July 2022 minutes

The Parish Council meeting was held on Monday 11th July 2022 at 7.00pm in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington.

 

Present: 

Councillor Buckley-Jones 

Councillor Cerrino

Councillor George

Councillor Hemlin

Councillor Pattle

Councillor Rushby 

Councillor Sockell (Chairman)

Councillor Sowerby

Councillor Trafford  

District Councillor Goodwin (arrived 7.12pm) 

 

Responsible Finance Officer - N Briscoe

 

Absent:

Councillor Dziadkiewicz

Councillor Grimshaw

District Councillor Tinsley

District and County Councillor Carrington

Parish Clerk - Elaine Atkin 

 

Public Participation 

There were no members of the public present.

No public questions/comments were raised.

 

049/M/22 To receive apologies for absence, these having been submitted to the Clerk prior to the meeting

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors George and Grimshaw. Apologies were also received from District Councillor Tinsley and District and County Councillor Carrington.

 

050/M/22 To receive Declarations of Interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and receive Requests for Dispensations

Cllr Trafford declared a personal interest in agenda item 19 (minute 067/M/22) due to one of the contractors quoting being a neighbour.

There were no Requests for Dispensations.

 

051/M/22 To approve the draft notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 13th June 2022 and for the Chairman to sign them as the agreed minutes

It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Cerrino and resolved to approve the minutes.

 

Planning Matters and Tree Works:

052/M/22 To consider tree works applications received from NKDC

No tree works applications received.

 

053/M/22 To note tree decision notices from NKDC

No tree decisions received.

 

054/M/22 To consider planning application received from NKDC

22/0797/HOUS. Extension of existing garage, replace door and construction of boundary wall to replace timber fence. 1 Keyon Close, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1GJ. 

There were no comments.

 

22/0855/HOUS. Single storey rear extension and ground floor rear extension. Orchard House, 25 Sheppard’s Close, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1TU.

There were no comments.

 

055/M/22 To note planning decision notices from NKDC

22/0408/HOUS. Erection of a one and half storey rear extension. 17 High Street, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1RG. Application approved.

22/0586/HOUS. Erection of single storey side extension and installation of 1.8m high walls. 10 Bells Meadow, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1LD. Application approved.

22/0603/HOUS. Single storey rear extension, alterations to front extension and provision of new entrance porch. 27 Fen Road, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1JL. Application approved. 

22/0645/HOUS. Erection of first floor side extension and ground floor rear extension. 52 Millstream Road, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1TY. Application approved. 

The NKDC planning decisions were noted.

 

056/M/22 To note correspondence received

Correspondence received was noted.

 

057/M/22 To receive feedback from recent play inspection training and agree any action required

Cllr Trafford provided feedback on the play inspection training recently attended with the Caretaker.

A best practice example of the weekly inspection form has been provided by the training company and this has now been customised and is in use for our three play areas. These records must be retained for 21 years.

It was noted that any damaged play equipment should be taken out of action and fenced off, with appropriate signage.

 

058/M/22 To resolve to delegate urgent decisions to the clerk and RFO in conjunction with the chairman and vice chairs due to there being no council meeting in August, and for any such decisions to be reported back to council in September

This was proposed by Cllr Hemlin, seconded by Cllr Pattle and resolved.

 

059/M/22 To receive feedback on the Almond Avenue telephone box and agree actions required

Cllr George proposed, Cllr Buckley-Jones seconded, and it was resolved to request that Community Heartbeat Trust ask BT to remove the Almond Avenue telephone box as it was not viable to repair or to use for a defibrillator.

A future agenda item will consider options for the High Street telephone box, once the current plants and hanging baskets have finished.

 

060/M/22 To receive an update on the LCC Zero Carbon Parishes pilot project

Cllr Buckley Jones provided the following update:

  • We have been chosen by LCC as one of their pilot projects, whereby LCC will fund environmental projects up to £5,000
  • The funding must be spent this financial year
  • There is a meeting coming up with LCC to discuss potential projects
  • Potential projects to be considered could include: LED lighting and improved insulation at the Jubilee Hall; working with Millfield primary school on an air quality survey around the school; provision of a green sward and/or bird boxes for Station Road recreation ground, however input from parishioners on other suggestions will be canvassed
  • LCC is applying to the Department of Energy for access to their Local Vehicle Infrastructure Fund and if successful, would look to place a charging point in Heighington, either on this round or in a later phase
  • LCC’s Sustainability Manager is contacting local groups in the area to see if it’s feasible to set up repair café sessions, bicycle repair workshops etc

 

Financial matters:

061/M/22 To approve the monthly accounts for June

It was confirmed that the bank reconciliation for June had been checked against bank statements by Cllr Rushby.

The monthly accounts for June were proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Pattle and resolved.

 

062/M/22 To approve RFO recommendations for movement between budgets

The RFO recommended the following amendments to budgets:

  • Reduce Dog Warden Services (cost code 38) from £1,000 to £365
  • Re-allocate £230 to Subscriptions and Licences (cost code 40)
  • Re-allocate the remaining £405 to Caretaker Equipment (cost code 66)

These were proposed by Cllr Hemlin, seconded by Cllr Buckley-Jones and resolved.

 

063/M/22 To agree to add the Clerk to the Unity Trust Bank

It was proposed by Cllr Buckley-Jones, seconded by Cllr Pattle and resolved to add the Clerk to the Unity Trust bank account, with permissions to view accounts, submit payments and view authorisations made by councillors.

 

064/M/22 To approve S.137 expenditure on a prize for a competition for Millfield School children to design a dog fouling poster

It was proposed by Cllr Trafford, seconded by Cllr Hemlin and resolved to provide a £20 voucher.

