Minutes of the rescheduled Council Meeting held on Wednesday 28th January 2026 in Lindsey Village Hall, Church Road, Lindsey which commenced at 8.00pm.
- In attendance
- Cllrs. C Arthey (in Chair), R Corcoran, B Howe, J Moore and A Sturgeon, District Councillor L Jamieson (in part) and Mrs V Waples, Parish Clerk.
1. 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. The Chair opened the meeting and thanked all for attending.
2. Apologies of Absence
- To receive apologies of absence – apologies of absence were received from Cllr. Hainsworth and noted from County Councillor J Finch.
- To consent / non-consent to accept the apologies for absence received – the meeting resolved to accept Cllr. Hainsworth’s reason for absence.
- Council to note the factsheet produced on Apologies for absence and disqualification – council noted the factsheet produced by NALC.
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 – Cllr. Arthey as Chair of the Village Hall Committee. There were no other declarations of interests submitted.
- 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 Meeting:
- Council Meeting of 12th November 2025 - the meeting resolved that the circulated minutes were a true and accurate record of the meeting that took place, and resolved for the Chair to sign the minutes, which was undertaken in accordance with prevailing legislation.
5. Public Forum
(maximum 10 minutes)
- To receive a report from County Councillor James Finch – Cllr. Finch had previously submitted a report which 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.
- Car parking charges – increase by 20%. Called in to Scrutiny to be heard the following day.
- Stronger regulations to prevent the spreading of sewage sludge.
- Small grants for Village Halls.
- To receive comments from the public on the agenda as published – there were none received.
- To receive comments from the public as submitted:
- To consider the submission of a request for the installation of dog bins in the village – it was agreed that this would be considered as a formal item at the next meeting. The clerk agreed to ascertain the most suitable sites.
6. Parish Matters
- Climate Awareness / climate emergency – to receive an update / information on climate related issue coming forth – not much to progress as they were still awaiting a meeting with UKPN to discuss linking to the grid, exporting to the grid and the cost of linking. Once this is known, the project can then be discussed further.
- To receive a progress report on matters relating to:
- Traffic calming and appropriate signage on the A1141 in the vicinity of Canada Cottages and Hollow Trees Farm Shop – it was noted that Cllr. Finch had stated at the last meeting that a survey had been carried out at the end of October and that he was still awaiting those results prior to commenting further. Given the absence of Cllr. Finch at the meeting, the Clerk agreed to chase him for updates.
- Traffic calming on C720 between Church Road to Lindsey Tye – at the previous meeting, Cllr. Finch has stated that he would discuss this matter further with the relevant Highways Officer. All noted that a speed survey would need to be undertaken and dependent upon the results further consideration could be given to either the deployment of vehicle activated signs or whether there were other traffic calming measures that could be introduced in this area.
7. Statutory Matters
- Casual Vacancy – council to consider applicants for co-option to the vacancy in the position of councillor – there were none to be considered at this stage.
- To review and adopt the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations - Paper - Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations 2026 – it was resolved that Council had reviewed and adopted the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations dated January 2026 and confirmed that having been reviewed, they were fit for purpose and that Council agreed to adhere to them as written.
- To review and adopt the Council’s Policies and Procedures - Paper - Review of Policies and Procedures 2026- it was resolved that Council had reviewed and agreed to adopt the policies as listed with a review date of January 2026 thereby confirming that they are updated, fit for purpose and that it agreed to adhere to them as written. Policies reviewed were Complaints Procedure; Data and Electronic Information Retention Policy; Data and Information Security Policy; Disciplinary Rules; Dispensation Policy; Freedom of Information Policy and Procedures; Grant Awarding Policy; Grievance and Disciplinary Procedure Health and Safety Policy; Internet Banking Policy and Procedure; IT Policy; Privacy Policy; Reimbursement of Expenses Procedure; Reserve Policy; Subject Access Policy and Training Policy.
