Minutes of the Council Meeting Held in Lindsey Village Hall

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 13th September 2023 in Lindsey Village Hall, Church Road, Lindsey which commenced at 7.30pm.

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) and Mrs V Waples, Clerk.

1. Opening and Welcome

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

To receive apologies of absence – there were no applicable apologies of absence as all were present.
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

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.
There were no declarations of gifts of hospitality received exceeding £50.
There were no requests for dispensations for the agenda under discussion.

4. Minutes of Previous Meetings

To approve the minutes of the following Council Meetings:
- 12th July 2023 - the meeting agreed that the circulated minutes, were a true and accurate record of the meeting that took place and agreed for the Chair to sign the minutes in accordance with legislation, aif.
- Extra ordinary meeting 9th August 2023 - the meeting agreed that the circulated minutes, were a true and accurate record of the meeting that took place and agreed for the Chair to sign the minutes in accordance with legislation, aif.

5. Public Forum

(maximum 10 minutes)

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.
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:
- Improve energy efficiency of listed buildings in terms of planning.
- Rural England Initiative Fund – grants available up to £10,000.
- Grants for farmers to install solar panels on agricultural buildings.
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.

6. Parish Matters

To receive updates on items raised at previous meetings:

Climate Awareness / climate emergency – to receive an update / information on Climate related issues coming forth – Cllrs. Sturgeon and Moore were now in a position to take the project forward and would meet to discuss this further. It was confirmed that the Thermal Imaging Project Stage 2 was soon to commence, and that one camera will be available to Lindsey for one week. The imaging this time will be done on a request basis only and will provide more in-depth information. It was noted that the camera will also be able to take thermal imaging indoors. A discussion followed as to the measures that could be used to enable householders to interpret the information in a qualitative manner.
The following updates were also given: Funds were available for retrofitting, and this would be communicated to residents. Money was available for local energy regeneration on a community basis e.g. generating a power supply available to the village via such schemes (Energy Local). The meeting was made aware that there was a Renewal Energy Feasibility fund which could be tapped into to ascertain the next steps that might be appropriate for community initiatives. All were also made aware that farms with redundant grain stores which were then filled with sand were an amazing heat source. Cllr Sturgeon confirmed that he was booked onto the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership Community Networking Event taking place in November which aimed to bring together groups and individuals taking or aspiring towards action for the environment at a grassroots level across Suffolk.
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 confirmed that she had had a conversation from the contractor as to the type of permits that were required and that they would be meeting with Highways this week to discuss this matter further. They would provide the Clerk with an update as to the way forward after this meeting.
To receive an update on Suffolk County Council Report CR00403471 – Stone Street – Visibility issues at junction – the Clerk confirmed that she had had no further communication from SCC Highways as to the action that would be taken at this junction to address the issues of poor visibility and that Cllr. Finch had supported the requests for action to address visibility issues. Further work had been requested under the reporting tool for a safety inspection and the Clerk confirmed that she had fed this issue into the request for information / comment on the proposal “A1141 Semer / Kersey / Hadleigh 40mph Speed Limit Report”. The Clerk agreed that she would once again report this on the reporting tool under health and safety issues requesting that the flat area be cut.
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, no response had yet been received. The meeting asked that the Clerk and Cllr. Hainsworth continue to press for an update on the establishment of this group. Cllr. Hainsworth also confirmed that he had responded to the Charity’s request to be an associate but was still waiting for a response to his application.
To consider the siting (and funding) of a Tommy Statue adjacent to the Beacon on Red Rose Field – Cllr. Hainsworth confirmed that he would be funding the purchase and installation of a Tommy Statue which would be gifted to the parish council. Having confirmed that permission had been sought and was forthcoming from the landowner for its siting, Council agreed to support its siting adjacent to the Beacon on Red Rose Field, aif. Once the statute was in place, it would be added to the Council’s asset register and be included within the insurance schedule for all risks cover.
To receive reports and/or updates from Councillors of areas of standing water in the village –
- water outside of the Rose, Lindsey Tye – it was noted that this was a gravel drain rather than a slotted drain and that agreement was forthcoming from the owners of The Rose that they would replace the drain with a more appropriate one in due course.
- water at the White Rose Crossroads –following discussions with the landowner, it was reported that a solution would not be immediately resolved due to concerns relating to planning issues. However the meeting agreed that the most practical solution would be to dig out the ditch under the current access, insert a pipe and re-fill as existing. Prior to further discussions with SCC Highways, it was agreed that Cllr. Moore would initiate a further conversation on this matter.
- Botton of Church Road - Cllr. Sturgeon informed all present that he would be meeting with a fellow resident the following week to discuss the flooding issues at the bottom of Church Road/Hill and it was anticipated that the ditch(es) would be dug out where appropriate. He confirmed that the digger would be available for a couple of days should this prove of interest to those needing to undertake similar work to ditches within their ownership.
To receive an update on Suffolk County Council Report 00412278 – Pothole – Rose Green Road – it was noted that work had been ordered to address this issue.
To receive an update on Suffolk County Council Report 00413416 – Pothole – Church Road, Lindsey – it was noted that work had been ordered to address this issue.
To receive an update on Suffolk County Council Report 00413418 – Pothole – Church Road, Lindsey – it was noted that work had been ordered to address this issue.
To receive an update on Suffolk County Council Report 00412294 – Footpath No. 5 – the Clerk confirmed that she had reported the fact that this footpath was impassable in places and the response that had been received read as follows: “We acknowledge that there may be a problem with this public right of way. However, we receive many reports about the path network, and it isn’t possible to deal with all of them. We have to prioritise reports depending on matters such as public safety and the relative importance of the route to the overall network. This path is a low priority, and it is not possible to give a timescale within which your report will be dealt with.” Following discussion, council agreed that it did not want to initiate any further action over this footpath, aif.

