Minutes of the Council Meeting Held in Lindsey Village Hall

Meeting Date:

Summary
This summary is generated by AI and may contain errors. It does not form part of the official minutes.
Discover the latest updates on local housing issues and the Listing Building Consultation, which includes exciting developments like double and triple glazing options. Plus, catch up on climate awareness initiatives and how they’re shaping our community’s future.

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 22nd November 2023 in Lindsey Village Hall, Church Road, Lindsey which commenced at 7.32pm.

Present
The Chair, Cllr. Arthey welcomed the following Parish Cllrs. to the meeting: R Corcoran, M Hainsworth, B Howe, R Howe, J Moore and A Sturgeon. In attendance was District Cllr. Jamieson (in part).

1. Opening and Welcome

  1. The Chair, Cllr. Arthey the Chair opened the meeting and thanked all for attending. The statement on reporting at meetings of the parish council was taken as read by those present.

2. Apologies of Absence

  1. To receive apologies of absence – apologies of absence were noted from the Parish Clerk. In her absence, Cllr. Corcoran agreed to record the decisions taken for onward submission to the Clerk for drafting into the usual minute format.
  2. The meeting noted that County Cllr. J. Finch had submitted his apologies but had provided a written report which would be reviewed under Agenda Item 5.

3. Declaration of Members Interest

  1. To receive declarations of registrable, other and non-registerable interests as detailed in Appendix B of the LGA Model Code of Conduct Model Code of Conduct 2020 - there were no declarations of registrable interests.
  2. There were no declarations of gifts of hospitality received exceeding £50.
  3. There were no requests for dispensations for the agenda under discussion.

4. Minutes of Previous Meetings

  1. To approve the minutes of the following Council Meetings:
    • 13th September 2023 - the meeting agreed that the circulated minutes, were a true and accurate record of the meeting that took place and agreement was forthcoming for the Chair to sign the minutes at the next scheduled meeting of the Council, 17th January 2023, aif.

5. Public Forum

(maximum 10 minutes)

  1. To note the report from the County Councillor – the meeting noted the written report previously circulated. There were no matters for onward submission to Cllr. Finch. A copy of which can be seen at Appendix A.
  2. To note the report from the District Councillor – the meeting noted the written report previously circulated. A copy of which can be seen at Appendix A. The following matters were brought to the attention of those present:
    • Overview provided of the Listing Building Consultation in which double and triple glazing was highlighted.
    • The adopted Joint Local Plan was discussed.
    • An update on housing issues was given.
    • Recent issues concerning flooding was mentioned, no issues in Lindsey.
  3. To receive comments from the public on the agenda as published – there were no members of the public present and there were no comments on the agenda received via email to the Clerk that had been passed to the council.

6. Parish Matters

To receive updates on items raised at previous meetings:

  1. Climate Awareness / climate emergency – to receive an update / information on Climate related issues coming forth – Cllrs. Sturgeon discussed his briefing note, which had been circulated to all councillors. A copy can be seen at Appendix C. Lindsey, along with five other villages in Suffolk was part of a Pathways Partnership Programmes funded by Suffolk County Council under the guidance of Community Energy South which were based in Lewes. This programme will enable the villages to explore the opportunities available to decarbonise their communities. They have been working closely with Heating Bildeston. Two approaches were being followed: powering down – reducing emissions and powering up – renewable energy generation. Questions were raised over the land the infrastructure would need to be placed on. Shared energy was discussed in some detail. The next stages in exploring the possibility for Community Energy were discussed. It was confirmed that money was available for such projects and Cllr Sturgeon agreed to investigate and brief the council further in due course. A Community Benefit Society would need to be set up. Cllr Hainsworth discussed Utility Warehouses efforts.
  2. Improvements to the two triangles near the Rose Pub – to receive further information on the designs and costings for improvements to both areas. The Clerk had confirmed via email that she had had no further contact with the contractor and had no updates as to their meeting with Highways of two months ago to discuss this matter further. This was despite chasing. All noted that another contractor would need to be sourced if contact was not forthcoming.
  3. To receive the formal decision for the requested 40mph Speed Limit on the A1141 between Hadleigh and Semer – the meeting noted that the Portfolio Holder and Head of Transport Policy at Suffolk County Council had agreed that a Traffic Regulation Order should be processed for a 40mph speed limit along the A1141 Semer/Kersey/Hadleigh. The issue of funding was still to be resolved.
  4. Befriending Scheme – to receive an update on the establishment of the representative local community group to address local issues – it was confirmed that whilst the clerk had requested details, she still had had no response. The meeting noted that Cllrs. Sturgeon and Hainsworth were associates of the scheme.
  5. To receive reports and/or updates from Councillors of areas of standing water in the village –
    • Water outside of the Rose, Lindsey Tye – a drain has been put in place to resolve the issue of flooding in front of the public house.
    • Water at the White Rose Crossroads – following further discussions on this matter, it was debated as to who had overall responsibility for the blocked pipe and that clarity on this issue should be sought. All agreed that, as the Council had had no success in initiating a discussion with the landowners, the Clerk be asked for intervention by Highways and/or EA. It was debated once again as to the most practical solution.
  6. To consider further Babergh District Council’s Free Trees, Hedgerows and Wildflowers Scheme – whilst some option concerning hedgerow and tree planting were discussed, it was agreed that the council had no requirements at this time.

7. Statutory Business

  1. To consider a response to Babergh District Council’s Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations – the meeting agreed that the current arrangement for polling places for Lindsey was adequate and that the venue was accessible as possible to all electors, aif.
  2. To note the implementation of the new Local Government Services Pay Agreement 2023 with amended pay scale for 2023 has been implemented. Overall increase to staffing budget to be £208.00 for the year 2023-2024. Council to approve its implementation as per Financial Regulation 7.3 – all approved the implementation of the Pay Agreement for 2023, aif.

8. Correspondence

  1. BMSDC – Town and Parish Updates – all confirmed that the monthly updates are emailed to Councillors.
  2. SCC – Suffolk Climate Change Partnership – Council to note the dates of the Suffolk Community Networking Days – it was confirmed that Cllr. Sturgeon was already scheduled to attend this event and would report back to the Council at the next meeting.
  3. SALC – all confirmed that the weekly news bulletins are emailed to Councillors and that all would contact the Clerk if there were any items of interest.

9. Clerk’s Financial Report

  1. To consider schedule of receipts received and payments made since the last meeting – Paper A – all confirmed that they had reviewed Paper A (details can be seen at Appendix C), aif.
  2. To consider and approve the verified items awaiting authorization as per the schedule submitted – Paper B – all approved the payments to be settled via the internet banking system, details of which can be found at Appendix C, aif.
  3. To consider the Council's financial position to date – Paper C – Council noted the reconciled position of £11,203.60 once the accounts awaiting payment had been settled, aif. Cllrs. Corcoran and Howe will verify the position against the bank statements and cashbook at the next meeting.
  4. To consider the actual versus budget for the period ending September 2023 - Paper D – all received and noted the slight overspend at this point in the year attributed to the election costs for the May 2023 parish council (uncontested) election.
  5. To consider requests for Donations received to date – Paper E – all agreed to defer this item until the next meeting, aif.
  6. To consider the 1st Draft of the budget to be set for the year 2024-2025 – Paper F – all received the circulated paper and were in agreement that the council was minded to accept the draft budget in the sum of £5,782 to be funded by the precept. It was noted that this would give an indicative Band D Parish Council Tax of £60.83 – an increase of £6.58 per annum of 6.88%. The budget and precept would be finalised at the January 2024 meeting once the tax base was confirmed by the District Council.
  7. To approve the appointment of Barclays Bank plc as the Council’s bankers and approve the completion of forms to open a community account in place of the current account which is no longer supported – all agreed that this be approved and the forms completed and submitted, aif.