8. Planning Matters
- To consider the following planning applications: none at time of serving.
- To note the following planning applications determined by the local planning authority:
- DC/25/003909 – Refusal of planning permission for the extension to dwellinghouse and alterations to existing dog kennel. Location: The Long House, Folly Farm, Waldingfield Road.
- DC/25/03914 – Refusal of Listed Building Consent - Extension to dwellinghouse and alterations to existing dog kennel. Location: The Long House, Folly Farm, Waldingfield Road.
9. Correspondence: To Consider / Note the Following
- Devolution – to note correspondence on this matter from SALC, Suffolk County Council and Babergh District Council – all noted correspondence on this matter.
- SALC – Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects Bulletin – December 2025 & January 2026 – all noted correspondence on this matter.
- BMSDC – Town and Parish Updates – council confirmed all monthly updates are emailed to Councillors for their perusal.
- 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.
10. 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 D) noting that there were no receipts allocated into the account since the last meeting. Payments that had been made between meetings as shown on Paper A (details can be seen in Appendix D) covered the direct debit to HMRC (£140.60) for 3rd quarter of 2025-2026 for PAYE due.
- 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 D) - having reviewed the paper submitted, it was resolved to approve the payments awaiting authorisation for settlement via online transfer.
- To consider the Council's financial position to date – Paper C – Council noted the reconciled position of £6,770.62 once the accounts awaiting payment had been settled. Councillors Corcoran and Howe confirmed that they had verified the position against the bank statements and cashbook. (Details can be found at Appendix D).
- To consider the council budget versus actual statement to end of January 2026 – Paper D – all reviewed the submitted paper noting the slight underspend for the year, in the main due to decreased administrative costs.
- To consider and approve the budget for the year 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027 – all confirmed receipt of the revised paper and resolved to set the budget at £6,514 for the year commencing 1st April 2026.
- To consider and approve the precept to be levied on the parish of Lindsey for the year commencing 1st April 2026 following receipt of the confirmed tax base – Paper F - following confirmation of the tax base for Lindsey at £ (an increase of 1.1%), it was resolved to set a precept of £6,127 for the year 2025-2026. 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.
11. Clerk’s Report
- To review the effectiveness of Internal Audit for the year 2025 - 2026 – Paper G - council, having reviewed internal audit in terms of independence, competence, proportionality and effectiveness (with reference to the paper submitted), resolved that it had complied with its duty under the 2015 Regulations and met the standards of audit provision.
- To confirm the appointment of the Council’s Internal Auditor for the year ending 31st March 2026– Paper H –Draft Audit Plan – the council resolved that, having regard to the Audit Plan submitted, Mr Trevor Brown CPFA be appointed to carry out the internal audit on Lindsey Parish Council at a maximum cost of £200 plus pro rata travelling expenses at £0.45 pence per mile. It is anticipated that the audit will take place in late April 2026. The work planned to be completed was as per the Appendix in Paper H.
12. Parish Councillors’ Reports
- Village sign – all reviewed the repainted sign noting that the artist had recreated the picture as it had been originally designed. Ideally it was considered that the metal work on the sign required attention and Cllr. Arthey agreed to progress this further. All thanked the Chair for his endeavours in sorting this matter.
- Missing footpath sign on footpath number 4 (Lindsey – Cllr. Sturgeon confirmed that he has reported this on SCC Reporting Tool.
- Elm Cottage – Cllr. Howe asked that this matter be chased up with the District.
- Cllr. Moore – Procession Way – now being replanted from Folly Farm to Stackyard Green. This is now a mile long in the form of an avenue.
- Scouts – following a request form the 1st Honington RAF Scouts to use the village green in Lindsey as a start and meet point for an event taking place at the end of May, the Clerk was advised to suggest that contact be made with the Lindsey Rose in relation to the grassed area opposite the public house.
13. Date of Next Meeting
- To note the next meeting is scheduled as 11th March 2026.
