Administration and Finance Committee Report - 2012
This has been another busy year for the committee. January saw the departure of Cllr Andrew Gant who was the Committee Chairman and Finance Specialist – we express our sincere thanks for the tremendous amount of work undertaken by him during his period on the committee. The role of Committee Chairman has been taken up by myself and as Finance Specialist by Richard Billinghurst.
The Precept we asked from the parish for 2011-12 was a 3.22% increase over the previous year, andfinancial constraints upon North Kesteven District Council have also impacted us with a reduction in funding for carrying out activities within Skellingthorpe. We have endeavoured to maintain our local services, with the cost shift being passed on to us.
We have tried to balance the benefits of Council expenditure across the different parts of our community. The village office is a valuable resource and its current hours of opening are designed to try and meet the needs of as many residents as possible. We have continued to spend substantial sums on the maintenance and renewal of children’s play areas and equipment. During the yearfunding has been provided to help establish the BMX dirt cycle track for the slightly older junior age group within the village. This new facility will be monitored from a usage and cost perspective to ensure that Council resources are being used effectively.
For public safety around the village generally, we have continued to maintain and improve the CCTV system in Station Yard and on the Monson and also street lighting for many parts of the village not covered by the District or County Councils.
We employ the services of a “village handyman” for many routine maintenance jobs, and for regular litter picking. We are seeking to make additional provision for this part of the Council’s work in order to provide a consistent quality of service and to more quickly react to situations. We also provide grass cutting for all the Council property and also some of the County Council’s areas, this has continued to enhance the appearance of the village having suffered in previous years. The Council additionally provide a Burial Ground at Woodbank, for the benefit of all parishioners, and their families.
The Council’s income and expenditure is monitored in detail by the Administration and Finance Committee, and in summary by the whole Council, on a monthly basis. We continue to receive excellent reports annually from our internal and external auditors, who particularly commend the good and careful work of our office staff in this respect.
The coming year’s precept (2012-2013) has been calculated with a strict percentage capping (3.22%), in line with District and County Councils. This means, in these financially difficult times, that no significant new work or projects can be budgeted for in 2012-13. We will endeavour to maintain and fund the current level of services provided to the residents of Skellingthorpe.
Cllr Mark Waller. Chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee
Cllr Richard Billinghurst. Finance Specialist
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee meets every four weeks to consider new planning applications, changes to approved plans and variation of conditions (this happens where North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) has imposed conditions which have to be met for a property to be altered or a new property built). The committee also considers applications for the removal or maintenance of trees which are covered under Tree Protection Orders which means permission must be obtained before any work can commence.
The Parish Council Planning Committee cannot approve or reject an application. It only has the power to make comments and recommendations to the NKDC Planning Committee.
There is no further news on the proposed development on Lincoln Road, plans for which were revived last year. Discussion between NKDC and the developers is ongoing and the Parish Council will make comments on any variations to the original plans which may be put forward. The Parish Council and NKDC are not able to stop such developments because work already carried out on site means that the original approval cannot be overturned.
You can be assured that the Planning Committee will continue to act vigorously on your behalf to try to influence any building work within the village, so that it is for the benefit of the community as a whole, and for both present and future generations.
Judy Hall Chair of Planning Committee
Estates Management Committee
Having rather unexpectedly found myself in this role again towards the end of this report period it is perhaps best to give a view on the possible future planned activities of the Estates Committee rather than dwelling on the past.
A review is expected to take place in May/June of the cycle track on the playing field so I would welcome any parishioner’s views including those of the users which will be fully taken into account as part of this process.
Looking to the future we have undertaken a comprehensive review of the play areas and include our findings below.
Under 8 Play Area / Date installed / Renewal Priority*Rocker horse (grass) / Pre 1999 / 3
Junior multiplay (bark chippings) / Pre 1999 / 4
Cradle seat swing (bark chippings) / Pre 1999 / 8
Flat seat swing (rubber tiles) / Pre 1999 / 9
Rotaweb Cone Climber
(open weave matrix tiles) / 2011 / 11
Senior 8+ play area
Agility Trail (grass/bark chippings) / Pre 1999 / 1
Junior multiplay (bark chippings) / Pre 1999 / 2
Group swing cantilever(rubber tiles) / Pre 1999 / 5
Carousel (rubber tiles) / Pre 1999 / 6
Embankment slide (open weave matrix tiles @ top of bank) / Pre 1999 / 7
Flat seat swing (rubber tiles) / Pre 1999 / 9
Basketball post / Pre 1999 / 10
* Denotes highest priority
Much of the play equipment is now quite old and it is imperative we have a maintenance/replacement schedule for these in order that we can accurately assess what future spending is required in these areas. This equipment including the safety surfaces is unbelievably expensive and I believe if we are to see increases in the Parish precept then we need to be able to plan and justify these. If we don’t have such an agreed schedule that we can justify to the public then the alternative is simply managed decline which I am sure is not what any of us wish to see for the future.
Another project we are currently investigating is a multi use games area for the redundant tennis court site. This is at a very early stage and again we need to consult on this with possible ideas before we can consider possible proposals and funding initiatives. We remain fully committed to maintaining and improving on these critically important areas of play provision within our community.
Cllr. Chris GoldsonChairman of Estates Management Committee
Chairman’s Report
The previous reports reflect that this has been a busy year for the Council and I would like to thank all the Councillors, both current and those who have left having given of their time during the year, for all their hard work.
We have agreed an increase to the precept of 3.22% (below the rate of inflation which currently varies between 3.5 to 5.0%). This move was made in response to the current financial climate where most people would not agree to a big increase in their monthly / annual bills. However, our Committees will be identifying and costing proposals for improvements and / or developments which can be presented for consultation. By involving parishioners more closely in any decisions of this nature, we hope to be able to improve the area for the benefit of all.
Our Planning Committee continues to meet regularly, but the establishment of the new Central Lincolnshire Planning Authority will see planning decisions made at a County rather than at a District level. As Councillor Judy Hall says, the committee will continue to work to influence any proposed building within the village.
Our Estates Committee has recently seen Councillor Chris Goldson back in the Chair, and it is clear that his committee are working hard to cost proposals and consult with parishioners in order to make improvements to current facilities.
Our Administration and Finance Committee, now chaired by Councillor Mark Waller, supported by Councillor Richard Billinghurst as our councillor with special responsibility for finance, continues to monitor Council expenditure and balance funding so projects benefit parishioners of all age groups. This Committee presents auditable accounts on our behalf, and thanks should also be given to the office staff who ably support that task. Indeed, our thanks go to all of our employees - clerks Carolyn and Marie, handyman George and caretaker Stephanie. Stephanie has recently decided to retire and we wish her well for the future.
The village continues to host the RAF Veterans Association memorial service in June, with marvellous support again this year from the community despite the heavy rain. The veterans are always grateful for the reception they get from local residents and look forward to returning each year.
In conclusion, we hope to continue to make Skellingthorpe a nice place to live and appreciate your support in achieving this goal.
Cllr Jim Bennett
Parish Council Chairman