10. Clerk’s Report

  1. To receive an update on the repairs to the parish and village noticeboards – as further details were awaited from the Clerk this matter was deferred until the next meeting.
  2. To receive a report from the Clerk on the Enhanced Bus Partnership Passenger Group Meeting at which enhancements to existing current passenger transport network were given - this matter was deferred given the Clerk’s absence. Post meeting note: this matter related to the £1.8million funding for Bus Network Improvements in which companies and other groups were invited to submit ideas and suggestions for improved services at a local level. From email correspondence between the Councillors, it appears that there did not seem to be a proven need in Lindsey.

11. Planning Matters

  1. To consider the following planning applications: none have been received at time of serving.
  2. To note the following planning applications determined by the local planning authority:
    • DC/23/03501 – Planning permission for the re-location of turf @ land at Sheepden Lane, Lindsey
    • DC/23/03813 - Planning permission for the creation of new highways access and new section of driveway. Stopping up of existing highways access @ Ravens Lodge, Lavenham Road.
    • DC/21/01531 - Maytree Cottage – the meeting thought it unfortunate that the cedar cladding has been replaced with Hardie board.
  3. To note the publication of the Inspectors’ Report on the Examination of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan – all noted receipt of the report.
  4. To note the invitation from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils to participate in a Consultation on Local Listed Building Consent Orders – the council was in agreement that it supported the proposal to simplify the planning process to enable owners of listed buildings to take measure to reduce their carbon footprint, aif. All Lindsey residents would receive a digital copy of the study.

12. Parish Councillors’ Reports

The following reports on village issues were received from Councillors present:

  1. Cllr. Sturgeon reported that the oak trees were overhanging south of Church Barn.

13. Date of Next Meeting

All meetings will take place in the Village Hall, Church Road, Lindsey

  1. Parish Council Meeting – 17th January 2024 commencing at 7.30pm in Lindsey Village Hall.
  2. To note the dates of meetings for 2024 – 13th March; 8th May; 10th July; 11th September and 13th November.

14. Close of Meeting

There being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.35pm.

Appendix A – County and District Councillor Reports

County Cllr. James Finch’s report as submitted to the parish council:

The Government has allocated £1.8m for 2 years to Suffolk to enhance the local bus network - Suffolk County Council (SCC) have £1.8million to spend each year in 2023/24 and 2024/25 on enhancements to the current passenger transport network in Suffolk. There will be 3 areas of funding:

  1. Some of this will be going to the bus companies in order to support existing services,
  2. Some will be going into design work on Bus Priority schemes to get them ready for delivery when capital funding is available.
  3. To support new or improved services at a local level where demand can be proven.

Parish Councils, Bus Companies and other groups are now being asked to submit ideas and suggestions for these improvements. Our preferred method for this is via an online application form which can be found here: Suffolk on Board - News / Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus: Where should the money be spent? We believe that the web page and form are self-explanatory, but will be able to answer questions if required. Additionally, there is a standing invitation to all parishes to attend meetings of the Enhanced Bus Partnership Passenger Group. I have submitted an outline of our wishes for an improved service in conjunction with the local parish councils and attended a consultation meeting with the local bus partnership group and await now feedback of feasible options. For more information: Suffolk on Board - News / Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus: Where should the money be spent?

Financial aid for flooded properties in Suffolk imminent as numbers hit 750 - Suffolk residents who experienced exceptional property flooding during Storm Babet will start receiving financial support during November. Following the recent Government announcement of grants and council tax reductions through the Flood Recovery Framework, councils in Suffolk have received 750 reports of internal flooding to homes or businesses, and this number is expected to increase. Suffolk councils are working together, with Suffolk County Council collecting information and assessing the reports, and the district and borough councils distributing the funding to eligible property owners. All reports of property flooding need to be submitted via the Suffolk County Council reporting tool now.

Households and businesses that suffered internal flooding between 19 - 25 October 2023 due to Storm Babet may be eligible for:

  • A grant (£500 for homes and £2,500 per business) to assist with initial recovery costs.
  • Households and businesses that suffered internal flooding between 19 -25 October due to Storm Babet may be eligible for 100% discount to council tax / business rates for a minimum of 3 months.
  • Flooded property owners will also be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding. Suffolk County Council is working to set this scheme up at the earliest opportunity, but it is not currently available. Suffolk County Council is working in partnership with Babergh and Mid-Suffolk, East Suffolk, Ipswich and West Suffolk councils to ensure these discounts and payments start during November.