- To agree the meetings for the year commencing 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027: all agreed that the following meetings should be entered into the diary for the coming year: 20th May; 15th July; 23rd September; 25th November; 20th January (2027) & 10th March (2027).
- To note that the Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Wednesday 20th May at 7.00pm prior to the Annual Council Meeting.
14. Close of Meeting
There being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed 9.10pm.
Appendix A – Report from County Councillor James Finch
- Suffolk secures more than £26 million bus funding over three years – 2026-2029 - Millions of pounds of investment is to take place in Suffolk’s bus network over three years following allocation of Government funding. Services, ticketing, and infrastructure will all benefit under the package worth nearly £27 million between 2026 and 2029. Suffolk County Council will receive a total of £26,813760 under the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG). This funding will enable the continuation and expansion of new and improved services introduced over the past two years through LABG support and its predecessor, the Bus Services Improvement Grant (BSIP), many of which were shaped by community feedback. The funding is split into two areas. – Revenue and Capital. Revenue investment will focus on:
- Maintaining and growing enhanced services based on local suggestions.
- Increasing publicity and travel information to help residents make informed choices.
- Renewal and expansion of Real Time Passenger Information across Suffolk.
- Improved ticketing options and accessibility in partnership with bus operators.
- Investigations into bus priority measures to reduce journey times and encourage modal shift.
- Upgraded bus stops with new shelters, better footway links, and accessibility enhancements—many suggested by local communities.
- Project Celebrating Disability in Suffolk gets £139k grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund - The project has been made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will honour the resilience and contributions of people with disabilities, while also helping wider communities better understand the barriers they face today. Beyond Labels will collect and preserve personal stories, alongside the histories of organisations, schools, and charities that support disabled people to create a record that celebrates disability while sparking conversations about inclusion, accessibility, and equality. This exciting initiative begins with the recruitment of a dedicated project officer and volunteers, the launch of a community forum, and a programme of activities designed to capture and share lived experiences. As part of the project, Suffolk Archives, a Suffolk County Council service, will work with local schools and community groups, offering free workshops that teach skills in recording,
- Firefighter applications surge as Suffolk boosts female representation - Applications to join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have surged by 32% compared to last year, highlighting a growing interest in a career that makes a real difference to local communities. This year’s recruitment drive also saw a significant increase in female representation among successful candidates, with women making up 17.2% of the recruitment pool compared to 11.7% last year, which represents a 38% rise. Recruitment outcomes at a glance:
- Applications up 32% from 2024 (389 vs 280).
- Female representation in the recruitment pool has increased from 11.7% to 17.2% – a 38% rise.
- 345 candidates progressed to the first stage of assessment.
- 203 advanced to the second stage and were assessed against the National Fire Chiefs Council Leadership Framework and the Code of Ethics - 116 passed.
- 88 were members of the public; 28 were existing on call firefighters.
- Following firefighter-specific aptitude and fitness tests, 100 candidates were then interviewed at SFRS Headquarters at Endeavour House, Ipswich.
- Council fears Sunnica is to become a ‘Trojan horse’ for new large infrastructure projects - Sunnica Ltd is a joint venture between Tribus Clean Energy and PS Renewables. They are hoping to extend the provision in their agreed planning permission, to secure 'future value-adding flexibility', as stated in their letter to government: “To provide the Scheme with sufficient future value-adding flexibility in relation to adjacent land that may be subject to planning applications in conjunction with the Scheme.” These changes would enable them to integrate future proposed developments that come forward, by allowing local planning applications to overlap with the entire boundaries of the Sunnica scheme. It means that new, vast projects such as data centres could cover many hectares of land, on top of that covered by the already-agreed solar panels, battery storage and associated infrastructure. A consultation on these proposed changes will begin in due course. However, while the proposal sets out a limited number of consultees, it is very important to recognise that any relevant party will be able to respond. Since this article was published, Sunnica Ltd has announced that it does not intend to proceed with the change concerning the 'future value-adding flexibility'. The consultation will solely focus on the amended Order Limits surrounding Burwell substation.
