Minutes of full council

Minutes of the full January parish council meeting. Subject to confirmation at  tomorrow night's meeting.

In Attendance: Mrs R J Davey-Hunt.  Five members of the public, Rev Hugh Symes-Thompson, and Trevor Dimmock (on behalf of the Parochial Church Council).

Before the meeting started the Rev. Hugh Symes-Thompson thanked the Council for past support to the Church.  Mr Dimmock presented a discussion document to Members.  The following items were put to the Council:

1. Churchyard footpaths.  Members were asked to consider a further supply of pea shingle for the Churchyard footpaths as mud is being carried on shoes into the church.  The chair Mrs Delise Ball reminded the Rev Symes-Thompson and Mr Dimmock of the Parish Council’s longstanding offer to provide £5,000 towards the repair of the north path vehicle entrance of the churchyard. Agenda item for February Committees.
2. Churchyard maintenance.  Members were asked to consider allowing certain designated areas of the churchyard to grow naturally to promote wildflower and insect conservation.            Agenda item for February Committees.  It was noted that the Parish Council is responsible for maintaining the Churchyard to a level which ensures the health and safety of the public.  To this end, the Parish Council employs a specialist risk assessment company to carry out regular inspections.  The Parish Council advised that it acts upon recommendations resulting from the report.   Representatives of the PCC advised that it carried out regular inspection of gravestones, carrying out “topple-testing” twice yearly.  The Parish Council informed the PCC that it will need a letter from the PCC to state that this will happen, otherwise, the Parish Council will carry out the inspections.
3. Churchyard walls.  It was stated that a specification is required from the Church architect before work can be quoted, and a faculty will be required from the Diocese before work begins.  Agenda item for February Committees.
4. War Graves.  It was stated that this Council should be receiving dividends from a fund, which is for the maintenance of the war graves.  The Clerk undertook to investigate.
5. Bells and Clock.  It was agreed that communication relating to when it is important to ensure the bells are lowered after bell ringing practice and enabled to chime will be improved.  PCllr Delise Ball advised that the only imperative is the striking of the clock on Remembrance Sunday. 

Anita Beal highlighted her concerns with regard to the proposed siting of wind turbines at Brogborough, and Emma Turner related her concerns with regard to noise pollution coming from the turbines. PCllr Delise Ball assured Mrs Beal that this Council will respond to the planning application when it is presented to the Council.  CBC/PCllr Mrs Sue Clark advised on the best way to put forward comments relating to the pre-application consultation, and to the application when it is submitted. 

CBCllr K Matthews advised that CBC will determine a policy relating to wind energy at the next Executive meeting on 5^th February.

PCllr Mrs Delise Ball expressed her disappointment at CBCllrs K Matthews and A Bastable voting in favour of the development brief for Flitt Leys Close which includes access to a new school.

^1.                To receive apologies for absence: Cllrs A Morris, D Allan, P Meadows.

^2.                To receive declarations of personal and/or prejudicial interests in any matter.  A Bastable and L Pollock declared an interest in all matters relating to the Hartwell Charity.

^3.                To confirm the minutes of the last meeting dated 19^th December 2012; RESOLVED that the minutes of that meeting (previously circulated) be confirmed as a true record.

^4.                Clerks Report

4.1.      Grass Cutting Contract.  In-trim Garden and Grounds Maintenance and Reynolds Landscapes have confirmed that they intend to quote for the contract.  NAB Contracts have declined to quote as they do not have the necessary equipment.

4.2.      Tree – Hotchcroft.  There has been another call from a resident in Partridge Piece reporting that the tree at the back of the property on the grassed area of Hotchcroft has a large split in the crown. Central Beds Council (CBC) has confirmed that the grassed area is not Highways.  PCllr Mrs Delise Ball undertook to inspect the tree again.

4.3.      Rob Eglinton, Aragon Housing,  has responded to this Council’s request for confirmation of ownership of land at Millards Close as follows:

4.3.1.    in front of 49 and up to the garages – Aragon HA’s

4.3.2.    next to number 63 –  CBC’s

4.3.3.    area in between numbers  79 and 82 – Aragon HA’s

4.3.4.    the area near numbers 39 and 41 – not Aragon HA’s – no plans available to identify ownership.  Speak to CBC.

^5.                Health and Safety

5.1.      Play area inspection: 

5.1.1.    All play areas inspected and necessary repairs made.

^6.                Reports from Committees:

6.1.      General Purposes Committee.   The Council received a report, read by the Clerk, from the Chairman of the Committee (minutes previously circulated); it was RESOLVED that the report is approved and the recommendations therein be accepted. 

6.1.1.    PCllr Mrs Delise Ball  reported that she and J Savill asked David Rawle to clear and salt the pathways relating to the Cemetery.  CB/PCllr Mrs Sue Clark advised that she is trying to get the remaining part of Court Road included in the salting schedule for next year.  Part of Court Road is already included in the schedule.

6.2.      Burial Grounds Committee.  The Council received a report from the Vice Chairman of the Committee (minutes previously circulated); it was RESOLVED that with the following amendment, the report is approved and the recommendations therein accepted.

