Minutes of the Council Meeting Held in Lindsey Village Hall

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 17th January 2024 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) and County Cllr. Finch (in part), two members of the public and Mrs V Waples, Parish 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 read out by the Clerk.

2. Apologies of Absence

To receive apologies of absence – there were no applicable apologies of absence.

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 – the following declarations of registrable interests were received: Cllr. Morre for agenda item 11i as a near neighbour; Cllrs. Howe and Arthey as members of the Village Hall and Cllr Moore as a member of the PCC for the budget to be set under Agenda Item 9vi.
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:
- 22nd November 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, aif.
- 13th September 2023 – as agreed at the previous meeting, the Chair signed the minutes from the meeting of 13th September 2023.

5. Public Forum

(maximum 10 minutes)

To note the report from the County Councillor – the meeting noted the written report previously circulated. A copy of which can be seen at Appendix A.
- £107m spread over 10 years to spend on Highways – specifically for local roads.
- Finance settlement – disappointing – effect of the pay rise on the budget is considerable and with no funding from the government will result in services being reviewed and cuts made where able. He made all aware that to prioritise the areas which are statutory responsibilities SCC will have to make difficult decisions about the services they deliver, how they are delivered and the council tax.
- Quality of Adult Social Care rated Good.
- Temple at Rendlesham could be a significant find which may outclass Sutton Hoo.
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:
- Budget deficit – even after 2.99% and fees and charges the budget will still be £1.8m short in budget, over 10%. This year will be covered by reserves, but future years are uncertain.
- Consultation will be undertaken on parking charges being implemented. Question – where do the Green Party stand on this as surely their policies are to encourage sustainable travel and not rely on motorised vehicles? The answer given was that the group was split over its response. The consultation would cover all council owned car parks and would involve a comprehensive public consultation.
- Call for sites as part of the Joint Local
- Higher council tax on second homes and long-term empty properties.
- Grants for up to £20k for empty homes might be reconsidered.
To receive comments from the public on the agenda as published –
- In relation to Agenda Item 11a - it was confirmed that the application to be considered was for the replacement of the steel barn (as per the planning permission) with another type of barn. It was mentioned that the planning department at BMSDC have been tardy in responses but the applicant felt that they had addressed concerns raised at design and the carbon footprint of the barn (measures considered were a possible heat pump; solar panels; car charging etc.). They had taken the opportunity to change the design which is the one the parish council is now considering later within the agenda.
- Speeding through the village – as there had been a number of comments received from the public over this issue, the Chair asked for this to be added as an agenda item at the next meeting.

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 – numerous meetings. Thermal imaging – pretty well advertised but only six people took up the opportunity. It was felt that this was a missed opportunity as residents were able to have the camera in their own home for their own time to look at those areas that were of concern. Those who had carried out the surveys were able to review the information obtained and were able to make some positive changes. The meeting was in agreement that Cllr. Sturgeon should continue to explore the benefits of combining efforts with the Heat Bildeston who have obtained funding for a feasibility study looking at heating the Surgery and the Primary School via a borehole and a ground source heat pump. Both operations have massive heating and electricity bills which would be reduced with a heat pump, but capital costs of installing a ground source heat pump may be an issue. Further updates on climate matters would be produced as and when received.
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 the original contractor confirmed that they had made a Street Furniture application to Suffolk Highways on our behalf for the works to be undertaken under licence. As soon as they had responded, the contractor would be back in touch. Whilst it was noted that communication was slow, the Clerk requested that the original contractor be the preferred contractor moving forward. This was agreed by Council.
To note the indicative costs for the requested 40mph Speed Limit on the A1141 between Hadleigh and Semer – whilst all noted the indicative costs and the possible funding sources, discussion followed over the visibility at this junction and the associated issue. It was agreed that this area should once again be flagged up for intervention and a request made to ensure that the area was regular cut so that oncoming traffic could be seen. Cllr. Finch was asked to intervene and request that a better cutting regime at the junction, on visibility grounds, be implemented for the coming year.
To receive reports and/or updates from Councillors of areas of standing water in the village – water at the White Rose Crossroads – it was confirmed that the area was still very flooded and quite dangerous in freezing conditions. The member of the public commented that, as the owner of the land adjoining the crossroads, they had understood that it was a riparian waterway and as such had reviewed the process for undertaking appropriate works. However, they have been advised that they needed to go through SCC Highways and submit plans indicating the work to be carried out. Once approval was given, the works could be undertaken. Cllr. Finch was asked to intervene and request SCC Highways to allow a pipe to be inserted to clear the standing water from the Highway. The Clerk was asked to chase for a response to the email sent requesting action and to copy in County Cllr. Finch to allow him to initiate appropriate action.