- Seasoned political journalist, Paul Geater, backs One Suffolk - A political journalist with over 40 years’ experience scrutinising and reporting on councils in Suffolk has backed the plan to scrap the county’s six councils and replace them with one authority delivering all local and county wide services. Suffolk-born Paul Geater, who currently presents a current affairs radio talk show on Suffolk Sound but previously spent decades as a political correspondent for the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star, said: “I started off by thinking the three councils option was probably going to be the best [but], the more I have heard, the more I have looked into this, the more convinced I have been that the One Suffolk option is the only real sensible choice for the government. “I am highly sceptical about the financial claims both sides have made about this. [But] I am much more sceptical about the claims from the three councils, I just don’t see how their proposals can achieve the kind of savings the government is talking about. “It comes down to a few things. First of all, Suffolk has an identity and has had an identity for more than a millennium. I don’t think I come from Ipswich and South Suffolk, Suffolk has its own identity. I was born and brought up in the East of Suffolk… I lived for a time and worked for a time in Bury St Edmunds in West Suffolk. It is all Suffolk to me and I think that identity is very important. “When you look at how the proposed splitting is being done, frankly the three Suffolk people seem to be using a kind of geographical gymnastics to try to equalise figures in all kinds of places and it really does develop something of a dog’s breakfast of a map. Stowmarket has absolutely nothing to do with Lowestoft, it looks to either Ipswich or Bury St Edmunds and yet the idea is that local government should be run for Stowmarket from Lowestoft. It doesn’t make any sense. It just looks to be as if you’re building in duplication. “I have filled in my consultation form and said that as a reporter who spent 40 years covering local government in this county that my feeling is the only solution for Suffolk is to have one council for the county.”
- 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 – Report from District Councillor Leigh Jamieson
- Car Parking Charges - Cabinet recently agreed an increase of in parking charges across the district. The increase which is proposed to be 20% in Hadleigh and Sudbury also initially included Sunday and Bank Holiday Charging. However, after a protracted debate it was agreed that Sunday’s and Bank Holidays should remain free. The proposed charges will be –
- Short Stay
- Long Stay
- Season Ticket changes.
Tariff Existing Proposed Up to 1 hour £1.00 £1.20 Up to 2 hours £1.50 £1.80 Up to 3 hours £2.00 £2.40 Up to 4 hours £2.50 £3.00 Tariff Existing Proposed Up to 2 hours £1.00 £1.20 Up to 3 hours £1.50 £1.80 Up to 4 hours £2.00 £2.40 All Day £2.50 £3.00 Season Ticket type Current fee 2026/27 Proposed fee Fee Increase Average Discount 1 Month £25.00 £30.00 20% 48% 3 Months £70.00 £84.00 20% 51% 12 Months £250.00 £300.00 20% 57% - An independent report was commissioned by the council to review the effects of the car park charges implemented last year. The report, completed by the University of Suffolk, identified that while car park usage had declined, footfall and dwell time had remained fairly consistent, while spend had increased. With the data showing that charges have had little to no effect on visiting numbers the cabinet have agreed to raise charges to ensure that full costs are recovered in the ongoing battle to shore up the council’s financial position.
- Sewage Sludge Regulations - At last week’s council meeting it was agreed that the council would formally recognise the risks posed by unregulated contaminants in sewage sludge and to write to the Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), urging stronger regulation to guarantee public safety. Independent testing in late 2025 found water at a sewage sludge processing site near Wattisham air base, operated by contractors handling sludge from Thames Water, contained more than 170 times the recommended safe levels of ammonia, posing a serious threat to aquatic life in the area. The councils want the government to prevent chemical producers and companies from offloading commercial effluent into sewage sludge and to increase research into sustainable and safe agricultural alternatives, with Defra warning farmers of the risks of accepting sludge from water company contractors in the meantime. Councillors heard fears over evidence that sewage sludge contains a mixture of harmful contaminants, including so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS), microplastics, pharmaceuticals and hormone-disrupting substances – many of which are not regulated or routinely tested for under current legislation dating back to 1989.
