Meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:30PM on Tuesday 27th September 2022 at Whittington Community Hall
Minutes 09/2022
Present: Steve Brooker (Chair), Richard Boase, Helena Bennett, Adam Hooper
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Ashley Smith (Police), Richard Holroyd (Community Hall Committee), Linda Robinson (County Councillor), two members of the public
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Steve Brooker opened the meeting and welcomed residents.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies were noted from Susan MacLeod and Katie Lambeth-Mansell.
3. Declarations of personal and prejudicial interest
3.1. Register of Interests
Noted.
3.2. Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Richard Boase declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in all items pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
Steve Brooker declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in all items pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
3.3. Other Disclosable Interests
Richard Boase declared an other disclosable interest in all items pertaining to Uffnell’s Allotments.
3.4. Dispensations
A dispensation had previously been granted to Richard Boase to allow participation and voting on all items pertaining to Uffnell’s Allotments.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Richard Boase to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Steve Brooker to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. Police
Ashley Smith provided an update on policing matters. The following issues had been reported:
• Suspicious activity on Whittington Walk estate was being monitored
• Livestock escaping onto highways
• Anti-social behaviour on the Wildmore estate (item 12.3 and 12.4)
A question and answer session followed.
4.2. District Councillor
Rob Adams had provided a written update for various matters on the agenda.
4.3. County Councillor
Linda Robinson provided a report as follows:
I know some of us are still in a state of shock at the sad news of the passing of our longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Yet seamlessly we now have a new King, Charles III. I attended our local proclamation at Wychavon Civic Centre last week. It felt very surreal to be singing the National anthem substituting the word King rather than Queen but time has to move on and it has been heartening to see the amount of public interest and sympathy around the world. Church Services and messages of condolence were held and collected across the country. Few eyes managed to stay dry whilst watching the funeral and we marvelled the meticulous timing and precision demonstrated by our armed forces congratulations and thanks to all those involved. I managed to control my emotions until I saw the late Queen’s Fell pony Emma standing alongside the Long Walk in Windsor with only our late majesty’s headscarf on the saddle!!
The period of mourning plus our summer break preceding it has meant that there has been a long gap without any decision-making meetings so apologies if some of my report is a little out of date but I hope still of interest.
July and August saw a heatwave with record temperatures and drought conditions across the County. Worcester reached a new record of 37.1c. in July. County Gritter teams were put on alert in the event of road surfaces melting and creating a hazard to motorists. Evidently, we just managed to avoid a hosepipe ban. Fire crews have been on high alert and dealt with double the number of usual callouts for the time of year.
For info. more than 120 miles of roads have been resurfaced in Worcestershire so far this year. This is equivalent to travelling from Worcester to Buckingham Palace.
We have also seen the worsening of the crisis in Ukraine and the latest data I have from August showed 170 hosts registered in Wychavon with 402 anticipated guests. 276 have already arrived in the district and received their £200 welcome payment.
Covid cases having continued to fall after a spike at the beginning of July are on the rise again. Our infection rate has increased in the last week to 61% per 100,00. Worcestershire’s figures continue to be above the English average of 50 The number of hospital cases has fallen considerably. A fourth booster designed to tackle new variants is to be offered along with the annual flu jab to our most vulnerable later this month. Pensioners over 75 will receive invitations from the NHS from yesterday as will care workers and those who are immunosuppressed. Pop up Covid and flu booster sessions will be available across the County from next month. News this week though has suggested that people are often being turned away due to some shortages in supply. The advice remains to ‘stay alert to stay safe’.
The ongoing cost of living and Energy crisis is a huge concern to us all and one of the ways Wychavon are looking to help eligible residents can be seen below.
Free energy efficiency improvements on offer. Some of the least energy efficient homes across Wychavon could get a free upgrade as part of a new scheme.
Wychavon has been given more than £1.1 million from the Government’s Sustainable Warmth Fund to spend on improving the energy rating of the district’s homes. The work will not only help cut energy bills but also carbon emissions to help tackle climate change. The money will be targeted at households with a combined income of less than £30,000 and whose home has been given an Energy Performance rating of D or below.
Work costing up to £25,000 will be fully funded. How much someone receives will depend on the energy rating of their property and whether or not they are on the mains gas network. Properties off the mains gas network can still apply.
