MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 8th MAY 2024 AT THE LEIGH PARISH CHURCH AT 7.30PM

THE LEIGH PARISH COUNCIL

: leighpc@hotmail.co.uk : theleighpc.org.uk

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 8^th MAY 2024 AT THE LEIGH PARISH CHURCH AT 7.30PM

Present: Cllr. J. Arkell (Chair), Cllr A. Bowness, Cllr Glazebrook, and Cllr Morton.

In attendance: K. Tilling (Parish Clerk) .

1. Welcome and apologies:

Cllr Arkell gave a warm welcome to everyone. Apologies were received from Cllr. Richard Theyer.

2. Election of Officers for 2024/2025:

Officer Role: Proposed by: Seconded by:

Chair – John Arkell L. Glazebrook K. Morton

Vice Chair – Leigh Glazebrook J. Arkell K. Morton

Responsible Finance Officer-

Karen Morton J. Arkell L. Glazebrook

Leigh Poor Charities Trustees –

Leigh Glazebrook J. Arkell K. Morton

John Arkell K. Morton L. Glazebrook.

Highways Rep – R. Theyer J. Arkell A. Bowness

PROW Rep – A. Bowness K. Morton L. Glazebrook

It was confirmed that the signatories on the PC Bank Account are John Arkell and Karen Morton.

3. To approve the Minutes from the last Annual Parish Meeting (July 2023):

The minutes from the last Annual Parish Council Meeting held on 25th July 2023 were approved. This was proposed by Cllr Morton and seconded by Cllr Glazebrook and all in agreement. Cllr Glazebrook still needs to be added as a third signatory. It was agreed that the Clerk be given approval for spends up to £25.00 without Parish Council permission first.

4. To provide any necessary update on The Annual Accounts for 2023/2024 including the Annual Governance Statement:

All the necessary paperwork, including The Annual Governance Statement has been completed and are ready to go to the auditor. The various sections of the paperwork were signed by he Chair, RFO and Clerk. The cost of the audit has risen because of the CIL income. No questions received from the public. All the account information will be displayed on the Parish Council website. The CIL money is generating interest, the RFO will clarify the spending rules on this income. Accounts proposed by Cllr Glazebrook and seconded by Cllr Bowness. All in favour.

Full Parish Council Meeting then followed:

5. Declarations of interest:

There were no declarations of interest for this meeting.

6. Minutes of the last meetings to be approved (January/February/April/May):

The minutes from the last meetings in February, March and April 2024 were approved. Proposed by Cllr Bowness, seconded by Cllr Glazebrook. All unanimous.

7. An update on outstanding Planning Applications:

Updates on planning applications was circulated in advance and nothing new was added.

8. To approve the Financial Statement.

A small amount of money has been spent since year end. CIL money is still attracting interest. The recent big spend was for audio visual equipment in the church. The precept has come in and Parish Council are now in the HMRC tax bracket.

9. To approve CIL spending:

CIL money committed:

Coombe Hill signs £15,000

Church screens £8,000

Car park £28,000

Bus Shelters £10,000

Noticeboards £5,000

Bins £3,000

Computers and printer

Need to firm up or cross off further items.

Richard organised the Passing Place/No Parking signs for £100. Proposed by Cllr Arkell and seconded by Cllr Glazebrook. Still looking at De Fibs and First Aid Courses.

10. To discuss various Highways issues including:

• Issues – Potholes.

• drains, outside Mr Poulton’s, Croft to Island Cottage and A38 by Villa Farmhouse.

11. District and County Councillors’ Reports.

Borough Councillor: A report from Cllr Heather Mclain referred to the Council meeting next Tuesday where the new mayor was being elected. The following week will see the full council discuss changing the name of the council to North Glos Borough. The previous Plan has been amended over the last 1 months and includes young people, Environment and Place. Further details from Heather. The Borough Council have agreed to webcasting so that in future council and committee meetings will be broadcast live. A Community Orchard has been launched to celebrate the Coronation. Development still dominates the Council with various threats of major development. The new administration in the council have decided not to fight planning appeals as they are too costly. The Junction 10 scheme is still going ahead with detailed plans and design being circulated. This will encourage possible developments along the A4019. There is an issue every April with details on housing numbers – where are the borough on this legal requirement, all areas to share the load. Heather will make further inquiries and encourage parishioners to contact her with their concerns.

County Councillor: Councillor Paul Mclain reported on the County Council budget – it has risen considerably with vast amounts going towards social care and education. Local schools are going to have solar panels to help with their energy costs. The County Council are also aware of Flooding issues. Making watercourses slow down the flow of water. Paul has a small fund called Building Back Better Fund. The clock face on the church could be repaired from this fund. It takes 10 minutes to complete the form. Parish Council would feed this information back to the PCCC.

12. To approve Council Meeting dates for 2024/2025