Minutes of the Council Meeting Held in Lindsey Village Hall

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 15^th January 2025 in Lindsey Village Hall, Church Road, Lindsey which commenced at 7.31pm.

In attendance: Cllrs. C Arthey (in Chair), R Corcoran, M Hainsworth, B Howe, R Howe and J Moore. Mrs V Waples, Parish Clerk, and District Cllr. L Jamieson (in part) and one member of the public.

Opening and Welcome

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

Apologies of Absence

To receive apologies of absence – apologies of absence were received from Cllr A Sturgeon.
Council consented to accept the apology so submitted, aif.
Apologies of absence were noted from County Cllr. J Finch.

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

Minutes of Previous Meetings

To approve the minutes of the following Council Meeting: 13^th November 2024 - 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, aif.

Public Forum

To receive a report from County Councillor James Finch – Cllr. Finch’s written report was taken as read: a copy of the written report submitted can be seen at Appendix A. There were no questions / issues raised by Councillors for onward submission.
To receive a report from District Councillor Leigh Jamieson – Cllr. Jamieson was invited to submit his report in which he commented or drew the meeting’s attention to the following: a copy of the written report submitted can be seen at Appendix B
- Devolution – important for both levels of government (district and county) – the DC have written to the government with their concerns as to the impact of a unitary authority for Suffolk. Flexibility within the guidelines for smaller unitaries and the district would like to see a west and east Suffolk split. Timescales were given including the need of a shadow unitary until all came into being in 2027. Concerns were raised over democratic deficit for not having county elections in May and the lack of local representation.
- Joint Local Plan review – change in housing requirements – from 416 to 776 per annum – issue in future years for being able to achieve the five year housing supply.
- Budget warning – in difficult position – increase in council tax including fees and charges.
To receive comments from the public on the agenda as published – at this point there were no comments raised.
To receive comments from the public as submitted – the clerk reported that no matters had been raised.

Parish Matters

Climate Awareness / climate emergency –
- to receive an update / information on climate related issue coming forth – Cllr. Sturgeon had made the clerk aware that the parish had the Thermal Imaging Camera on loan between 29th January and 10th February. It was confirmed that a flyer would be send out the following week to advertise the loan. Council was reminded that the aim of the device was to highlight areas of heat loss and hopefully inspire householders to make a plan to reduce both their heating bills and carbon emissions and move up the EPC scale. More than 50% of houses in the village have an EPC of D or below. There are grants for all homes available right now. 50% reduction on insulation (current standard for roofs is 270mm) and interest free loan for bigger projects repayable over 7 years.
- to receive an update on matters relating to the Community Energy Survey conducted in September 2024 – there was nothing further to note at this stage.

Statutory Matters

Government consultation: local audit reform: a strategy for overhauling the local audit systems in England - council to consider whether it wishes to provide a response to this consultation. At this stage, council had no comment to make on the consultation and would await the results of any amendments to the local audit system.
To review and adopt the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations - Papers - Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations & Standing Orders 2025 For Review – it was resolved that council had reviewed and would adopt the amended Standing Orders dated January 2025 and confirmed that they were fit for purpose and that council would adhere to them as written, aif. Council further noted that the latest adopted version of its Financial Regulations (July 2024) were relevant and remained fit for purpose and that council agreed to adhere to them as written.