7. Statutory Business

To carry out the annual review of the Council’s Policies - Paper - Review of Policies & Protocols 2024 – Council agreed that it had reviewed and would adopt the policies as listed (Complaints Procedure; Data and Electronic Information Retention Policy; Data and Information Security Policy; Disciplinary Rules; Dispensation Policy; Freedom of Information Policy; Grant Awarding Policy; Grievance and Disciplinary Procedure; Privacy Policy; Reimbursement of Expenses Procedure; Reserve Policy; Subject Access Policy and Training Policy) and confirmed that they were updated, fit for purpose and that it agreed to adhere to them as written, aif.
To adopt the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations - Paper - Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations – Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations – Council noted the review of both documents with review dates of January 2024 and agreed to delegate responsibility to the Clerk to ensure that they are reviewed and amended in accordance with changes in legislation thereby ensuring that at all times they are fit for purpose, aif. It was noted that the Clerk will ensure that all relevant amendments are brought to the attention of full Council.

8. Correspondence

BMSDC – Town and Parish Updates – all confirmed that the monthly updates are emailed to Councillors.
Suffolk Constabulary – Operating Model Booklet – Council noted the new model for policing in Suffolk effective December 2023 and that Lindsey now came under the Waldingfield, Boxford and Bures policing area.
SALC - D-Day 80 – 6th June 2024 – Council to note the circulated information on the celebrations and how the Council and community could take part. All agreed that the beacon should be lit at 9.15pm on 6th June 2024 as part of the D-Day 80 Celebrations and that the event should be marked out by the reading of the International Tribute. The Clerk confirmed that she would resend the information to all Councillors for further perusal.
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

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.
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.
To consider the Council's financial position to date – Paper C – Council noted the reconciled position of £10,182.22 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 at the next meeting.
To consider the actual versus budget for the period ending January 2023 - Paper D – all received and noted the overspend at this point in the year attributed to the increased administration costs for the year to date.
To consider requests for Donations received to date – Paper E – Council considered those who had submitted letters submitting a request for donations and whilst all were considered worthy, it was proposed that a donation of £50 be given to the East Anglian Air Ambulance and the remainder of the monies (£50) be deferred to the next meeting, aif.
To consider and approve the budget to be set for the year 2024-2025 – Paper F - the provisionally approved draft budget was reviewed and accepted by all as its definitive budget (£5782) acknowledging that the tax base had not changed from that produced in November 2023, aif.
To consider and set the precept to be levied on the parish for the year 2024-2025 – all agreed that the Precept would be set at £5,782 which would be a 12.12% (£6.58) increase to a Band D property resulting in a Council Tax levy on a Band D of £60.83, aif. The meeting agreed that the Chair and Clerk should sign the Precept Upon Charging Authority Form which would be submitted to BMSDC by the due date of 31st January 2024.

10. Clerk’s Report

To receive an update on the repairs to the parish and village noticeboards – Cllr. Sturgeon stated that he had been advised that the noticeboards had been repaired and replaced over the Christmas period. It was agreed that a site inspection would take place and the clerk be advised as to the state of both the parish and PCC noticeboards.

