was agreed that this should be investigated further by the G&E Committee with a view to reducing these costs.
Members APPROVED the payments list totalling £54,270.58 for the period 1-31 March 2025.
PC25/28 INTERNAL AUDIT REPORT 2024/25
Members noted the contents of the Internal Auditors Report.
PC25/29 ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN
PC25/29.1 The Annual Internal Audit Report was APPROVED.
PC25/29.2 The Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 (Section 1) was APPROVED by Members and duly signed by the Chair Cllr Frances Gaudencio and countersigned by the Clerk in the presence of the meeting.
PC25/29.3 The Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 (Section 2) was approved by Members and duly signed by the Chair Cllr Frances Gaudencio.
PC25/30 REPORTS
PC25/30.1 West Sussex County Councillor – None. The Chair advised Members that Kirsty Lord has resigned and a by-election for the Hassocks and Burgess Hill South electoral division will be held on Thursday 5 June 2025.
PC25/30.2 Mid Sussex District Councillor report – MSDC Councillor Chris Hobbs provided a report which was presented on his behalf by Cllr Berggreen.
He informed Members that the MSDC Council agreed a budget for 2025/26 at their meeting on 26 February 2025.
On 10 March 2025, the Cabinet Grants Panel awarded the Keymer and Hassocks Cricket Club £2,689 for a new mower and approved the Release of S106 contributions for the Adastra Hall Hassocks Community Association extension to the toilets.
The MSDC Cabinet considered an interim report regarding the Parking Strategy on 10 March 2025. They are intending to implement changes in Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint, Cuckfield and Lindfield in 2025-26 and are proposing to introduce:
a. A digital “disc” available for £4 each year, allowing users to park for 1 hour a day, for free, in the car parks.
b. A tariff regime for the car parks of 60p for the first hour, up to £1.80 for 4 hours, charged from 8am to 6pm.
c. Heavily discounted season tickets, including a resident’s overnight cost (4pm-9am) of £52 per annum.
d. Additional enforcement visits to the villages.
Proposals will now be worked up more fully and go to formal consultation before coming to Cabinet again in September for ratification.
Members felt these proposals would not improve car parking in the village and would likely push visitors to park on the road which would cause congestion. Costs would increase for residents and visitors which could adversely affect local business and community venues. They questioned the financial rationale for the changes and resolved to consider the matter further at the Policy, Resources and Communications Committee.
PC25/30.3 Police Report – None. Cllr Hatton asked how links with the Police could be improved. The Clerk agreed to follow this up as it is important that the Council is kept informed about local Policing matters.
PC25/30.4 Rail matters – None
PC25/30.5 Youth Initiatives – None
PC25/30.6 Report from Councillors on meetings of outside bodies where the Council is represented.
PC25/30.6.1 Cllr Richardson had attended a meeting of the Downlands School Sports Hall Committee. John Godley has been appointed Chair of the Committee. The school is performing well financially and is considering making some improvements to the grounds and leisure facilities, to increase sporting and community use, to meet growing demand. It was suggested that a meeting should be arranged between the Parish Council Chair, Clerk and the new Head (Matt Ashdown) when he starts in post, to learn more about any potential future developments.
PC25/30.6.2 Cllr Neil had attended the Hassocks Infant School Governors meeting. He informed Members that the school would like to recruit two new members and asked them pass on the information to any interested parties.
PC25/30.6.3 Cllr Gaudencio had met informally with the Chair and Vice Chair of Hurstpierpoint Parish Council to discuss the Local Government Reorganisation agenda. They thought there could be opportunities to work together in the future and will set up a more formal meeting with the Clerks of both Councils present.
PC25/31 CHAIR’S REPORT
PC25/31.1 Cllr Gaudencio reported that Kate Bailey had resigned from the Council. She said Kate had made a great contribution and asked that the Council’s collective thanks were put on record. Members were sorry to see her go and wished her all the best for the future.
PC25/31.2 She also asked all Members to ensure they had submitted their updated Register of Interests forms to the Deputy Clerk for the records.
PC25/32 CLERKS REPORT
PC25/32.1 Members noted the renewal arrangements for the Local Council Insurance Policy on 1 June 2025.
PC25/32.2 Members noted that the first Parish precept instalment in the sum of £169,789 has been paid by Mid Sussex District Council.
PC25/32.3 Members noted the appointment of Mulberry & Co as the internal auditor for the 2025/26 financial year.
PC25/32.4 Members APPROVED the release of £2,000 from General Reserves to fund the Remembrance Day event.
PC25/32.5 The Clerk explained the criteria which would allow the Council to adopt the General Power of Competence. This provides the Council with an overarching legal power allowing it to deliver a wide range of projects and services and generally do anything that an individual can do, as long as it’s not explicitly prohibited by law.
Members voted unanimously to APPROVE a resolution that the Council currently meets the eligibility criteria for the General Power of Competence.
PC25/32.6 The Clerk shared a copy of the draft 2025/26 Municipal Calendar with Members for their consideration. Members were content with the proposals and APPROVED the programme of meetings for the coming year.
PC25/33 URGENT MATTERS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIR – None
PC25/34 DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday 10 June 2025.
See full list of 2024/25 meetings, minutes and agendas here >
10/06/2025
Hassocks Parish Council
16/06/2025
Planning Committee
See full list of 2024/25 meetings, minutes and agendas here >
The Council Office is located at:
Parish Centre, Adastra Park,
Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8QH.
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
Wednesday CLOSED
Friday
10.00 a.m. to 12 noon.