Reporting your flood damage is the first step to receiving a potential payout. If you have experienced flooding to your property as a result of Storm Babet, you need to visit: https://highwaysreporting.suffolk.gov.uk; Click on: ‘Report It’ & follow links to Drainage and flooding. For those who aren’t able to submit their report online, please call 0345 606 6171.

New fund delivers digital boost for Suffolk - Almost £250,000 of funding was announced at an event on 25th October, giving a boost to the county’s ambitions to reduce the number of people excluded from the benefits of digital technology. Suffolk County Council has contributed £100,000, with £143,000 coming from District and Borough Council funding, earmarked for digital inclusion projects. Suffolk’s Digital Inclusion Fund will be open to bidders from early November for initiatives that will support people of all ages, but particularly those who are at risk of being disadvantaged by being excluded from accessing digital support and information. The fund has been created as a collaboration between Suffolk County Council, district and borough councils, voluntary and private sector partners and Suffolk Community Foundation. It is a direct result of Suffolk County County’s Policy Development Panel, held in 2022, which recommended a series of actions to reduce digital poverty and its effects in Suffolk. The event called on key partners to support the new fund, making a further commitment to playing their part in the ambition for a digitally enabled Suffolk. Prospective bidders are encouraged to apply through Suffolk Community Foundation’s website www.suffolkcf.org.uk. Evidence suggests that by not having the skills or the means to use online services – everything from online shopping, looking up important information and advice and using transactional services such as applying for bus passes – people are at risk of poorer health, reduced income and even a lower life expectancy.

New highways services arrive in Suffolk as multi-million-pound partnership goes live - Suffolk Highways’ new partnership has been launched as Milestone Infrastructure and Suffolk County Council join forces to deliver highways services fit for the future as from 1 October. The new contract, which is worth in the region of £800 million - £1 billion, will deliver highway projects and improvements across Suffolk for up to 20 years, including maintaining roads, pavements and rights of way, improving drainage, hedge trimming, construction of new road schemes, snow-clearing and gritting and much more. Milestone Infrastructure, part of M Group Services, was awarded Suffolk’s new highways services contract back in February and since then has been working with Suffolk County Council to mobilise the new contract.

Council seeks your views for next year’s budget - Suffolk County Council is keen to hear from Suffolk residents, businesses, and local communities, as it decides how it will spend money next year. An online consultation has been launched, and focus groups will be held, to explain the council’s current financial situation, along with the chance for Suffolk residents and businesses to have a say on Council Tax proposals. When this survey was ran last year, there was an excellent response from around 2,700 Suffolk residents and businesses. I would welcome even more people completing this year’s short survey, to contribute to our decision-making. It gave an excellent insight into the public’s priorities, with social care services for adults and children being high on that list. This aligned with the council’s thinking, and we invested an additional £50m in these areas for this current year. The council’s budget consultation helps to explain the council’s finances, what it has been doing to save money, and how it can generate more money to spend on public services. The two main ways in which the council can increase the budget, are an increase in the money it receives from government, and/or through Council Tax.

Therefore, the three key questions are:

  1. Which services have you recently used,
  2. Your thoughts on providing a greater contribution to Council Tax to help fund public services,
  3. On which service area you would like to see more money spent.

Developers risk "treating Suffolk communities with contempt" as the latest round of large-scale energy projects in Suffolk emerge - Energy developers who are bringing forward large-scale energy projects without speaking to councils or communities, were criticised heavily by Suffolk County Council following the latest publication of National Grid's Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) Register. The TEC Register is a list of projects, which often end up as large nationally significant infrastructure projects (called NSIPs), that have secured the right to connect to National Grid’s network if they are consented, under the Planning Act 2008 by government, not local councils. These connection offers, which form a legally binding contract with National Grid, are routinely published and made, prior to the development and consenting of electricity generation or storage projects. The current list of connection offers published by National Grid shows that new projects have been offered connections at National Grid’s sites in Suffolk, at Bramford near Ipswich, and at Yaxley, near Eye, in north Suffolk. These new projects are large-scale solar panel and battery storage proposals in the same style as the recent SUNNICA scheme in West Suffolk, which is a proposal to create a 2500-acre Solar Farm on the Suffolk Cambridgeshire border.