7. Statutory Business

To receive notification of exempt status for 2023 from a limited assurance review – all were advised that the external auditors had received and logged the notification of exempt status for the parish council and that, having claimed exemption, no auditor certificate and report will be issued for the year ending 31st March 2023.
To review and approve the insurance quotation for the period 1st October 2023 to 30th September 2024 – quotes received were from Ansvar and Zurich Municipal – the meeting noted that the Clerk had carried out an annual review of the asset register versus items to be comparing the renewal proposals against the asset register and that there were no matters forthcoming that required revaluation or additional premiums. It was also confirmed that the Council had not taken on any new activities that would signify an uplift in premiums. Following a review of the quotations received, all agreed that Zurich should be approved as the Council’s Insurer for the year commencing 1st October with the premium in the sum of £241.00 as the cover being proposed was adequate and met the demands and needs of the parish council.

8. Correspondence

BMSDC – Town and Parish Updates – all noted that the all monthly updates are emailed to Councillors for their perusal.
SCC – Suffolk Climate Change Partnership – Council to note the dates of the Suffolk Community Networking Days
SALC – to note all weekly news bulletins are emailed to Councillors for their perusal. Councillors to contact the Clerk if there are any items of interest / training courses they wish to attend.

9. Clerk’s Financial Report

To consider schedule of receipts received and payments made since the last meeting – Paper A – all noted that the receipts received since the last meeting (as seen at Appendix B) and the expenditure that had been incurred for the same period, details of which can be found at Appendix B, aif.
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 B with the addition of the premium for Zurich Municipal, aif.
To consider the Council's financial position to date – Paper C – Council noted the reconciled position of £11,784.00 once the accounts awaiting payment had been settled, aif. Cllrs. Corcoran and Howe confirmed that they had verified the position against the bank statements and cashbook.
To consider the actual versus budget for the period ending September 2023 - Paper D – all noted the slight underspend at this point in the year.

10. Clerk’s Report

To receive an update on the repairs to the parish and village noticeboards – the Clerk confirmed that the noticeboards would be removed later that week and repairs to both the parish council and parochial church council undertaken.
To consider making appropriate use of an official .gov.uk domain with email addresses linked to that domain Paper entitled Domain Names – Council considered the paper submitted by the Clerk and agreed that for now it would not pursue a .gov.uk domain name.

11. Planning Matters

To consider the following planning applications:
- DC/23/03813 - Proposal: Planning Application - Creation of new highways access and new section of driveway. Stopping up of existing highways access @ Ravens Lodge, Lavenham Road – the meeting considered that the impact of changes and highway safety versus historical significance was the weighting to be given to the proposal and it was agreed that whilst it did not provide the level of visibility expected with a new access onto a 60mph “A” road it did improve on the existing arrangements, aif. The proposal was therefore supported on the grounds that Council had balanced road safety with any heritage concerns it may have had and that the improvement in road safety might outweigh the loss of the historic layout for Ravens Hall entrance.
To note the following planning applications determined by the local planning authority: none at time of serving.

12. Parish Councillors’ Reports

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

Cllr. Sturgeon reported that the footpath leading from Cedars Cottage had recently been cleared.
Cllr. Moore raised the ownership of Elm Cottage which was briefly discussed.