Planning Matters

To consider the following planning applications:
- DC/24/05496 - Full Planning Application - Conversion of timber framed barn into a 3-bedroom dwelling house. Insertion of windows and doors as required. Traditional timber stairs and access balcony. Location: Barn on land to the east of Rose Green Road – all were aware that the application was a renewal of previous applications that had been approved with minor amendments to the windows. It was resolved that the council continued to support the application as submitted, aif.
- DC/24/05497 - Application for Listed Building Consent - Conversion of timber framed barn into a 3-bedroom dwelling house. Insertion of windows and doors as required. Traditional timber stairs and access balcony. Location: Barn on land to the east of Rose Green Road. It was resolved that the council continued to support the application as submitted, aif.
To note the following planning applications determined by the local planning authority: none received.
BMSDC – to note Adoption of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and Intensive Livestock and Poultry Farming SPD – all noted the adoption of both documents.
BMSDC – to note communication relating to an update on the decision to undertake a new Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan – all noted the communication as received including the Government announcement for new housing requirements for every district and borough council in the country. These increased the figure in Babergh to 775 homes a year (up 86%), and in Mid Suffolk up to 734 (up 37%).and that further information would be provided over the coming weeks. If was noted that if the LPA could not demonstrate a five-year land supply, there is a risk that national planning policies would start to take priority over the Joint Local Plan and councils may find themselves in a position where they are required to approve planning applications on sites contrary to the development plan. It was stated that BMSDC felt that they had no option but to formally review the Joint Local Plan, building on the work that has already taken place. A revised timetable – the Local Development Scheme - will be brought forward to the council in February, and will be published on their website once agreed. In the meantime, Part One of our Joint Local Plan remained in place and will continue to carry statutory weight when planning decisions are made in both districts, alongside Neighbourhood Plans and national policy.

Financial Matters

To consider schedule of receipts received and payments made since the last meeting – Paper A – all confirmed receipt of Paper A (details can be seen at Appendix C) noting that no receipts nor payments had gone through the account since the last meeting.
To consider and approve the verified items awaiting authorization as per the schedule submitted – Paper B - all confirmed receipt of Paper B (details can be seen at Appendix C) - having reviewed the paper submitted, all approved the payments awaiting authorisation for settlement via online transfer, aif.
To consider the Council's financial position to date – Paper C – Council noted the reconciled position of £12,635.62 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. (Details can be found at Appendix C).

At this point the Chair opened the meeting to allow all to participate in the discussion that followed:

To discuss churchyard maintenance and whether the parish council should provide further financial assistance – inspection in Autumn following complaints – difficult year to get contractor to visit but it was priced per cut £125 a time. 5 visits have been made during the past year. Contract is £125 a cut which covers 4-5 hours. Complaints covered the manner in which the cuts had been carried out and the frequency. It was agreed by all that increased worktime was required to maintain the churchyard. It was noted that the PCC would like to see certain areas left to nature with other specified areas being neatened and all were in agreement that the specifics for maintenance should be left to the PCC. Options were discussed as to how churchyard maintenance should be funded moving forward. Following further discussion, it was agreed that the parish council would continue with its current arrangement for a donation to the PCC for maintenance of the churchyard for the year 2025-2026, aif.

The Chair closed the meeting to the public.

Council to consider the requests for donations for the year 2024 - 25 – Paper D – following a review of the paper submitted, all agreed to provide a donation of £50.00 each to SARS and Headway for the current year, aif.
To receive and approve the Budget for the year commencing 1st April 2025 – Paper E – following discussion in relation to 9iv above, it was resolved to amend the approved budget in relation to donations to be given and to set a budget in the sum of £6,127 budget for the year 2025 - 2026, aif.
To consider and approve the precept to be levied on the parish of Lindsey for the year commencing 1st April 2025 following receipt of the confirmed tax base – Paper F – following confirmation of the tax base for Lindsey at £96.09 (an increase of 1.1%), it was agreed to set a precept of £6,127 for the year 2025-2026, aif. This would equate to an increase of 4.82% or £2.93 over that set for the previous year. The Chair and Clerk signed the appropriate precept forms which would be submitted to BDC prior to the deadline of 31st January 2025.

Correspondence

Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk – Police and Crime Plan Consultation – plan for policing for the next four years – all were encouraged to fill out the survey if so inclined.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk – Council Tax Precept Survey – deadline 30th January 2025 – all noted the consultation.
SALC – Devolution Update – to note correspondence received relating to this matter including appropriate links for updates.
BMSDC – Devolution White Paper and other Government announcements – all noted the comments made concerning Devolution; New National Planning Policy Framework (including new housing targets) and Local Government Funding Settlement.
BMSDC – Town and Parish Updates – all confirmed that the monthly updates were emailed to Councillors for their perusal.
SALC – all confirmed that the weekly news bulletins were emailed to Councillors for their perusal. Councillors to contact the Clerk if there are any items of interest / training courses they wish to attend.

