January 2022
Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 19th January 2022
Present: Cllrs B Vincent (Chairman), Cllr S Chamberlain (Vice Chairman), M Holyer, L Hemingway, A Stubbins, S Walmsley, J Sargent, Cllr’s Mrs J Ellis, Mrs A Wormald
Members of the Public: 0
Item 1 - Apologies: Cllr. G Clements
Item 2 - Conflicts of Interest: Cllr Holyer – item 6
Item 3 – To receive the quarterly update on income and expenditure October to December 2021
Cllr Holyer proposed that the updates be approved which was seconded by Cllr Hemingway – Resolved Unanimously Matters arising: Cllr Sargent asked the Clerk if she had an idea of the expected spend to the end of the financial year. She stated that unless a major problem developed then she wouldn’t expect an increased spend of more than £30,000 and possibly less.
Item 4 – To set the 2022 – 2023 Precept for Ingoldmells Parish
An emotive discussion took place amongst members with a division in opinion as to whether the precept should be increased for 2022. It was explained to members that due to many global effects the inflation rate for December was at 5.4% and therefore Council expenses would also increase at that amount or possibly more. Cllr Walmsley proposed that the precept was not increased at all. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Mrs Ellis and supported by Cllr Stubbins. Cllr Sargent proposed that the increase should be 10% which was not seconded. Cllr Vincent proposed that the increase should be 5% (slightly less than the rate of inflation). Cllr Hemingway seconded the proposal. Cllr’s Mrs Wormald, Holyer and Chamberlain supported the increase. Cllr Sargent abstained from the vote.Cllr’s Mrs Ellis, Walmsley and Stubbins were against the proposal. Cllr’s Stubbins and Mrs J Ellis made the comment that members ‘should hang their heads in shame’. The comments were discussed at the Council meeting of the 14th February. where it was requested by Cllr Sargent that the minutes should be corrected to name the individual Councillors who behaved in such a belligerent manner. The precept for 2022 – 2023 was duly set at £46,556 which is £90.57 per household at band D.
Item 5 – To consider and agree projects for the 2022/2023 budget setting process
A short discussion took place with regards to the urgency of repairing and relining the car park. The Clerk reminded members that the car park generates the most income for the Parish and should be maintained to a high standard. Cllr Vincent suggested that the Clerk require a revised quotation from Lincs Surfacing and bring the findings back to the February Council meeting with a view for it to be included in the 2022-2023 budget.
Item 6 – To consider a request from Mr G P West to extend the lease on the Council yard
The Clerk read out a request from Mr G P West to extend his lease on the Council Yard for a further term of three years. This would support him with his business continuity plans and secure a base for his equipment. A balanced discussion took place regarding the merits of Mr G P West’s lease of the Council yard. Cllr Walmsley suggested that should the lease be extended as requested then the rental should increase each year by the inflation rate. Cllr Mrs Wormald proposed that the lease be extended within the current terms of the lease with an increase in line with the rate of inflation. Cllr Hemingway seconded the proposal. Cllr Walmsley abstained from the vote but all other Councillors raised their hand in support.
Item 7- To transact any other financial business
No other financial business reported
Item 8 – To confirm a date for the next meeting of the Finance Committee
The meeting shall take place on Monday 25th April 2022 at 7pm
The meeting closed at 8pm.
Signed: ………………………………… Chairman
Signed: ………………………… Clerk and RFO