13. Date of Next Meeting

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

Parish Council Meeting – 15th November 2023 commencing at 7.30pm in Lindsey Village Hall – post meeting date changed to 22nd November 2023.
To receive the list of meetings for 2024 – 17th January; 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 9.07pm

Appendix A – County and District Councillor Reports

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

Ambling African Women break down barriers to accessing Suffolk countryside - Suffolk County Council celebrated the launch of ‘Ambling African Women’ a new partnership with PHOEBE, the Ipswich-based charity advocating for black and ethnic minority women and children. The new partnership aims to support PHOEBE members to access the countryside for its health and well-being benefits and is part of the wider work by the Green Access and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) teams to address inequalities in countryside access. Founded by Zimbabwean women social workers in 2008, P.H.O.E.B.E (Promotion of Health, Opportunity, Equality, Benevolence and Empowerment) offers specialist domestic abuse advice, information, casework, advocacy and support and counselling services to black and ethnic minoritized women and children in Suffolk. The Council worked with PHOEBE in 2022 to identify specific cultural barriers to countryside access. The partnership which has been developed will help inform future interventions that will be offered to other community groups facing similar barriers to visiting the countryside. At the launch event on Tuesday 29 August, Suffolk County Council and its partners hosted a guided walk for around 30-40 women from the PHOEBE centre, who are part of the centre’s new Ambling African Women walking group. As your newly elected Chairman of the Dedham Vales AONB, I am suggesting a similar walk here in the Dedham Vale AONB.

Trading Standards urge £765,000 fraudster to give himself up for sentencing. Suffolk Trading Standards is appealing to the public for help as they urge a man wanted for failing to appear in court for sentencing for fraudulent trading to hand himself in. Wayne Parker, of Mildenhall, was found guilty in October 2022 of obtaining more than £765,000 in credit from suppliers. He presented himself as a livestock owner which enabled him to be given credit by a wide range of companies. He often made no attempt to settle his debts and, when he did, repeatedly sent cheques that would bounce. An arrest warrant was issued when he failed to appear in court in February 2023. Since going on the run Mr Parker is known to have been using the Match.com dating website and has also been hiring cars in a bid, it is believed, to avoid detection by the police. He has links to west London, with his last known address being in Feltham, however, he has carried out work across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Surrey. Recent intelligence suggests that he may also be working in Wales and there are links to him being in Somerset.

Award Success for Social Care in Suffolk Social work is vital to keeping people safe, and helping them live good, independent lives as part of the community. In Suffolk I believe we are incredibly lucky to have some of the best Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Social Care workers anywhere in the country This year more Suffolk County Council staff and teams have been recognised for their achievements and skills by being shortlisted at the Social Worker of the Year Awards, a national award ceremony which uses these awards to improve the awareness, understanding and reputation of the social care sector. The awards are open to qualified practitioners throughout England with a wide range of individual and team categories for those working in both children’s and adult departments. This year Suffolk has been particularly successful - I want to extend my congratulations to all the individuals who have shone with their professionalism and talents in their respective services who include Patrick Hamilton and Victoria Veale, both shortlisted as Newly Qualified Social Worker of the year and Suzanne Ladlow,

Window now open to apply for primary and secondary school places. Parents and carers can now apply for a place in the normal year of entry at a primary (including infant and junior) school and secondary school for September 2024. The deadline for applications to secure a place at a secondary school is Tuesday 31 October 2023. The deadline for applying for a primary school place, including infant and junior schools, is Monday 15 January 2024. All applications received by the relevant closing date are processed at the same time using the schools’ oversubscription criteria to prioritise applications when necessary. Late applications are processed after all of those received on time. Last year, Suffolk County Council received just over 15,400 on time applications for pupils wishing to start at a primary or infant school, or to transfer to a junior or into Year 7 at a secondary school from September 2023. Just over 94% of applicants received offers for their first preference school and 98.5% of applicants received an offer for one of their top three preferred schools.

Formal opening of £1.3 million Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service training centre The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre at Wattisham Flying Station near Stowmarket has recently undergone a £1.3 million upgrade. It now boasts a tactical firefighting facility, which uses real fire and an LPG-fired facility to simulate incidents firefighters may be faced with. The most recent addition is the modular office complex, which features additional classrooms and welfare facilities for all delegates and staff. The centre was formally declared open at the annual base families’ day on Thursday August 24 by Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Jon Lacey of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, and Colonel Toby R Moore MBE, Station Commander, Wattisham Flying Station.

Council fears new energy proposals will harm Suffolk’s coastline. Suffolk County Council is disappointed to learn that the LionLink interconnector project from National Grid Ventures has identified an alternative landfall at Walberswick, with cable routing making its way to the north of Southwold. The Lionlink project aims to connect multiple offshore wind farms in the North Sea, instead of individual wind farms connecting one by one to the shore. The project is a joint venture between the UK and the Netherlands, supplying energy to both countries. I believe, if National Grid Ventures are to bring this project ashore in Suffolk, they must fully justify why far less harmful alternatives have not been fully considered and why they are not working with other projects in the area. The Council will study the details of the new proposals and will prepare its response to the National Grid’s second public consultation, which opens on 8th September.