Clerk’s Report

To receive an update on the improvements to the two triangles near the Rose Pub – nothing to report although a start date was awaited. The clerk would continue to chase.
To discuss further remedial works to the village sign including its re-siting – it was noted that the village sign had now been moved and was located in its new place on the triangle by the Village Hall. Repairs to the fence had also been affected. A letter of thanks would be sent to those who had undertaken the works.

Parish Councillors’ Reports

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

Befriending Scheme – Cllr. Hainsworth confirms that he attends the liaison meetings when able.
Churchyard metal markers had been moved and needed replacing.
Cllr. Moore made the meeting aware that an avenue of trees has been planted following the footway / bridleway passing Folly Farm, Lindsey through Spring Farm to Stackyard Green. Access can be on foot, horseback or on a bicycle.

Date of Next Meeting

To note the next meeting is scheduled for 12th March 2025.

Close of Meeting

There being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed 20.52pm.

Appendix A – County Councillor James Finch Report

Suffolk County Council to consider Devolution and Council Reorganisation - Suffolk County Council held an extraordinary meeting of councillors, and a meeting of its Cabinet, to debate and decide on whether or not to put Suffolk forward for the government’s new devolution and reorganisation programme. The government has required that formal notice be given if Suffolk wishes to be part of the Devolution Priority Programme by 10 January 2025. Therefore, the meetings, saw all 75 Councillors debate and vote on a proposal to recommend Suffolk is at the front of the queue. Following the Full Council meeting, the Cabinet made the final decision. Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “The government has set out its devolution and reorganisation proposals and has asked that Suffolk County Council submit an expression of interest by 10 January if we wish to be part of the Devolution Priority Programme. As a result, we must hold these extraordinary meetings. On 9 January, all Suffolk County Councillors will be given an opportunity to have their say before a final decision is made by Cabinet. “Changes of this scale create an opportunity to streamline local government, empower joined-up decision making, save taxpayers money and ensure councils are resistant to economic challenges. “I welcome the positive engagement of Suffolk’s district and borough councils. This is a significant decision and one that will not be taken lightly.” On 16 December, the Government published its much-anticipated English Devolution White Paper, outlining plans for broader and deeper devolution coupled with a programme of coordinated local government reorganisation. Key to the proposals is a reorganisation of council structures, particularly in two-tier areas like Suffolk, with a shift away from district, borough and county councils towards unitary councils. The government argues that unitary councils can deliver better outcomes for residents and save money that can be reinvested in public services. For most areas, the government says that this means creating councils serving populations of 500,000 or more, with exceptions where they make practical sense. Alongside reorganisation, the government is also proposing to create new Mayoral Authorities – with a single directly elected Mayor covering larger geographies (for example Norfolk and Suffolk) and with powers over strategic policy areas like transport infrastructure, health improvement and blue light services. At this stage, no decisions have been made about what will happen in Suffolk. Papers for the meetings can be viewed at committeeminutes.suffolk.gov.uk

Suffolk’s rural communities hit by loss of £3 million in Government funding - £3 million of vital public funding - designed to support rural communities in Suffolk - will be cut by the government next year, it has been revealed. The funding, known as the Rural Services Grant (RSG), was introduced in 2016/17 to support councils who serve rural communities and sparsely populated areas where it costs significant amounts of money to deliver public services. Suffolk County Council will, from April 2024, no longer receive the grant. The government announced last week that the funding will be redirected elsewhere – adversely impacting rural areas like Suffolk. Cllr Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Economic Development and Skills, said: “It is deeply disappointing that the government has once again made a decision that disproportionately harms rural areas. Delivering essential services, like bus services, social care and road maintenance, is inherently more expensive in county areas like Suffolk due to our sparse population. The decision to scrap this grant compounds the challenges we are facing already with the rising costs of services like adult and children’s care and home-to-school transport. Yet the government continues to overlook these realities, prioritising urban areas instead. “It is becoming clear that any additional funding promised to support local authorities is to be undermined by cuts and additional costs elsewhere. This is a troubling pattern where supposed solutions offer no real relief and councils are faced with great financial uncertainty. “I am concerned that the government's response to rising local government costs is to shift the burden onto residents, forcing councils to impose steep Council Tax increases to balance the books. This approach is unsustainable and unfair to those in rural communities.” Nationally, the Rural Services Grant is worth £110 million a year to rural communities. Other counties, including Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire and Northumberland have also spoken out about the removal of the rural grant.