Statement on Haughley rail junction funding together with Ely Junction - On 4th October the Government has confirmed funding for upgrades to Haughley and Ely rail junctions. This has been a longstanding top priority for both Suffolk County Council and Transport East. With the collective voice of our partnerships in the East of England this has been the reason why the Government has prioritised this investment in Haughley and Ely rail junctions over so many other investment needs within the UK. When complete, this will ease congestion on our roads by increasing capacity of rail and enabling more container traffic to go by rail as well as provide a significant boost to the local economy.

New and independent fire control centre gives the best deal for Suffolk - A new fire control centre fitted with state-of-the-art communications for mobilising and managing Suffolk’s firefighters would be in the best interests of the county, a report to councillors says. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) announced in June it would be withdrawing from the shared control room arrangement in place since 2011 with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire and Rescue Service, based in Huntingdon. The report was approved at Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet, on 12th September, stating that fire control would now be brought back into the county by the end of 2024. An initial capital investment of £1.588m would be required for project delivery over three years. Additional revenue service of £1.615m annually will need to be provided to support the operating cost of the control room.

More than 800 properties flooded by Storm Babet in Suffolk - True number could be much higher as councils urge people to report all flooded premises and government funding available to those who report flooding. Interim figures show more than 750 properties in Suffolk were flooded by Storm Babet. The number of flooded premises, including businesses and homes, is expected to be higher as Suffolk councils and emergency planners work together to compile a full list. If there are local domestic properties flooded internally, please register this urgently. To report a flood go to this link on the SCC Website. Alternatively, you can call the customer service number on 0345 606 6171.

Suffolk Residents invited to help shape the future of library services - A public consultation has been launched today (Monday 30 October), encouraging Suffolk Residents to tell Suffolk County Council what they want from their library services in the future. Suffolk County Council’s contract with Suffolk’s Libraries Industrial and Provident Society (IPS) Limited, the independent charity that runs the library service, comes to an end on 31 May 2025, with a new contract set to begin in June 2025. The Council is therefore seeking views from the public about what is important to them, ahead of awarding the new contract. The 13-week consultation will be followed by a competitive Tender Process, before the new contract is awarded in November 2024.

Virtual Fostering and Adoption Sessions for the Stour Valley A Foster Carer Recruitment Event is held the 1st Wednesday of every month, and an Adoption Event is on the 1st Thursday all 7:00pm in your home. To book a place please email Claire.Gwatkin@suffolk.gov.uk.

District Cllr. Leigh Jamieson’s report as submitted to the parish council:

The big talking point locally has been the flooding caused by storm Babet. The storm which hit the county on the 20th cut off many villages across both Mid Suffolk and Babergh leaving homes, and businesses counting the cost. With another storm due this week, we need to do what we can to ensure everyone remains safe. The strength of the storms we are getting is further demonstration of the effects of our changing climate. We have always had extreme weather, but the frequency is now the problem.

Listed Building consultation - One of the lovely things about our district is the old buildings that give our area character. Unfortunately, a lot of these buildings have terrible energy performance that can leave residents freezing during the winter. While we must conserve this rich heritage, we also need to allow energy efficiency upgrades which are balanced and sensitively designed. The current system creates a barrier for homeowners to do this. Led by Green Party councillors Babergh & Mid Suffolk have opened a consultation until the 29th of Dec. It is something that we want to encourage as it would help reduce energy bills, protect buildings from climate change, cut carbon emissions and help preserve aging properties.