The grants will cover energy efficiency measures including:
· Energy efficient replacement of electric storage heaters
· Replacement windows and doors
· Loft insulation
· PV panels
· Air source heat pumps
Residents are being encouraged to check their Energy Performance Certificate, which they can do through Wychavon’s energy advice page. If their home is a grade D or below and they meet the other qualifying criteria then they are being urged to register their interest in the scheme. An online expression of interest form is available at www.wychavon.gov.uk/energy or people can call Act on Energy, who are administering the scheme for Wychavon, on 0800 988 2881.
WCC are also working on a scheme via ‘act for energy’ until the end of September for pensioners who are receiving pension credit or are on a low-income pension. Letters containing vouchers will be issued in September to those who are eligible.
The SWDPR development plan has seen further delays but is expected to come before Wychavon councillors in October with public consultation from 1st November -13th December. The proposed strategic sites are at Parkway, Throckmorton, Rushwick and Mitton. Please keep your eyes open for more detail if you wish to make any comments. An interactive map on the SWDP website is being updated to help set out the proposed shape for how South Worcestershire will develop in the next twenty years. This should be available in the next few weeks to assist with the Public Consultation.
Wychavon electoral review final recommendations. The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has released its final recommendations for new electoral arrangements in Wychavon. The number of councillors will be reduced from 45 to 43 and the number of wards from 32 to 27. There will be two three-councillor wards, 12 two-councillor wards, and 13 single-councillor wards. The boundaries of most wards have been changed but eight will stay the same. The aim of the review was to make sure Wychavon councillors represent roughly the same number of electors. Under the recommendations each councillor will represent an average of 2,546 electors with just two wards being more than 10% away from the average number of electors per ward. Currently there are 13 wards more than 10% away and 3 wards more than 20% away.
The attached document contains more information about the recommendations which will need to be approved by Parliament. They will then be in place for the 2023 election. An interactive map is available at https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/have-your-say/24728
4.4. Whittington C of E Primary School
No matters were reported.
4.5. Whittington Church
It was noted that the new Elizabethan Room was coming into use with the return of “Yew Brew” (coffee/tea etc) on a fortnightly basis on Saturday mornings and also refreshments before the services on Sunday mornings.
4.6. Brethren Church
The Brethren Church were continuing to support the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) operating in Ukraine.
4.7. Whittington Community Hall
Richard Holroyd provided an update as follows:
• Whittington Village Hall had officially legally changed name to Whittington Community Hall.
• The hall had been opened for one year since rebuilding and bookings had increased substantially, including 67 children’s parties, 21 adult parties and 173 classes or meetings.
• The Community Legacy Grant Scheme project impact assessment form had been completed.
• Various improvement projects were under consideration, such as audio/visual facilities and new chairs.
• The Community Hall AGM is scheduled for the 1st November 2022.
• There would be a community Christmas Fayre 10:30AM until 1PM on the 26th November 2022.
4.8. Public participation
Members of the public made a request for a bike track; it was thought that land would need to be identified to make such proposals viable and enquiries would be made with Persimmon Homes regarding Whittington Walk.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
5. To consider and adopt the minutes from the Parish Council meeting on the 26th July 2022
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
6. Progress reports
6.1. Councillor vacancy
It was noted that there was one vacancy on the Parish Council and enquiries from parishioners were welcomed.
6.2. Whittington Walk progress update
There were no matters to report.
6.3. Church Lane flooding
It was noted that Worcestershire County Council had remedial work planned for early 2023, further details were awaited.
6.4. Vehicular Activated Sign (VAS)
No update was available.
6.5. A44 Whittington Road layby
It was noted that Worcestershire County Council were making arrangements to remove the dilapidated noticeboard.
Long term HGV parking had been reported in the layby and enquiries would be made to see if the operator’s licence could be enforced and if waiting restrictions could be considered.
6.6. Admiral Place obstructive parking
It was noted that the Police had committed to increase patrols of this area with a view to issuing notices to illegally parked vehicles. It was noted that the response had to be proportionate given that on-street parking was limited.
6.7. Village charity accounts
No update was available.
7. Correspondence
7.1. Worcestershire CALC: Latest training schedule.
The training schedule was noted.
7.2. Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments: Option to opt out of the central external auditor appointment arrangements.
It was RESOLVED to continue with the central external auditor appointment arrangements.