11. Planning Matters

To consider the following planning applications:
- DC/23/00309 - Full Planning Application - Erection of 1 No. dwelling and cartlodge/garage (following demolition of barn - alternative scheme to that approved under Class Q DC/22/02672) @ Modern Barn at Rose Farm, Rose Green Road – it was noted that this was a revision and as such an amended plan – new design to the previous application so submitted. It was stated that the policy in principle is the issue of conversion of a building that has consent under Class Q being subject to another application to amend that for a new building. However whilst overall the design for the dwelling was preferable, there might be a preference for that approved under Class Q to be imposed and to be built to the consent as given. The revised application as submitted goes against the spirit of Class Q. All were however reminded that the amended application was before the council, and it was this upon which they were being consulted. It was agreed that the proposal was in keeping with the overall character of a building and would result in a sustainable dwelling being built as the original building would be unable to achieve the relevant levels of sustainability; aesthetically pleasing; improves the amenities of that locality; will have minimal impact on the listed dwellings in the area. All agreed that this application should be supported in that this was an improvement on the previous application and more appropriate to the character of the area in which it is set vis-à-vis the listed setting of the properties in the area, aif. It was further agreed that any response should include the comments raised previously over drainage issues, aif.
- APP/D3505/W/23/3325802 - Appeal by: Mr and Mrs S Double. Proposal: Full Planning Application - Erection of 1 No. dwelling, cartlodge and new vehicular access (in lieu of the dwelling approved under DC/21/02911)(following demolition of existing barn). Location: Church Farm Meadow, Church Road – Council considered that it had no further comments to make on this appeal noting that its original submissions had been passed to the inspectors. The appeal would be by written representations only.
To note the following planning applications determined by the local planning authority:
- DC/23/05371 – Discharge of Conditions – Materials (4) @ Maytree Cottage, The Street, Lindsey
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.
BMSDC - Consultation on draft Scrap Metal Policy 2024-2029 – Council to consider whether it wishes to respond to this consultation – Council had no comments to make on this consultation.
BMSDC – Consultation on draft Sexual Entertainment Policy 2024-2029 (version 2) – Council to consider whether it wishes to respond to this consultation – Council had no comments to make on this consultation.
BMSDC - Call for Sites 2024 – Council noted that both District Councils were progressing with the production of the Joint Local Plan Part 2 and were inviting site submissions to be put forward for residential land use for consideration for future development. The submission deadlines were noted along with the expectation that any settlement boundaries being proposed be the subject of consultation with the affected parishes.

12. Parish Councillors’ Reports

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

Cllr. Moore – UK Power Networks were in the process of undertaken the pruning of trees from White Rose crossroads in the direct of Edwardstone and from Kersey towards Edwardstone and along Church Road, Lindsey. It was anticipated that further works within the village would be undertaken.
Cllr. Hainsworth confirmed that works had been undertaken to address the flooding by the Lindsey Rose in Lindsey.
Cllr. Arthey confirmed that the Tommy Statue had been erected and that, as it was a gift to the Parish Council, the Clerk confirmed that it would be added to the asset register and placed under insurance.

13. Date of Next Meeting

Parish Council Meeting – 13th March 2024 commencing at 7.30pm in Lindsey Village Hall.
To note the dates of meetings for 2024 – 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:

Cabinet approves new funding to resurface residential roads and welcomes recent Government announcement of £107m ring fenced over next ten years. At Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet meeting (7th November), Cabinet approved an extra £10 million to repair and resurface local roads in villages and residential areas across Suffolk. The funding will nearly double Suffolk Highways’ £11 million annual road maintenance budget but be targeted at smaller residential streets which are typically maintained less frequently than busier A and B roads. Over recent years, the county council has recognised the importance of improving roads for residents, this new proposal follows the successful £21 million contribution towards the resurfacing of 1,000 miles of road between 2017 and 2021, and more recently the committed £21 million between 2021 – 2025 to increase pavement maintenance, deliver drainage improvement schemes and repair road signs. It is hoped that the extra £10 million boost to resurface some local roads, minor rural roads and urban cul-de-sacs would result in a reduction of new potholes, which in turn will reduce the overall financial burden on the council’s emergency and reactive repair budgets. Between 2020 and 2023, 2 out of 3 pothole repairs were carried out on local roads, minor rural roads, and urban cul-de-sacs. During that period, more than half of all defects reported by the public were on these types of roads. The extra investment will make use of more sustainable materials such as warm mix asphalts that have a lower CO2 footprint than traditional hot mix asphalts and which include recycled materials to reduce raw material use; resulting in a more positive impact on Suffolk’s environment. Suffolk County Council has welcomed the Government announcement - which is part of a Department for Transport plan to pump £609 million into highway maintenance in the East of England. £107m has been ringfenced for Suffolk over the next decade, including £3.4 million in this financial year.