- Locality Funding - I have been pleased to be able to help out a number of groups across my parishes with some funding from my locality budget. So far, I have helped Chelsworth Village Hall buy a new cooker; Kersey Table Tennis club invest in some new tables; Whatfield buy a cabinet for their defibrillator; Semer parish council with some money towards bridge repairs and hopefully the Roundabout magazine.
- Funding/Grants - There are a number of grants available that may be useful to the village. Via Babergh - The Sustainable Communities Food Fund has been established to support small scale, community led, food initiatives such as community pantries, fridges, and food pop-ups. Between £250 and £5,000 can be applied for, towards capital costs such as the purchase of equipment, or revenue costs such as workshops and delivering activities to clients or volunteers. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications being accepted until 31 March 2026, though the Fund may close for applications prior to that point should funding be fully allocated. Via Rural Services Network – Small grants for village halls – Defra and ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural Areas) - Grants up to £5,000 are available to help make modest improvements to rural community buildings in England such as boiler replacements, insulation, toilet upgrades, and new kitchens. Awards can be made to cover 20% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum amount of £5,000. The balance of funding for the works proposed must be in place or at least confirmed within 6 weeks of making an application to the small grants fund. Project expenditure must take place before 31 March 2026. Village halls small grants fund - ACRE
- Five Dinners - Babergh is part of Feel-Good Suffolk, which is a collaboration between all Suffolk’s local authorities, and NHS partners. The service has now teamed up with FiveDinners.com.It is offering households across the county free premium access for this year to the platform which would otherwise cost them £86 a year. Residents simply have to visit FiveDinners.com/MyCommunity select the district council area that they live in and then put in their postcode – they won’t be asked for any bank details and they won’t be charged for using the service. Once registered, they will receive a meal plan every week, tailored to their needs and preferences. This can be personalised for low calories, child friendly, low cost, vegetarian, gluten-free, quick, and easy, menopause friendly and more. Alongside the meal plan, members receive a shopping list for the week ahead.
Appendix C – Briefing Notes from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
None received
Appendix D – Financial Report
Items received since the last meeting:
| Income | Description | Nett | VAT | Gross | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Income | £0.00 | ||||
Items Paid out since the last meeting:
| Income | Description | Nett | VAT | Gross | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23.01.26 | HMRC – PAYE – 3rd Qtr. | 140.60 | 0.00 | 140.60 | DD |
| Total Expenditure | £140.60 | ||||
Items Authorized for Payment:
| Expenditure | Description | Nett | VAT | Gross | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk | Clerk’s Salary & Expenses | 841.18 | 17.50 | 858.68 | BACS |
| Suzanne Perry | Repair to Village Sign | 500.00 | 0.00 | 500.00 | BACS |
| Total Expenditure | £1,358.68 | ||||
Financial Report
| Date | £ | |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Balance | 12.11.2025 | 9269.90 |
| Add Income Received | December to January | 0.00 |
| Less Expenditure Incurred | December to January | 140.60 |
| Less Verified Expenditure | 28.01.2026 | 1358.68 |
| Closing Balance | 28.01.2026 | £6770.62 |
Bank Reconciliation
| Community Account | Statement at 24.01.26 | 8129.30 |
|---|---|---|
| Less uncleared payments | 1358.68 | |
| Plus unaccredited income | 0.00 | |
| Reconciled Total | As at 28.01.2026 | £6770.62 |
Within the balance above are the following reserves:
- (Restricted) CIL reserve - £3,978.18
- Earmarked General reserve - £1,331.75
- Election reserve - £836.59
- General Fund - £624.10