Housing Repairs - Babergh’s new Green Councillors have discovered that there are significant issues with the state of Council housing stock across the district. The group have made this matter a priority and will be pushing the council to improve on the situation as soon as is possible. To help with this the council have released £943,000 from reserves to help clear the repair backlog. The money would also support wider improvements to the council housing service in the district.

Storm Babet: Flooding - Following the storm that caused extensive flooding across the county Babergh were able to provide emergency contact numbers and worked through the weekend and subsequent days to help people in the most need. Fortunately, a small number of our tenants were affected by flooding. Where needed, Building Services have supported with some dehumidifiers to help dry out our council properties and welfare checks were made on tenants too. The team also collected information about any businesses affected by flooding, making sure support and advice was given where possible.

Joint Local Plan - Part one of the joint local plan has now been fully approved by the examiner and will go before both councils next week for adoption. The decision, which has been long in coming will provide the council with up-to-date policies to direct planning decisions.

Young people wellbeing - Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils have introduced a new scheme to improve the wellbeing of young people in schools and connect them with their communities. The purpose of the project is to act as an early intervention for students, addressing vulnerabilities such as low self-esteem while helping them develop important skills and forge new relationships. This is being achieved through the implementation of a ‘youth link worker’ in the schools and will complement existing work that already takes place. These workers have been embedded in time for the start of the new term and will work with young people and their families to identify and access community activities that suit their interests. They will also work to overcome any barriers that are in the way of individuals participating in the activity in which they are interested. This might involve setting up new after-school clubs, securing new equipment, improving facilities and beyond.

New Website - The council has launched a new website that it hopes will be more user friendly and easier to use for people across the district. The first step, which you can now see the results of, was to refresh all our content – ensuring our information is easy to read and up to date. Upgrading report forms is part of the next phase. Once complete, you will be able to login to your account and track any reports you make to us step by step.

Silver Sunday support - Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils are once again supporting the Silver Sunday campaign. The councils are joining forces with local groups to help tackle loneliness for older residents, by bringing generations together for free sing-alongs, games, and fun. The Silver Sunday campaign is designed to help tackle the issue of social isolation, particularly for older residents in rural communities. Local events include the Sporting Memories group at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, and a rock and roll themed party hosted by the Ansell Memories Café at the Ansell Centre in Hadleigh.

Briefing Notes from Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils

  • Help shape the future of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk districts - Our consultation continues on what matters most to our communities in order to help shape future plans. Find out more.
  • Flood support - Emergency council teams worked to support areas impacted by floods last week in the wake of Storm Babet, offering practical support, as well as information and advice on what to do if your home or business was affected. Find out more.
  • We also paid tribute to our local heroes and the huge show of community spirit following the worst flooding for years in our districts. Find out more.
  • Your new council website - Last month saw the launch of our new council website, and we are keen for your feedback on our new look. Find out more.
  • £1.3m boost for Babergh and Mid Suffolk communities - Town and parish councils in Babergh and Mid Suffolk received more than £1.3 million in developer contributions last month. Find out more.
  • Suffolk councils delivering project to improve private rented housing sector - ‘Safe Suffolk Renters’ is an initiative to support private sector tenants, landlords and other stakeholders. Find out more.
  • Councils’ set out commitment to increase EV chargers - Babergh and Mid Suffolk agreed to implement a new joint Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Implementation Plan. Find out more.
  • Free net zero advice for Suffolk businesses and organisations - The councils partnered with an environment charity to deliver expert energy advice to businesses. Find out more.
  • Have your say on polling arrangements - Councils are asking residents for feedback on polling districts and places across the county. Find out more.
  • Incredible moving cinema bringing unique movie experience to Sudbury - Our partnership with Sudbury Town Council and Abbeygate Cinema has brought a unique cinema experience to the district. Find out more.
  • Councillors serve up improvements to community squash courts - Two ward councillors stepped in to breathe new life into Sudbury’s only squash courts. Find out more.

Appendix B – Climate Emergency Report – November 2023 – Cllr. Sturgeon

Lindsey, along with five other villages in Suffolk, is part of a Pathways Programme funded by Suffolk C.C. under the guidance of Community Energy South who are based in Lewes. This programme has enabled us to explore the opportunities available to decarbonise our communities. We have been working closely in this with ‘Heating Bildeston’.