6.2.1.    Amendment:  Item 1, Church Wall.  The recommendation in item one is void – see notes above – the Church Architect will specify the works needed.

6.3.      Environment Committee. The Council received a report from the Chairman of the Committee (minutes previously circulated); it was RESOLVED that the report is approved and recommendations therein be accepted.  

6.4.      Planning Committee and additional planning matters.  The Council received a report from the Chairman of the Committee (minutes previously circulated); it was RESOLVED that the report is approved.

^7.                FINANCIAL MATTERS AND ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT. 

7.1.      In consideration of the above, and having heard the comments and a proposal that the accounts schedule [previously circulated] is approved for payment from the Chairman of the Council; RESOLVED that those accounts detailed in Appendix A be approved for payment.

^8.                CORRESPONDENCE

8.1.      CBC writes to advise that it is publishing three Local Plan documents for comment from Monday 14th January 2013.  Comments can be made directly via the on-line facility at http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/planning/strategic-planning/consultation-and-news.aspx. The Consultation documents and comments forms for all three consultations are available to view and download by visiting the Strategic Planning pages on the Council’s website http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/planning/strategic-planning/consultation-and-news.aspx.  Correspondence forwarded to all Members on the 15^th January 2013.

8.1.1.    The Development Strategy for Central Bedfordshire (Pre-Submission version) – comments by 25 February 2013

8.1.2.    The Community Infrastructure Levy (draft Charging Schedule) – comments by 25 February 2013

8.1.3.    Central Bedfordshire Council Draft Guidance Note 1: Wind Energy Development – comments by 11 February 2013

8.2.      FCC Environment Limited writes regarding the proposed Wind Energy Project, Brogborough.  The public exhibition will be held at three venues – Thursday 24^th January at Lidlington Village Hall, 2pm – 8pm, Friday 25^th January at Marston Moreteyne Village Hall, 2pm – 8pm, and Saturday 26^th January at Holywell School, Cranfield, 10am to 4pm.   Members of this Council are invited to attend, RSVP to Rachel Ashby (rachel.ashby@proteuspr.co.uk ).  A separate meeting can be requested.   Details circulated to all Members on 15^th January 2013.  CB/PCllr Mrs Sue Clark stated that this Council should respond to the pre-application consultation, and it was agreed that this would be placed on the Agenda for the February committees.

8.3.      Council Tax Support Scheme for Central Bedfordshire.  Cllr M Jones writes to update this Council on its local Council Tax Support Scheme for Central Bedfordshire which they are required to introduce from April as part of the Government’s reform of welfare benefits.   A new scheme to replace Council Tax Benefits in Central Bedfordshire has been recommended by the Executive to the full Council for approval on 21^st February 2013.   While wanting to protect those with little or no earnings capacity, CBC had to reduce the overall cost of the Council Tax Support scheme by £1.7 million to reflect the reduced government funding.  A Council Tax Support scheme has been developed with the following key principles in mind:

·         The scheme should be affordable

·         A fair contribution – those who can pay Council Tax, should pay

·         The scheme should incentivise work

·         Protecting the most vulnerable

Responses from consultation showed that the majority of respondents supported the Council’s proposed scheme.   Under the new scheme, people with capacity to earn will be required to pay at least 25 per cent of their Council tax total bill, even if they pay nothing now. The new scheme ensures that pensioners will have the same level of protection as they do now. There will also be protections for other groups of vulnerable customers such as carers, lone parents with children under five, some disabled people and war widows.  The new scheme also includes added work incentives for low income families, so there will be an increased advantage in earning an income without jeopardiszing Council Tax support.  Owners of empty and second homes will no longer receive a Council Tax discount or exemption.  In keeping with the Council's commitment to bringing long-term empty homes back into use, there is a proposal to charge home owners Council Tax at a premium rate of 150 per cent on houses left empty for over two years.  In response to consultation feedback, the Executive has agreed to establish a Hardship Fund to make discretionary payments in exceptional circumstances for those really struggling to pay. Premiums and Personal Allowances used to calculate entitlement to Council Tax Support will be increased at the rate of inflation from 2014/15. The full scheme can be viewed on-line. The scheme will now go to full Council on 21st February for final approval.  The changes will take place from 1 April.

Precept Support Grant

On 20 December 2012 CBC received their Local Government Finance Settlement from Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).  Whilst the Settlement was not explicit in providing funding to Billing Authorities to compensate local precepting authorities for the reduction in their tax base, it has been DCLG’s clear intention that billing authorities, such as Central Bedfordshire Council should pass on to Town and Parish Councils an element of the Settlement, based on the indicative funding described in the DCLG Consultation (published in May 2012).

Central Bedfordshire Council operates within a democratic system where it consults on its proposed budget.  The final budget will be agreed on 21 February 2013.  Each parish is required to provide details of its precept by 23rd January.

CBC wrote in December to outline its intentions for passing on the entire allocation of Precept Support Grant (PSG) attributable to Town and Parish Councils on a proportionate basis, dependent upon the forecast level of Council Tax Support discounts to be awarded in each parish in 2013/14 - views on this before 17 January 2013 are invited.

