Parish Council Meeting 15th July 2025
East Stockwith Parish Council Meeting
15th July 2025
Draft Minutes
Present: Cllr D Forington – Chairman, Cllr C Bainborough, Cllr J Barratt, Cllr J Scott, Cllr A Harris
In attendance: J Barnett Clerk, Cllr C Reeves
Apologies: Cllr W Forington - Vice Chairman.
1. Draft minutes of the Parish Meeting held 13th May 2025
Proposed: Cllr J Barratt Seconded: Cllr J Scott
2. Matters arising from the minutes
East Stockwith and Walkerith Village Hall Trust had reimbursed the £420 for the enhancements to the memorial area. The Clerk had followed up regarding clarification on internal audit independence. A quote of £75 for the first year audit and £50 thereafter had been provided. All agreed to accept in preparation for the 2025/26 AGAR.The Clerk in the meantime to review the Practitioners’ Guide 2025-2026.
3. Adjournment for public participation
Cllr Chris Reeve, Reform UK Lincolnshire, Scotter Rural Division, was in attendance and updated the Council on how he can offer support. Cllr Reeves’ Committee appointments include; Adult Care and Public Health, Environment, Health for Lincolnshire (Vice Chairman), Highways and Transport. Concerns were raised with Cllr Reeves about the delays around the installation of reliable high-speed broadband in the Parish. This included the very weak signal for mobile phones and that most of the Parish areas cannot use mobile broadband ( or even get a signal to make a call or send a txt ) and feel that they are being left behind on these technologies. Cllr Reeves to follow up.
4. Planning applications
There were none.
5. Finances
The financial position at the bank was presented to 30.05.2025, £13,667.74. The year end projection showed a surplus of circa £1,100 after taking into account the churchyard grass cutting and the memorial area maintenance.The Cllrs discussed the Clerk’s salary and agreed a 10% inflationary uplift, to be paid as of the 15th July 2025. The increase was in recognition of the fact that no uplift had been applied to the salary for four years. The Clerk thanked the Cllrs. The Cllrs agreed that the Clerk's salary should be reviewed annually in line with LALC’s LG pay scale recommendations. Payments; Clerk’s salary and PAYE.
6. Review of policies, including updated Model Standing Order
Policies have been reviewed by the Clerk. It was noted there is an updated Model Standing Order and an updated JPAG Practitioners’ Guide for 2025-26 financial year. A new Guide is published for each financial year and sets out the proper practices that the Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer should follow throughout the financial year.
7. The meeting closed at 8.30 pm. Date of next meeting 16th September 2025.
Members of the public are welcome.