Suffolk celebrates as local organisations are awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service - It has been announced that five voluntary organisations in Suffolk have been awarded the King's award for Voluntary Service. Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years. Equivalent to an MBE, the Kings award for voluntary service (KAVS) is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life. The local organisations are:

Ipswich Outreach: Supporting the homeless people of Ipswich to improve their health, wellbeing and life opportunities.
Let’s Talk Reading: Working to improve literacy of children and adults in Ipswich.
Still Good Food: Rescuing surplus food, reducing waste and redistributing it to the needy.
Tattingstone Good Neighbour Scheme: Providing vital support, promoting social interaction and community integration in Tattingstone.
The Caribbean and African Community Health Support Forum: Promoting a community legacy of health and wellbeing in Suffolk.

Stronger Families Partnership keeps children out of care - The Stronger Families Partnership which delivers innovative family therapy has as of 30th September supported 584 children at risk of being taken into care, or who have returned to their families from care, to remain safely with their families. The Partnership – made up of Bridges Outcomes Partnerships, Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council, and Family Psychology Mutual – has cumulatively saved the equivalent of 1,000 years of days in care. Keeping these families together is directly linked to cost reductions for the local authorities in both care costs avoided (where children are on a trajectory to care) and immediate cost savings (where children have been reunified with their families). During the initial 18-month tracking period, the delivery saves between £39,000 and £88,000 per family that successfully completes the intervention, in relation to the estimated cost of supporting a child in care – amounting to a total net savings to date of at least £29.4m. When compared to pay-for-inputs approaches, outcomes-based family therapy delivers an average 25% better outcomes for 80% more families at 20%-50% lower cost per family, keeping more children safely out of care. Of the service, one young person reflected: “The therapist helped us understand each other. Thank you so much for your help, I appreciate it millions. [I] don't know what we'd [have] done without you.”

Department for Education welcomes SEND improvements and evidence of impact, but recognises there are still challenges to overcome - The Department for Education (DfE) met with senior leaders from Suffolk County Council and the NHS to review the impact of wide-ranging improvement plans for special educational needs and disabilities services (SEND). Following the meeting, a letter was sent from the DfE outlining the extent of progress made within SEND services across Suffolk over the past six months. In summary, it ‘welcomes the improvements and the evidence of impact’ and recognises ‘the considerable challenges that remain to reach the required targets’. Key achievements listed within the letter include

improvements in the timeliness and quality of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs);
outstanding academic progress for children participating in the Raising Achievement – Delivering Better Value academic interventions;
better coproduction between partners; and a significant reduction of permanent exclusions in primary schools and for children with EHCPs.

The Department for Education also outlined key areas for development including

governance and use of data;
ensuring that improvement work continues at pace, specifically with regard to timeliness and quality of EHCPs;
achieving consistency across all families so that improvement is felt by all;
and that the voice of children and young families continue to be heard at the heart of decision making.

New Deputy Chief Fire Office for Suffolk is appointed - Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has appointed Henry Griffin as its new Deputy Chief Fire Officer. Henry is currently Area Manager for People & Resources at SFRS, with which he has served for 20 years, and will take up his position in the New Year. He has led initiatives such as introducing electric vehicles to the fire service fleet, implementing cultural improvement programmes, and managing major incident responses including for the summer fires of 2022. His expertise includes strategic planning, workforce planning, and operational training. Henry, succeeds Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dan Fearn, who has retired.

Virtual Fostering and Adoption Sessions for the Stour Valley - Fostering is a flexible role with options for short term care from a weekend a month to longer term opportunities, all providing life-changing support for local children. If you want to find out more about what it's like to foster or adopt with us, please call a member of the team on 01473 264800.