Suffolk County Council response to local government finance settlement on 18th December - The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced its funding package to support councils in England to deliver frontline services. Responding to this, Suffolk County Council has said: “This council funding announcement presents more challenges than we, and many other County Councils, expected. It means next year we will have no choice but to consider changes to some of the services we provide. The Government is facing considerable financial pressures and requests for funds from all corners of society, not least from councils across the country. We have consistently lobbied for more funding in Suffolk. “We fully understand this position as we too have increasing demands on our services and rising costs to provide them – but the money we receive is not keeping pace with this need. Despite being a financially well-run council, we have significantly less funding than we need – especially in services like Special Educational needs Development (SEND), home-to-school transport and children in care which are all statutory responsibilities. To prioritise these areas, we will have to make difficult decisions about the services we deliver, how we deliver them and our council tax.”

Suffolk County Council’s Adult Social Care service rated Good overall by Care Quality Commission - Suffolk County Council has been awarded an indicative overall rating of “Good” for the quality of its Adult Social Care services. Following a period of intense inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Suffolk County Council has become one of the first councils nationwide to achieve this standard. Earlier this year CQC announced that 5 local authorities with responsibility for adult social care, including Suffolk, had volunteered to be part of a Local Authority Assessment Pilot, to help CQC develop the new model of inspection to help assess councils against the requirements of the Care Act. This model would then be rolled out across the country with all 153 Local Authorities with responsibility for Adult Social Care being inspected by the commission. The assessment process began this summer with a request for information to each local authority taking part in the pilot. This collected the written evidence needed to allow CQC to understand how each council is delivering its adult social care services. Following on from this initial ask, the County Council was then required to arrange over 40 different meetings including 4 staff drop-in sessions, with over 150 people, including staff, partners, providers, carers, and people with lived experiences. These meetings allowed the CQC inspection team to meet people directly and ask questions to help further evidence the quality of social care services provided. CQC’s final report rated the overall quality of Suffolk County Council’s Adult Social Care services as “Good” and highlighted areas of strength including, the quality of its leadership, the culture of learning and support for staff, the range of digital care options available, the good relationships between social care and health colleagues and locality team knowledge and understanding of community needs.

SCC Trading Standards advise beware of five scams of Christmas and the New Year - while shoppers look to snap up a bargain, Suffolk Trading Standards is urging them to take a few simple steps to avoid being ripped off. Fake websites, scam texts and bogus competitions are just some of the tactics fraudsters use. Graham Crisp, Head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said: “Be wary of offers that look too good to be true and try to stick with reputable websites that you recognise and trust” or “Be suspicious of requests to make a bank transfer and ensure you research any individual or businesses requesting financial or personal details.”

The five scams to look out for:

Scam delivery texts and emails – You may get an email or text message saying your package has been delayed and it asks you to click on a link to track its status. This link could lead you to a phishing site that steals your personal information. Malicious texts are where someone clicks on a link and provides information, they may then get a phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank who offers to help safeguard funds by trying to convince someone to transfer money into a bogus 'safe account'. Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 and send scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
Fake and copy-cat websites - The holiday season brings endless emails offering deals, sales, and bargains. Some lead to look-alike websites that trick people into downloading malware, making non-existent purchases, and sharing private information. Authenticate a website by checking the address is spelt correctly. Ideally, type it in rather than clicking on a link, or go to getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite.
Bogus charities - Only donate to trusted, well-known charities. Before giving, check the charity’s name and registration number. You can verify this at the Charity Commission’s website at charitycommission.gov.uk
Gift Card scams - Fraudsters impersonate one of your email contacts to ask you to buy a gift card for them as a favour. They will typically say they need help buying it as a present as they are too ill, too busy or have an issue with their payment card. The scammer then asks you to share the serial numbers of gift cards to steal the value purchased. If you receive an email asking for personal information or any form of financial help, call that friend or family member on a trusted number and let them know their account may have been hacked
Fake social media contests, giveaways, and bogus sellers - Social media platforms are full of bargains but are also where scammers lie in wait with too-good-to-be-true offers. Fraudsters set up fake pages with offers to catch your eye and encourage you to share. These are designed to "farm" any personal information that you have publicly available on your profile. Search for the official page to see if an offer or giveaway is legitimate. Anyone losing money to fraud should contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 20 40 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk Suffolk Trading Standards can be contacted via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. For a weekly email from Suffolk Trading Standards go to www.suffolk.gov.uk/JoinTheFight.