 

065/M/22 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only)

Update from County Councillor Carrington:

Branston Road Works:

Works completed on budget and ahead of time. Note that extensive resurfacing is planned around our area including during the first week of August in Potterhanworth. Some diversions will be necessary and will be clearly signed in advance.

Engaging on homes:

We are exploring how we can support Lincolnshire residents to repair and improve their homes. Including those that need to make adaptations, so they can live independently. 

We want to find out what information and support residents need and the services they need access to make these improvements. With this information we will put together a strategy to work towards meeting those needs.

We are working in partnership with the Centre for Ageing Better, Lincoln City Council and the District Councils on this new initiative.  Currently called the ‘Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance’.

We are inviting people to get involved in a variety of ways. Either by filling out a short survey, or sharing their stories and ideas on our Let’s talk Lincolnshire platform here.

Integrated care:

LCC plays a key role in health and social care provision. The Health and Care Bill received Royal Assent on the 28 April 2022, this requires each area in England to establish an Integrated Care System (ICS). An ICS is a partnership of health and care organisations that come together to plan and deliver joined up services and to improve the health of people who live and work in their area.

The aims of an ICS are to:

  • improve outcomes in population health and healthcare
  • tackle inequalities in outcomes, experience, and access
  • Enhance productivity and value for money
  • Help the NHS support broader social and economic development

LCC has a duty under the new Act to jointly establish the ICP as a statutory joint Committee and the matter comes before the Executive on 5th July for approval.

Best Start for Children:

LCC is proud of its children’s services and pays particular attention to early years. 

Lincolnshire County Council’s Children’s Services currently commissions the Best Start Lincolnshire Services: Early Years and Family Service and Inclusion Service.

The combined annual value of the current contracts is £1,936,712 and the Best Start Lincolnshire Services provide support for children aged 0 to 5 years and their families and are primarily delivered in Lincolnshire’s 48 children’s centres.

This is a significant investment in our children’s future, and LCC is now looking to renew those contracts to continue providing these valuable services.

Substance misuse:

Lincolnshire has won £1.4 million in government funding for FY 22/23 to help deal with substance abuse and its side effects of harm to health and crime. We will work with partners in the community to improve treatment services for those caught up in substance abuse.

Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub:

The Growth Hub provides a single access point to a targeted package of information, diagnostic, advisory, coaching, mentoring and development programs. Currently funded via the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) worth over £7m across Greater Lincolnshire plus £280,000 from the Business ministry. Over 2000 businesses have enrolled in the scheme which is facilitating improvements for businesses of all types and sizes and is contributing to economic growth and quality employment

 

Update from NKDC Councillor Tinsley:

Heighington, Washingborough & Canwick - July 2022 

Covid: 

Covid cases have begun to rise over the last month. Whilst rules regarding masks and social distancing have been relaxed, people are advised to be cautious. 

Data as at date shown: 

  • England 237 positive tests per 100,000 (28 Jun) 
  • Heighington area 217 (1 Jul) 
  • Washingborough & Canwick area 362 (1 Jul) 
  • 93% of adult population (12 and over) have had 1st dose 
  • 87% have had 2nd dose 
  • 69% have had the Booster or additional jabs. 

Community Champion Awards: 

Nominations for the Community Champion Awards are now open until 9 Sep 22. There is a wide range of 11 categories in which individuals, groups and businesses who have made positive differences to life locally can be acknowledged. A News Release is available on the NKDC website and nominations can be made at www.nkawards.org 

New Planning Committee: 

A new Planning Committee structure has been approved by Council and a brief summary of the arrangements can be found at https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/UKNORTHKESTEVEN/2022/06/30/file_attachme nts/2198235/The%20Planning%20Committee%20-%20How%20it%20works%20June%202022%20Final.pdf 

Code of Conduct Workshops:

Council has adopted the LGA Model Code of Conduct and three online workshops are available for parish clerks/councillors on 19 Jul, 4 Aug and 5 Sep. The Monitoring Officer will deliver the workshops and places are restricted. 

Annual Canvass: 

The Annual Canvass, which ensures the accuracy of registered residents will be taking place over the next 2 months. Residents are requested to respond to the associated communication at the earliest opportunity. 

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI):

The Sustainable Farming Incentive is now open to farmers who currently receive the Basic Payment Scheme. The SFI is a new scheme under the Agricultural Transition Plan which will allow long-term food security by investing in healthy soil, water and biodiverse ecosystems. Details of the scheme and how to apply can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sustainable-farming-incentive-guidance?utm+medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

 

District Councillor Goodwin left the meeting.

 

066/M/22 CLOSED SESSION. To resolve to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 for the following commercially sensitive and staffing item(s) on the grounds that publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

It was proposed by Cllr Sowerby, seconded by Cllr George and resolved to move into closed session.

 

067/M/22 To review quotes and select a contractor for the Potterhanworth Road pavilion water heater

It was proposed by Cllr Cerrino, seconded by Cllr George and resolved to go with the quote from Richard Townend Ltd.

Cllr Trafford did not take part in the discussion and abstained from the vote.

 

068/M/22 To agree paid overtime for additional hours (above the normal hours worked) incurred by staff attending training 

This was proposed by Cllr Pattle, seconded by Cllr Trafford and resolved.

 

069/M/22 To note a Declaration of Other Employment (as per contractual requirement)

It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Hemlin and resolved to note this Declaration.

 

The meeting closed at 7.38 pm.

 

Please be advised that these are notes of the meeting taken by the Clerk and cannot in any way be regarded as the official minutes of Council proceedings until they are approved and signed at the next meeting.