There are two approaches that are being followed.

  1. Powering down – reducing emissions

    Over 80% of homes in Lindsey are heated using fossil fuel. 22% of homes have an EPC of C or above and 25% are listed. In November 2022 a Thermal Imaging Survey was conducted on most houses in the village. It was an attempt to raise awareness of significant areas of heat loss in homes and develop a discussion about what could be done to reduce the problem. A more thorough survey will be offered again between mid December and mid January for householders wanting to participate. There will be an opportunity to keep the camera for a day to use inside the house. Householders will be reminded again about the Warm Homes Grant that is still available and also this year Babergh is offering a scheme to buy draught reducing items at a 50% discount. At the same time more detailed advice will be offered and home energy audits will be encouraged.

    It is hoped that even simple actions taken will not only significantly reduce emissions but could also help householders in their decision to switch from fossil fuels. Fully retrofitting homes can be expensive. Wall and floor insulation are disruptive. In most cases it is likely these will be left until major home improvements take place or grants become available. It can be done. Even the oldest house in the village uses heat pump technology. BMSDC are developing a scheme whereby Grade 2 listed buildings can have work done to reduce emissions without the need for costly and time-consuming planning approval.

    Links: https://www.warmhomessuffolk.org/ & https://www.heatingbildeston.uk/specialoffer

  2. Powering up – renewable energy generation

    As we all move away from fossil fuels there will be increasing dependency on electrical power from renewable sources. There are a number of options for individual homes to switch to renewable energy – use a provider of 100% green energy, invest in a business such as Ripple and receive a reduced price on energy supply or install small generation systems on their own properties. There are now opportunities to develop generation schemes to benefit the entire community, not just those that have the ability to go it alone. Solar panels and/or small wind turbines could be owned and managed by the community and the energy produced would be shared.

    Should Lindsey explore the possibilities for Community Energy? The plan would involve, not necessarily in this order:

    • Obtain support of the village.
    • Identify a suitable site – it could be anywhere in the Groton primary substation area.
    • Obtain the necessary planning permission.
    • Conduct a feasibility study both financially and practically. Grants are currently available for this. A Community Benefit Society would need to be set up.
    • Decide on the scale of the project – should we involve other communities?
    • Raise funds to develop the project – community share offer/external funding.
    • Contact UKPN to see how and when the project could be linked to the grid.
    • Work out a peer to peer contract. (Generator to consumer)
    • Obtain quotes for the work involved.

    Links: https://rippleenergy.com/ https://www.quietrevolution.com/ https://energylocal.org.uk/about-uk https://energylocal.org.uk/bridport

    Network Infrastructure and Usage Map (NIUM) — UK Power Networks (opendatasoft.com)

Appendix C – Financial Report

Items received since the last meeting:

Income Description Nett VAT Gross Ref
22.11.23 Nil 0.00 0.00 0.00 BACS
Total Income £Nil

Items Paid out since the last meeting:

Income Description Nett VAT Gross Ref
Nil 0.00 0.00 0.00 DD
Total Expenditure £NIL

Items Authorized for Payment:

Expenditure Description Nett VAT Gross Ref
Clerk Clerk’s Salary & Expenses 580.40 0.00 580.40 BACS
Total Expenditure £580.40

Financial Report

Date £
Opening Balance 12.09.23 11784.00
Add Income Received October – November 23 0.00
Less Expenditure Incurred October – November 23 0.00
Less Verified Expenditure 22.11.23 580.40
Closing Balance 22.1.23 11203.60

Bank Reconciliation

Community Account Statement at 12.11.23 11784.00
Less uncleared payments At 22.11.23 580.40
Plus unaccredited income At 22.11.23 0.00
Reconciled Total At 22.11.23 11203.60

Within the balance above are the following reserves:

  • (Restricted) CIL reserve - £7,720.18
  • Earmarked General reserve - £1,650.00
  • Election reserve - £836.59
  • General reserve - £996.83

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