8.4.      Consultation - CBC Council spending plans for next year.  Deadline for comment 31^st January 2013.   PCllr P Meadows noted that, like all county and district councils Central Bedfordshire has to make serious budgetary savings. While savings through collaboration with other councils and through ICT proposals are generally to be welcomed as a way of reducing expenditure, it was proposed and RESOLVED that the following response be approved:

1) It is vital that high levels of care services are available for older people and for people with physical or mental disabilities. It is noted that in a neighbouring county a decision to give one company bidding cheaper to run care services for elderly people the contract has led to several very experienced carers leaving through a cut in their wages and travelling expenses and these being replaced by inexperienced carers who sometimes find it impossible to keep to their visiting times, which can be serious for older people with certain illnesses.

2) There should be no reduction in mental health services at a time of great pressure on many individuals and families in the present economic climate and a large increase in the number of suicides, particularly among young men.

3) More money needs to be spent on bus services, particularly in rural areas where many people without cars are feeling very cut off. There needs to be improved bus services in the evenings and at weekends. Cranfield has been badly affected, including the effect on Cranfield University students.

4) More money needs to be spent on cycle lanes to get a higher proportion of people cycling and off the roads. The number of the population who cycle is quite low in this country, and an effort should be made to get the percentage of the population who cycle nearer the European average - the models of cycle paths in Denmark and the Netherlands is something to aspire to. Similarly footpaths and pavements should be improved for pedestrians and walkers.

5) There is great concern that there is virtually no library service for Cranfield or other large and expanding villages like Marston except for housebound users or by travel to Bedford or Milton Keynes. This is something CBC should look at again with the rapid rise in population in these villages.

6)  There is concern that the reliance on the re-negotiation of contracts saving money may not be deliverable, and that front line services may suffer as a result.

There is a need for CBC to hold regular consultation meeting over financial cutbacks with the trade unions representing its staff and with professional organisations that may be affected by them. CBC should also remember that a largish proportion of its population, particularly but not exclusively among the senior citizen age group, do not have access to a computer or know how to use one.

8.5.      Bedfordshire Police writes attaching the crime statistics for December 2012/January 2013 – see Appendix C – report circulated to all Members on 18^th January 2013.

8.6.      Jonathan Talbot, Groundwork Luton, writes to ask if there has been any progress with the proposed design of the skate park, and for information on how much this Council wishes to contribute to the project.

8.7.      Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue writes to advise that there is an online survey at www.bedsfire.com.  The next forum will take place on Saturday 2nd February 2013 at Dunstable Fire and Rescue Station, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable from 09:45 to 12:30pm the topics: Budget, Council Tax levy and fire service priorities.  RSVP to Sharon.webster@bedsfire.com by Friday 25th January 2013.  Correspondence forwarded to all Members on 22^nd January 2013.

8.8.      Olly Martins, Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire writes to advise that he is currently keen to develop proposals for the joint funding of  PCSOs with parish and town councils.  He will write again to propose a meeting with a number of parish and town councils in order to discuss this.  PCllrs Mrs Delise Ball and L Pollock will attend a meeting/presentation from Olly Martins, hosted by Alf Murphy on the 21^st February.

8.9.      CBC writes to invite comment on its public consultation: MAIN MODIFICATIONS TO MAKE THE CORE STRATEGY SOUND AND/OR LEGALLY COMPLIANT.   Deadline for comments 27^th February.  Correspondence forwarded to all Members on the 23^rd January 2013.

^9.                REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES, CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCILLORS

9.1.      Central Garage Development brief:

9.1.1.    CB/PCllr K Matthews reported that the Development Brief relating to the Central Garage allocated site was received and approved by the CBC Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 24 January.  The Committee stated that traffic management arrangements must be in place if there is to be a new school, before a planning application is submitted. Governors of the Lower School have engaged consultants to determine the future options for siting the school.  The Development Brief would be amended to provide just one play area rather than several, in accordance with the wishes of the Parish Council.

9.1.2.    CB/PCllr A Bastable reported that the Development Brief will be presented to the Executive with assurances regarding traffic before the application is submitted, and confirmed that he had voted in favour of the development brief on this basis.

9.1.3.    CB/PCllr Mrs Sue Clark advised members that she had spoken strongly against the development brief due to the traffic problems it will cause in the event of a new school being built: she stated that she is not a member of the committee. 

^10.           HIGHWAYS.  Written reports passed to the Clerk for action. 

^11.           DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS:  Meeting of the General Purposes, Environment, Burial Ground, and Planning Committees: 6^th February 2013 at 8.00pm; meeting of the Full Parish Council, 20^th February 2013 at 8.00pm.

After the meeting closed, members of the public highlighted their concerns regarding the proposed siting of a school within the Central Garage development due to the enormous problems that will be caused to the traffic flow.  CBC/PCllr Mrs Sue Clark advised on the best way to put forward comments relating to application when it is submitted.