i. Planning applications (22 applications listed of which 3 are now shown as granted or allowed and 1 refused) – See Appendix 1

5. To receive and note the 2023-24 year to date bank reconciliation (for purposes of report only).

A copy of the bank reconciliation was made available to all members ahead of the meeting, and is attached at Appendix 2 to these minutes. It was RESOLVED to accept and approve this reconciliation.

6. To receive and consider a report covering 2023-24 Council income and expenditure (for purposes of report only).

The report was made available to all members by the Parish Clerk. It was RESOLVED to accept and approve this. The income and expenditure report is included in Appendix 2 to these minutes.

7. To consider the actions resulting from the Tree Survey

The tree report has been received and Cllr Bush has looked at the suggested work with a local expert. A tree report action plan was circulated in advance of the meeting. 13 trees need non urgent works. The work to the five trees on Eldons Drove will need a tree surgeon as well as one tree overhanging a house on Lockyers Way. Five other trees on Eldons Drove were recommended advisory work and it was concluded that this should dealt with by the tree surgeon at the same time. The remaining trees will be dealt with by the Guerrilla Gardeners. It was noted that care will be taken for nesting birds with any tree works. It was RESOLVED to RECOMMEND this work to Full Council

Action: Clerk to request quotes for tree works.

A question was raised regarding a tree by the Spinney play park and it was advised that this would need to be raised with Aster.

8. To consider a response to the Purbeck Local Plan

To be discussed at the Full Council meeting on 20th December.

9. To continue to work in preparation towards a budget proposal for 2024/25

The up to date tax base information from Dorset Council had been sent round to Councillors in advance of the meeting. It was highlighted that the Parish Council would need to make a decision on what the % rise for the precept should be. Inflation is 3.4% but discussions were around keeping it as low as possible due to the cost of living. Councillors questioned whether this would cause issues for the budget for 2024/25 but it was stressed that there are significant amounts in reserves from CIL payments. A 2% rise in the precept was suggested and this will be discussed at Full Council. The deadline for submission is 31st January 2024.

The list of projects were discussed and it was highlighted that limited money had been spent in the current financial year. The focus for 2024/25 will be moving forwards with some of these projects. The school crossing is moving forwards but this will not be a cost to the Parish Council. The 20pmh zone project can progress now that the speed test results have been received.

The Youth Hall renovation is underway – the office is cleared and the flooring needs some work. The back room will be decorated as well as the office and toilets. Help from volunteers with painting will be needed on the large room.

The Sports Pavilion storage was approved and 3 quotes for the design and build are being sought. Note that this will also have positive knock on benefit for the Parish Office. The terrace area is ready to be tendered but further discussion on the plans is needed before this can go out. The air source heat pump protection is pending the insurance settlement. It was suggested that some of the work to the Sports Pavilion might be eligible for a Dorset Council grant. This can be moved forwards once a quote has been received.

Hannam’s Gateway was discussed, as this design is approved.

The issue of insurance was raised as the Parish Council’s insurance company had commented that some work by volunteers would not be covered. This is being queried. It was noted that the Parish Council need to improve their Risk Assessments for work carried out by volunteers.

Cllr Bush to redraft project list for Full Council.

10. To receive feedback on the DAPTC AGM

To be discussed at F&GP in January

11. To consider items for an article in the next Parish Magazine.

The following matters were considered and agreed for inclusion:

· Plans and priorities for 2023

· Meeting dates

· Removal of wreaths at War Memorial

· Suggestions for priorities in the village

· Tree wardens

12. To note correspondence received.

· Cllr Bush has asked DAPTC whether the Parish Council should charge VAT and they have confirmed that there is no need to be VAT registered. There is a VAT course in January which Cllr Barker will attend.

· Cllr Abbott – lighting outside Tesco. Cllr Abbott asked if the Parish Council can write a letter to Tesco to ask for lighting outside the shop – it previously had solar lights. It was noted that the steps belong to the Pharmacy and Cllr Abbott agreed to speak to the manager of the Pharmacy.

Action: Clerk to write to Tescos regarding the light. Cllr Abbott to speak to the manager of the Pharmacy.

· Cllr Morgan – memorial bench on the library green – a member of the public would like to donate £300. Another group would like to purchase a tree or bench for a memorial. It was suggested a tree would be suitable and that this should be in the lower corner of the Rec – the tree recommended was a small leaved Lime for around £75.

Action – Clerk to respond to memorial tree request and send memorial policy

· Cllr Barker – Grants for Youth Hall from Dorset Council. The intention is to apply for three grants – prosperity fund- for water heater and new lights for youth hall, capital leverage fund and culture and heritage fund for warm space, café, youth club staffing etc. Policies need to be updated for the grant applications – three specifically – Equality and Diversity, Privacy, Safeguarding. The Safeguarding Policy also contains the procedures in the case of a safeguarding incident. The Designated Safeguarding Lead would be the Clerk and they will need Safeguarding Training. To be approved at Full Council.

The meeting closed at 20:40

Annotated by/on ………………………….Approved by/on ………………………

Appendix 1

Planning Applications

Appendix 2 – see separate PDF file.

Appendix 2 – see separate PDF file.

FinanceGenPurposes Committee Minutes 231213 v2.docx
FinanceGenPurposesCommitteeMinutes 231213 Appendix 2 (Bank Rec and budget report)web.pdf