1,400-year-old temple discovered at Suffolk royal settlement at Rendlesham - a rare, possible pre-Christian temple from the time of the East Anglian Kings, has been found at Rendlesham, near Sutton Hoo in Suffolk. The discovery was made this summer by Suffolk County Council’s Rendlesham Revealed community archaeology project, which is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by National Lottery players. Last year the project uncovered the remains of a large timber Royal Hall, confirming the location as a royal settlement of the East Anglian Kings. This year’s excavations also uncovered evidence of fine metalworking associated with royal occupation, including a mould used for casting decorative horse harness similar to that known from the nearby princely burial ground at Sutton Hoo. The royal compound was found to have been more than twice the size than was previously thought, bounded by a 1.5 kilometre-long perimeter ditch that enclosed an area of 15 hectares (the equivalent to about 20 football pitches). The royal residence was part of a wider settlement complex covering 50 hectares which is unique in the archaeology of 5th to 8th century England in its scale and complexity. This year’s breakthrough caps a three-year campaign of excavation that transforms expectations and understanding of the period. The site at Rendlesham is identified as an East Anglian royal centre by The Venerable Bede in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People. Bede records that King Redwald, who died c AD 625 and whose grave is thought to be the Sutton Hoo ship burial, maintained a temple in which there were altars to pre-Christian Gods alongside an altar to Christ – although he does not specifically say this this was at Rendlesham. Excavations are now complete and the trenches at the site backfilled, with work already underway to analyse the finds with provisional results in 2024. To find out more about the Rendlesham Revealed project visit: heritage.suffolk.gov.uk/Rendlesham.

County Councils remain united against Norwich to Tilbury onshore option - Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk County Council leaders are urging National Grid to reconsider their preferred onshore option following findings of a recent review. The councils jointly commissioned and have now published an independent report into the Norwich to Tilbury project, which proposes the construction of a new high voltage electricity transmission line between Norwich in Norfolk, Bramford in Suffolk and Tilbury in Essex. Leaders of the three county councils are now asking National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and the electricity system planner, National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO) to consider the findings. The report, by Hiorns Smart Energy Networks, reviews the options considered by National Grid, including the preferred option of a pylon line between Norwich and Tilbury. The total length of the line would be 183 kilometres. This would consist of around 158 kilometres of new overhead line supported by 520 pylons. There would be also four sections of underground cabling. These underground sections would run through, and in the vicinity of, the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. National Grid’s proposals also include a new substation on the Tendring Peninsula, to allow the connection of offshore wind farms. Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk County Councils, accept that the transmission network in East Anglia needs reinforcing to support the transition to net zero, and provide energy security. However, they remain concerned that the need for, and timing of, the current proposals is uncertain and not robust. This uncertainty brings into question the need case for National Grid’s preferred option, of a land-based pylon line. All three county councils have expressed their concerns that this option will harm the local economy, environment and the health and wellbeing of their communities. The review focused on a re-appraisal of the need case for the project; that need case was developed by National Grid Electricity System Operator.

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:

Budget gap - The Councils biggest challenge over the next two months will be delivering a balanced budget for 24/25 and beyond. Finances are tough, the council have been hit by inflation, pay rises and lack of major development across the district. At the moment this leaves a budget deficit for 23/24 of £1.8M, and this is with increases in Council Tax of 2.99% and in existing fees and charges taken into account. It is therefore falling on councillors to make some difficult decisions will therefore have to be made to ensure that we can continue to provide services.

Building in Babergh - The council has, finally, become the only rural district in the country to partner with the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). This is something I proposed a couple of years ago. However, despite being approved by full council, nothing happened. Thanks to our increased presence in the administration things have now moved on. The scheme sets outs how construction teams should respect neighbours, minimise impact on the environment, and have an inclusive and healthy workplace. Developers will be encouraged to sign up to the scheme when they are granted planning permission, but it will be mandatory in communities where construction could have a severe disruptive impact. The council is also looking at how this approach could be further strengthened in the future.

