Held on 31st May 2022 at 19.00 in the V.H.
- Present.
Russ Horne, Caroline Mattock, Stuart Mattock, Anthony George, Judith George, Kevin Webster, Hugh Talbot, Steph Talbot, Lynn Burdett, Geoff Willson Iain Turvey, Andrew Wallace, Katie Lowe, Ian Balmer.
2.0 Apologies.
Sue and David Lee, Anna Bussey, Di Morgan.
3.0 Welcome.
I.B welcomed everybody to the meeting which would be the first Parish Meeting for approximately ten years.
It was confirmed that the meeting had been proposed by the required six people and they were S.M, CM, A.G, J.G, K.L, I.B.
The Meeting had been widely published via the Gazette and a separate e-mail to the village which had included the agenda.
4.0 Review of the need and process to establishment of a Parish Meeting.
I.B. reported that a paper covering the need to re-establish this meeting had been circulated.
It was re-iterated that a Parish Meeting was part of the local government structure and was a formal meeting at which Parish electors come together to ‘ discuss parish affairs and exercise any statutory functions conferred on them’
Not only does legislation require a Parish Meeting ( if no PCC exists) but it was a route to both influence and respond to issues raised by RCC.
At this point the meeting congratulated and thanked Steph Talbot for her enormous input in numerous ways over the last decade.
Paul Colliss was also thanked for his contribution as liaison with RCC for the last few years. Finally Vicki and Caroline were thanked for stepping forward to help with the Gazette and Village Hall Committee.
A number of issues regarding the establishing of the Parish meeting were discussed.
The question was raised as to why we shouldn’t establish a full Parish Council. I.B suggested that although the powers were greater it would require significantly more input in terms of the number of people involved. It was also suggested that the village wasn’t quite big enough to meet the minimum size to establish a Parish Council. It was agreed that it would be appropriate to start with a Parish Meeting in the first instance.
5.0 Election of Chairman.
It was explained a Chairman needed to be elected annually by the Parish Meeting.
Ian Balmer was elected.
6.0 Review of Powers and Role of Parish Meeting.
It was explained that the main powers of the Parish Meeting are set out in the Local Government Act of 1972.
Discussion took place regarding the powers and responsibilities ( see paper attached to minutes dated 16/03/22 )
During the discussion it was confirmed that the Parish Meeting could apply to RCC to levy a precept to help fund the work of the Parish Meeting.
It was reported that an annual precept was already levied by RCC ‘ on behalf ‘ of Glaston and this money in the absence of a Parish Meeting had been used to contribute to street lighting. The total income from this levy is small and is likely to be approximately £70 in 2022/23.In the future the Parish Meeting should/would discuss this issue on an annual basis.
7.0 Update on Community Infrastructure Levy Projects.
I.B reminded the meeting that S.T had arranged two special meetings specifically to discuss the use of CIL monies at which three potential projects were agreed to go forward;
A) Relocation and funding for defibrillator training.
B) Cleaning and Researching the Cartwash.
C) Potentially funding a mower for the playpark.
Updates were provided by I.B on the relocation of the Defib, Russ Horne on the Cartwash and Steph Talbot on the playpark.
8.0 Consideration of Issues to be taken forward by the Parish Meeting.
I.B. suggested that he would draft a questionnaire to be circulated to electors to ask for views on what the Parish Meeting should focus on the future efforts on.
The meeting was asked for any immediate ideas on what issues / projects should be considered (in addition to those supported by CIL funding )The following were raised;
- Bypass, speed cameras and traffic calming measures.
- Need to review the RCC Plan to understand any implications for Glaston.
- A greater understanding of the issues surrounding the future of the Village Hall and understand any plans for the use of the church in the future. (matters for the PCC and Village Hall Committee )
9.0 A.O.B.
None.
10.0 Date of Next Meeting.
It was suggested that a date in November would be sensible unless there was a need for a meeting before this. It was suggested that Councillor Brown and representatives from other relevant village groups should be invited.
I.A.J.B June 2022.