Minutes 15th January 25
SWABY GROUP PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD
15th January 2025
Present: Cllrs, Gilpin (Chair), Millburn, Cooper, Dransfield, Young, Bailey and Gibson.
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
3 members of the public
There were no matters raised during the public session.
54 APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllrs Wright and Taylor and those reasons were accepted.
The Clerk confirmed the resignation of Cllr Powis, and she had informed the Returning Officer who had sent the statutory notices to be displayed. Should no election be called, the Council would be given permission to co-opt and advertise as appropriate.
Members wished to record the Council’s thanks to Cllr Powis, and appreciation for the work he had done whilst on the Council.
55 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Gibson declared a personal interest in agenda item 6(a) (Swaby Church) and a prejudicial interest in agenda item 8 (Planning).
Cllr Young declared a personal interest in agenda item 6 (a) (Swaby Church).
56 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 13TH NOVEMBER 2024
It was resolved that the Chairman sign the minutes of the meeting held 13th November 2024 as a correct record of that meeting.
57 UPDATES
The bench outside South Thoresby church had been repaired and returned. It was felt a good job had been carried out by Louth Mens Shed. The Clerk confirmed she had not received the invoice in time for this meeting.
Dog Bin – delivered to Cllr Young who was going to fit it.
Asset List – Cllr Young had produced a comprehensive report on the state of the assets, including pictures which the Clerk had turned into booklet and circulated. Discussion on whether Bench (No 11 – Swaby North of Old School) was used in its current location. It was agreed there was a need to plan for rolling programme of repairs to assets.
58 VETS SCHEME
No updates.
Defib – Cllr Gilpin advised the pads were coming up for expiration.
59 FINANCE
a) Requests for donations. The following requests have been received for budgeted donations:
Swaby Church – grasscutting contribution (budget £182)
South Thoresby Church – grasscutting contribution (budget £150)
Village Hall – annual grant (budget £165)
It was resolved that these requests be approved, and payments made at item (b)
(b) Accounts for Payment:
It was resolved that the following accounts be paid:
By BACS
Clerks salary and PAYE (Dec/Jan) £322.82
Glasdon (Dog Bin) £179.38
By cheques
Swaby Church grant £182.00
South Thoresby Church grant £150.00
Village Hall grant £165.00
The Clerk confirmed having paid Community Heartbeat VETS scheme the sum of £45 upon receipt of invoice which came immediately following the last meeting (minute 45 refers)
(c) Precept:
The Clerk had produced budget figures based on potential expenditure 2025 / 2026. Discussion followed on the merits of increasing budget heads Asset Maintenance and Defibrillator, the level of reserves and the various implications of % increases in the budget on the tax base of 115 Band D properties. Following comprehensive discussion it was resolved that the cost of asset repairs would come from general reserves, and the precept would be increased by 3% to a precept request of £3533. This equates to £30.72 per Band D property.
60 CORRESPONDENCE
Emails had been forwarded to members since the last meeting, including from National Grid (a survey), ELDC (Warm Homes) and recently LCC requesting completion of a survey on highways and transport in the area.
Lincs Wolds Information Booklet – no changes for either South Thoresby or Swaby.
61 PLANNING
(Cllr Gibson left the room during this item)
Application 1753/24 – Change use barns to holiday cottages The Elms Church Lane had been circulated to members between meetings, and no objects raised.
(Cllr Gibson returned)
62 ANY OTHER MATTERS FOR GENERAL DISCUSSION/NEXT AGENDA
Clerk to remind LCC of request for additional dog bin in The Warren, South Thoresby.
Next Agenda:
Work Programme for Assets.
63 NEXT MEETING
This was confirmed as being 12th March 2025.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 7:55pm