JRW/411

TODWICK PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in Todwick Village Hall
at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday 6th January 2016

Present

• Councillor Ferris
• Councillor Greer-Waring
• Councillor Gregory – Chairman
• Councillor Jeffrey
• Councillor Newbold
• Councillor White
• J R Walker – Clerk & Financial Officerr

15/127 APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Councillors Carter and Hill.

15/128 BUDGET 2015/16 AND 2016/17

Clerk had provided members with up to date financial information on 2015/16.

Members considered the implications of Government and the Borough Council policies, the letter from the Lead Commissioner concerning tax grants to parishes, the Parish Council’s present financial situation and that projected to the end of financial year 2015/16. They also considered the input received from parishioners, proposed future strategies for services to the parish and subsequently priorities for 2016/17.

Newbold referred to a lack of notices informing of penalties for dog fouling and the dropping of litter. The few that were displayed showed discrepancies in the amount of the fine.

Clerk would ask the Borough Council to display more notices and showing the correct fine for non compliance.

Gregory apprised members of his discussions on financial matters with Borough Councillor Watson. The Borough Council would likely increase its planned expenditure by 1.95%, add a further 2% specifically for children’s services and there would also likely be increases in respect of the police levy and emergency services provision.

Resolved that expenditure for the remainder of the financial year would include repairs to play equipment, the purchase of gazebos and waste bins. Expenditure at the sports pavilion would include the provision of CCTV and purchase of protective floor mats.

Gregory advised that as from the 1st December 2015 the Parish Council would have to bear the cost of the marking out of football pitches at a cost of £90/month. He also advised that entering into a new three-year contract for grounds maintenance with the Borough Council from the 1st April 2016 would cost £15,755.48 in the first year, an increase of 1.2%.

Resolved that in spite of increased costs the Council set the budget for financial year 2016/17 at the same level as in years 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15 to comprise:

1. Administration (incl. staff costs)	17500
2. Village Hall	400
3. Recreation Ground	17000
4. Allotments	1000
5. Village Maintenance	6000
6. Children’s Playground	500
7. Donations	2000
Total	44,400

15/129 PRECEPT 2016/17

The Borough Council had recently calculated its Council Tax Base for 2016/17.

As part of the 2015/16 Budget Process the Borough Council’s Cabinet had decided to phase out the grant it paid to parishes over three years starting in 2016/17. Following a review by Commissioners of this decision to reduce grant, Commissioner Sir Derek Myers had written to all parish councils in Rotherham indicating that the planned reduction in grant for 2016/17 would take place but that further currently planned reductions in grant for 2017/18 and 2018/19 would be frozen to allow discussions with parish councils on their role and levels of grant funding as part of setting the Borough Council’s budget for 2017/18.

The Borough Council had now confirmed that the Borough Council would be allocating £1,475 in grant to Todwick Parish for year 2016/17. For year 2015/16 the grant had been £2,212.

Resolved that in order to maintain income at the same level as in recent years, the precept for 2015/16 of £42,188 be increased to £42,925 for year 2016/17.

Clerk would inform RMBC at the appropriate time.

15/130 URGENT ITEMS

1. Un Official Footpath

   Ferris asked whether any further response was required in connection with people walking on land to the rear of Sandwith Road causing annoyance to some residents. The route being taken was not an official footpath. Members were aware of the Clerk’s recent reply to a resident and that the Public Rights of Way Officer at the Borough Council had been informed.

   Gregory assured Members that this was essentially a matter between the landowner and the individuals walking on the land. The Parish Council should have no further involvement.

2. Fencing at The Pastures

   Gregory advised that he would contact planning officers at RMBC as the temporary Heras fencing had now been sited for over six months.

3. 20 mph Speed Limit

   Newbold asked whether any progress had yet been made on the introduction of a village wide 20 mph speed limit.

   Greer-Waring advised that at a recent meeting with RMBC she had discussed 20 mph restrictions around schools. RMBC had started a trial period around 5 schools in the Borough. Once the results of the trial were known RMBC hoped to implement the 20 mph restrictions around all schools across Rotherham in order of priority. It was therefore possible that a 20 mph limit would be introduced around the primary school at some time in the future.

4. A57

   White expressed concern about the lack of anything to make more obvious the kerb line at the central reservation at the dual carriageway section of the A57 between the M1 and the Red Lion Roundabout. The problem was exacerbated at night or when visibility was poor.

   Clerk would ask RMBC to consider the provision of a white edge line and/or amber road studs.

The Meeting Closed at 8.12 p.m.

The next Council Meeting will be in Todwick Village Hall at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday 26th January 2015.