Second Home/ Empty Property Tax - Babergh Councillors are also considering higher tax premiums for owners of second homes and long-term empty properties, following the introduction of new government rules. There are almost 600 empty properties in Babergh, and many residents are frustrated at the building of new properties while so many lay empty. Bringing these homes back into use will help meet growing housing need. Proposals being considered by cabinet members would see the owners of properties left empty for a year or more paying double, with a premium of up to 100% from April 2024; properties empty for five years or more seeing their council tax bills treble with a premium of up to 200%; and owners of properties left empty for 10 years facing quadrupled bills, with a premium of up to 300%. Also under the proposals, the owners of 576 second homes in Babergh would see their council tax bill double from April 2025.

Call For Sites - Following on from approval of Part 1 of the Joint Local Plan the Council is already progressing with the production of part 2. At this initial point of the plan-making process the Council is inviting site submissions to be put forward for residential land use for consideration for future development. This is known as the ‘Call for Sites’ process.

Homeless & Rough Sleeping Strategy - Babergh have developed a new strategy to help tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. This strategy has been developed by the new team and is focussed on.

Early prevention & intervention.
Make rough sleeping rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Ensuring the health and wellbeing needs of households are met whilst in temporary accommodation.
To expand and future-proof the role and remit of Central Suffolk Lettings - improving access to the private rented sector.
To mitigate against the impacts of the cost of living.

There was a public consultation open for until the 14th of January.

Car Parking Charges - Implementation of car parking charges in Hadleigh, Lavenham and Sudbury is being looked at again, as a way of closing the budget gap. A paper went before cabinet this month recommending a targeted consultation with towns and parishes across the district, to gauge opinion and to help develop options for changes to parking tariffs, which may come before council later this year.

Briefing Notes from Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils

New Year in new homes – council housing boost Tenants have picked up the keys to more than 120 new affordable, high-quality council homes across Babergh and Mid Suffolk over the last 12 months.

Councils award funding to provide warm spaces this winter 31 community projects have received a share of more than £36,000 to help their communities this winter.

Councillors to consider tax premiums for second homes and empty properties Councillors at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are considering higher tax premiums for owners of second homes and long-term empty properties, following the introduction of new government rules.

Parking back on the agenda for Babergh as it seeks to balance books A significant budget gap for 2024/25 has forced parking back on the agenda for Babergh District Council. Options for the implementation of new parking tariffs are to be discussed with affected town and parish councils, pending cabinet agreement at a meeting on January 9.

Last chance for parents to claim free tree before January Applications for a popular free tree scheme for new parents who welcomed arrivals in 2023, will close on January 10.

£2 million pledged to accelerate climate emergency action in Suffolk A further £2million has been pledged by Suffolk Public Sector Leaders to tackle the climate emergency.

Homelessness and rough sleeping strategy open for consultation The councils are asking residents and organisations for their view on tackling homelessness and rough sleeping to help shape their future strategy.  The consultation runs until January 14.

'Building in Babergh? Be a good neighbour' Babergh District Council expects developers and commercial builders to follow the ‘gold standard’ of working practices to protect nearby residents from construction site disruption.

Appendix C – Financial Report

Items received since the last meeting:

Items Received
Income	Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
17.01.24	Nil	0.00	0.00	0.00	BACS
Total Income £Nil

Items Paid out since the last meeting:

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

Items Authorized for Payment:

Items Authorized for Payment
Expenditure	Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
Clerk	Clerk’s Salary & Expenses	852.65	13.33	865.98	BACS
HMRC – PAYE – 3rd Qtr	155.40	0.00	155.40	BACS
Total Expenditure £1,021.38

Financial Report

Financial Report
Date	£
Opening Balance 22.11.23	11203.60
Add Income Received November 23 – January 24	0.00
Less Expenditure Incurred November 23 – January 24	0.00
Less Verified Expenditure 17.01.24	1021.38
Closing Balance 17.01.24	10182.22

Bank Reconciliation

Bank Reconciliation
Community Account	Statement at 11.01.24	11203.60
Less uncleared payments	At 17.01.24	1021.38
Plus unaccredited income	At 11.01.24	0.00
Reconciled Total	At 17.01.24	10182.22

Within the balance above are the following reserves:

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