Appendix B – District Councillor Leigh Jamieson Report

Devolution plan - The planned creation of a combined strategic authority and subsequent unitary councils will mean the end of the district council, which has always ensured that local government has remained genuinely local. If the combined authority and Mayor bring with it the finances and power to deliver real change for our residents, then it could be a positive step. However, we need to ensure that delivery of services are completed by those who are close to their communities, who understand their specific needs and can respond quickly to address inequalities – particularly for those most in need. Bigger is not always better – and a ‘one size fits all’ approach is unlikely to meet the diverse, and often complex, needs of our rural communities and market towns.

In seeking to cancel May’s County elections, the county is removing the democratic right of Suffolk residents. The County is currently failing in so many areas, and this will prevent residents from expressing their dissatisfaction with the current incumbents. District councils in Suffolk are writing to the Secretary of State to re-iterate this.

Joint Local Plan review - As part of their drive to build 1.5 million homes nationally the Government has increased the annual housing requirement from 416 to 775 homes in Babergh (up 86%). Each year, planning authorities must demonstrate they have a five-year land supply for the required number of homes, something that we have done in recent years. However, the higher figures, set in December’s National Planning Policy Framework review, mean this may become more challenging in future years. If this happens, there is a risk that national planning policies would start to take priority over the Joint Local Plan - and the council may find itself in a position where they have to approve planning applications on sites contrary to the development plan. We feel that it is wrong to blame the council for failures in houses being built. Repeatedly developers fail to build out approved applications. Because of the Governments unrealistic ask, although the plan was only approved in 2023 the council has no option but to review it.

Budget warning - Babergh are looking to increase their element of the Council Tax by the maximum amount allowed, 2.99%, as well as increasing all fees and charges to help the councils difficult financial situation. The draft budget report shows savings and additional income totalling £2.559m have been identified. Savings include £403,000 where vacancies were not filled, and other staff savings amounting to £313,000. While cost efficiencies including reductions in bank charges and reduced mileage costs amount to around £277,000. But there is still a predicted deficit of £361,000 which must be met from reserves if no further savings are identified, and a forecast cumulative budget gap of £10.86m over the next five years – with the council due to run out of uncommitted reserves at its current rate by 2028/29. The budget will be finalised over the next couple of months.

Kingfisher leisure centre ongoing delays - In my last report I mentioned that the leisure centre in Sudbury would be re-opening on the 11 December. Unfortunately, surveys completed on the pool in November identified further structural issues. The work required to resolve these will delay reopening of the pool until mid-February. Other parts of the leisure centre are still open as normal.

Community projects cash boost - Once again, the council have been able to assist community projects across the district with funding from the community infrastructure levy (CIL). Projects in East Bergholt and Glemsford received c£61k and £28k respectively from the October submission window.

Babergh endorses the Suffolk Economy Strategy - The Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group (SPSL), which includes Babergh Council, has endorsed the Suffolk Economy Strategy. A comprehensive plan will propel Suffolk’s economic growth and position the county at the forefront of the UK’s green evolution, by playing on Suffolk’s strengths in clean energy, agri-food, and logistics, and integrating these core sectors with emerging opportunities in technology and innovation.

Appendix C – Financial Report

Items received since the last meeting:

Income Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
Total Income	£NIL

Items Paid out since the last meeting:

Income Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
Total Expenditure	£NIL

Items Authorized for Payment:

Expenditure Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
Clerk Clerk’s Salary & Expenses	586.03	0.00	586.03	BACS
Lindsey Village Hall Annual Donation	200.00	0.00	200.00	BACS
St Peter’s Lindsey Annual donation	400.00	0.00	400.00	BACS
Total Expenditure	£1,186.03

Financial Report

Date	£
Opening Balance 13.11.24	12635.62
Add Income Received November – December	0.00
Less Expenditure Incurred November - December	0.00
Less Verified Expenditure 15.01.25	1186.03
Closing Balance 15.01.25	11449.59

Bank Reconciliation

Community Account Statement at 09.01.25	12635.62
Less uncleared payments At 15.01.25	1186.03
Plus unaccredited income At 15.01.25	0.00
Reconciled Total At 15.01.25	11449.59

Within the balance above are the following reserves:

(Restricted) CIL reserve - £7,185.18
Earmarked Stone setts - £1,500.00
Earmarked General reserve - £1,000.00
Election reserve - £836.59
Current year reserve - £927.82