Free exhibition ‘Wolsey’s Ipswich’ at The Hold as part of Wolsey 550 celebrations Suffolk Archives’ free summer exhibition ‘Wolsey’s Ipswich’ opened on Friday 14 July at The Hold on Ipswich Waterfront and will explore the legacy of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The exhibition forms a key part of the Thomas Wolsey 550 project, a programme of events and activities planned to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Wolsey’s birth across Ipswich. Curated by the team at Suffolk Archives, a Suffolk County Council service, the exhibition includes items from Suffolk’s own archive collections, as well as items on loan from organisations across the country. Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ipswich Central and Ipswich Borough Council, the exhibition will explore the legacy of Thomas Wolsey, reconnecting him with his hometown and examining his position on the world stage. Born and raised in Ipswich, Wolsey rose from humble beginnings to become the most powerful man in England, working alongside King Henry VIII. The ‘Wolsey’s Ipswich’ exhibition will unearth a story of ambition, aspiration, determination, and the possibility for anyone to succeed.

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:

District Council Priorities - The new administration at Babergh finally agreed a number of priorities that will be the basis of all plans for the next 4 years. Increased climate change action, close collaboration with communities, and a focus on good housing will be priorities for the new Council.

Collaboration and partnership with communities, the voluntary sector, business, and neighbouring councils are at the heart of the coalition vision. The administration will take the lead in responding to climate change, while protecting and enhancing the district’s natural and historic environments. This will include encouraging the building of energy efficient homes and commercial buildings with high insulation standards and low carbon heating systems – while ensuring council housing reaches these standards too. It will also look at ways it can support community energy projects.

Supporting market towns and villages to flourish will also be an area of focus, alongside business support, promoting inward investment, and ensuring people can learn new skills and secure good jobs.

The administration is now looking at some short-term ambitions including ways of improving the energy efficiency of listed buildings; relaunch of neighbourhood plans; identifying more land for community housing and improving planning enforcement using the considerate constructor’s scheme.

Temporary Leadership Change - Unfortunately, Council Leader Dave Busby has had to step back temporarily from his leadership duties due to illness. Following a cancer diagnosis councillor John Ward will take over as acting leader while councillor Busby has treatment. There will also be some changes in portfolio ownership in the short term.

New Funding - As well as the capital funding that I’ve mentioned the council is also set to benefit from a new round of funding thanks to the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). Small businesses and community organisations across the districts will have access to three grants under the fund: the Rural Business Growth Fund, the Rural Culture & Creativity Fund, and the Rural Communities Fund with grants available between £5,000 - £10,000 per application and will fund a maximum of 50% of total project costs.

Eligible projects include net-zero developments, agriculture and farm diversification, visitor economy business expansion as well as SME investment and diversification or investment in community facilities in our rural areas.

Other news

CIFCO, the council’s commercial property arm, is still generating decent income for the council and is currently generating 11% of Babergh’s income. However, I, and other Green councillors, are concerned at the value of the properties which have lost £10m since last year and are worth c£1.5m less than when they were purchased. The current business plan is being reviewed by the council.
The councils Cost of Living strategy is currently being reviewed by the council. The report highlights the work completed so far and details the next phase of work that is due to be completed.
More than £705,000 collected from developers in Babergh and Mid Suffolk is set to be injected back into communities through the Community Infrastructure Levy – funding projects including play areas, cycle paths and village hall improvements.

Appendix B – Financial Report

Items received since the last meeting:

Income	Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
13.09.23 (due)	BDC – Precept 2 of 2	2592.50	0.00	2592.50	BACS
Total Income £2592.50

Items Paid out since the last meeting:

Income	Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
17.07.23	ICO – Data Protection Renewal Fee	35.00	0.00	35.00	DD
Total Expenditure £NIL

Items Authorized for Payment:

Expenditure	Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
Clerk	Clerk’s Salary & Expenses	504.30	0.00	504.30	BACS
HMRC	PAYE – Qtr 2 – 2023-2024	199.60	0.00	199.60	BACS
BDC	Parish Election Recharges – uncontested	130.34	0.00	130.34	BACS
Zurich	Annual Insurance	241.00	0.00	241.00	BACS
Total Expenditure £1075.24

Financial Report

Date	£
Opening Balance 12.07.23	10301.74
Add Income Received August – September 23	2592.50
Less Expenditure Incurred August - September 23	35.00
Less Verified Expenditure 12.09.23	1075.24
Closing Balance 12.09.23	11784.00

Bank Reconciliation

Community Account	Statement at 07.09.23	10266.74
Less uncleared payments At 13.09.23	977.24
Plus unaccredited income At 13.09.23	2592.50
Reconciled Total At 13.09.23	11784.00

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 - £1,577.23