7.3. The Local Government Boundary Commission: Final recommendations for future electoral arrangements for Wychavon.
The above recommendations were noted.
7.4. NALC: To consider signing up to the civility and respect pledge.
It was RESOLVED to sign up to the national civility and respect pledge.
8. Community Hall
8.1. Community Hall Project: To receive an update.
It was noted that the snagging works had been successfully completed and the final invoice from the contractor was awaited.
9. Planning:
9.1. SWDP / Parkway Development: To receive an update and to consider actions.
It was RESOLVED produce an update/newsletter for hand delivery to Pershore Road parishioners and for inclusion on the Parish Council’s website, Facebook page and noticeboards.
9.2. Planning consultations: To consider the following planning applications to be determined by Wychavon District Council:
9.2.1. Nil.
No planning applications.
10. Allotments
10.1. To receive an update
It was noted that there were a number of vacant plots and it was RESOLVED to advertise on the Parish Council’s website, Facebook page and noticeboards.
10.2. Monthly inspection: To consider the latest inspection report and any actions or proposals generated.
It was noted that all of the allotment plots had passed the most recent inspection.
10.3. Terms and Conditions: To review the allotment T&Cs to include winter maintenance.
It was RESOLVED to update the allotment Terms and Conditions to include provision for winter maintenance and to reduce the plot inspection failure ‘warning’ period from one month to ‘at least two weeks’.
10.4. Clerk’s delegation: To note work instructed to repair the allotments storage box.
The above work, authorised under delegated authority, was noted.
11. Highways and Public Rights of Way
11.1. Whittington Walk: To consider concerns raised regarding junction layout.
No update was available.
11.2. Lengthsman Scheme: To receive an update and to consider any items for the Lengthsman’s work schedule.
It was noted that there were outstanding Lengthsman jobs that had not yet been delivered.
12. Parish matters for discussion/decision
12.1. School signage competition: To receive an update.
It was noted that the dog fouling signs had been produced and they would be installed across the parish shortly. Vouchers for St Peter’s Garden Centre for £15, £10, £5 and £5 would be purchased for the prize-winners and given to Whittington Primary School for distribution.
12.2. Engaging with parishioners: To review options for increasing engagement with residents across the parish.
It was RESOLVED to review options for a parish newsletter.
12.3. Anti-social behaviour, Wildmore: To consider reported issues.
It was noted that the Police had committed to increase patrols of this area and that graffiti had been reported to Wychavon District Council for removal.
12.4. Littering, Leslie Walk: To consider reported issues.
It was noted that the Police had committed to increase patrols of this area.
12.5. Code of Conduct: To consider adopting the Local Government Association Model Councillor Code of Conduct 2020.
It was RESOLVED to adopt the LGA Model Code of Conduct.
13. Finance
13.1. External audit: To note the external auditors report.
It was noted that the external auditor had reported no matters of concern.
13.2. Bank account: To receive an update on the move to Lloyds Bank (with online banking).
It was noted that the new bank account had been opened but further forms were required to enable internet banking and to transfer funds from the current HSBC bank account.
13.3. Budget expenditure: To consider and approve.
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
13.4. Bank reconciliation: To consider and approve.
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
13.5. Invoices: To approve the following invoices for payment:
13.5.1. David Hunter-Miller (September salary and expenses)
13.5.2. HMRC (September PAYE)
13.5.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (September pension)
13.5.4. Home Farm Nurseries (pinvin) Ltd (Community Hall Project): £392.71
13.5.5. P Probert (allotments maintenance): £45.00
13.5.6. PKF Littlejohn LLP (external audit): £1,560.00
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices and cheques were duly signed.
13.6. Clerk’s Delegation: To note the following payments made between meetings:
13.6.1. 23/08/22 David Hunter-Miller (August salary and expenses)
13.6.2. 23/08/22 HMRC (August PAYE)
13.6.3. 23/08/22 Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (August pension)
The above payments were noted.
13.7. Direct Debits: To note the following direct debits made between meetings:
13.7.1. 01/08/22 Severn Trent Water (allotments supply): £38.20
13.7.2. 21/08/22 HSBC (business banking charges): £16.00
The above payments were noted.
14. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was noted that the highway fencing between the A4440 and Old Road was damaged and this would be reported to Worcestershire County Council for repair.
15. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 25th October 2022.
The meeting closed at 9:21PM.