Clerk’s Report January 2024
Parish Clerk Report for 15th January 2024
Completed Actions
Copies of all letters and emails will be available to view at the meeting.
- It has been confirmed that there is no restriction on the increases that parish councils can make to their precept this year.
- I have made contact with the Ashburton organisation that was organising a mobile post office. The organiser explained that the Rt. Hon Mel Stride MP was promoting the initiative, and we were going to speak further by telephone, but unfortunately due to him losing his voice, and Christmas, we have not yet been able to speak.
- I have informed the software companies that we will not be purchasing accounts software.
- I have cancelled the booking for planning training.
- I have contacted Whitehouse Services about the new parcel service, they were not sure themselves what services it offered when I spoke to them on 29th November. I have emailed again this week.
- I have emailed the Commoners regarding the D-Day celebrations, and added the item to the Village Hall agenda. Cllr Weaver will report their response.
- The Dartmoor House residents responded favourably to my letter on parking, which I have forwarded to Councillors.
- I have written to thank Paul Boyce for his service to the Council. He has been removed from the Council bank account and email.
- I have sent two candidates who were interested in the Council vacancy information and forms.
- Mel Stride MP sent all councillors an email Christmas card thanking us for all that we have done, but as I didn’t get to process it until after Christmas, I didn’t bother to forward it!
- I have spoken with Michael Reddaway regarding the permissions for the lantern, and forwarded a draft letter for him to sign, which has not yet been returned.
- I have contacted Devon Highways regarding maintenance of the lantern and switching off the old light.
- I have worked with Cllr Pike, Cllr Hill and Cllr Weaver to remove old councillors from the Parish Council and Skaigh Wood Trust bank accounts, which is still unresolved at the point of writing.
- I have successfully obtained an extension from the Housing Officer at Dartmoor National Park concerning the planning application on the agenda.
- Devon Highways have notified the Council that they have completed the majority of the Ash Dieback clearance on the A30 and will be planting new local species such as Hazel, Crab apple, Holly, Hawthorn, Honeysuckle, European Spindle, Hornbeam and several others in lesser numbers. This may require some rolling lane closures.
West Devon Update
West Devon Borough Council have arranged a briefing for Parish Councils about their vision and strategy. It is online on Wed 17th January 6-7pm. Interested Councillors should register in advance on https://forms.office.com/e/sNnX8kMsg2
Website
I have added the following posts and pages:
- Draft Minutes of Nov Meeting
- Join the Belstone Council
- Christmas Recycling and Waste Collections
- West Devon December Report
- Draft Budget
- Mid-Year Budget Review
- Council Diary 2024/25
- Clerk’s Report November
- West Devon November Report
- West Devon October Report
Electoral Register
I have received the new electoral register, and this shows the news that the number of registered electors in the parish has gone up from 205 to 216.
Agenda Items
2023/24-112 Co-Option
We have two candidates for the vacancy; Deborah Hosegood and Jackie Stevens. I am sending Deborah’s declaration form and statement out with the agenda, and Jackie’s will follow as soon as I receive it.
2023/24-124 2024/25 Precept and Budget
We agreed some changes to the 2024/25 Budget at the last meeting, and these are reflected in the new document, which will be agreed and signed at this meeting.
We have received the Council Tax Base from West Devon Borough Council. This gives a number to the average amount of Council Tax payers in the parish. Since we have a few more council tax payers, more people share out the precept cost. Therefore although the precept will go up 7% year on year, each Band D property will only experience a 5.89% increase or £1.67, bringing it to £30.03 for the whole year.
2023/24-125 Standing Orders Review
All Councillors should read through the Standing Orders to assure themselves that the rules by which the Council is run are as expected and being adhered to.
- I have noted that in paragraph 15(b)ii there is a missing figure for the number of days before a meeting by which a Councillor can withdraw a motion. Whilst I have not known any councillors raise specific motions in the time which I have been Clerk, there should be a number there, I suggest 2.
- Paragraph 22(a) mentions “the Council’s policy in respect of dealing with the press and/or other media”. This policy does not exist. Rather than create such a policy I suggest that we amend this paragraph to read “Requests from the press or other media for an oral or written comment or statement from the Council, its councillors or staff shall be handled by the Clerk following consultation with the Chairman or Vice-Chair (if there is one).”
2023/24-126 Okehampton Hospital Campaign
Okehampton Town Council and other concerned residents are currently campaigning to reopen hospital beds. See this article in the Okehampton Times. There is an online petition, but it is hosted by the Liberal Democrats so as a parish council we cannot promote that. However, the Council may wish to consider supporting the campaign in some way. There will be a public meeting in early February, but full details are not yet known.
2023/24-127 Housing Survey Results
I am in contact with the Housing Needs department regarding the results of the Local Housing Survey that we promoted. Sticklepath Parish Council have already had their results, and I am hoping that I will have something regarding Belstone before the meeting.
Sally Fullwood
Belstone Parish Clerk