Agenda and minutes

The Chairman announced the first item of business would be agenda item 2 – Prayers.

Reverend Tim Parkman led prayers.

The Chairman informed those present of the actions required in the event of a fire or emergency.

The Chairman introduced and welcomed Ian Bovis the newly appointed Service Delivery Manager.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

b.  The Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

b.  The Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

None.

The Chairman spoke of his attendance at a recently held tour of Saltash Tunnel with Cllrs Martin and Miller.

Discussions were held in regards to proposed works in the following year with the Chairman wishing to invite the Tunnel Manager to a future Full Council meeting to further discuss the works scheduled and the potential impact on the town.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

The Town Clerk informed Members of the invitation to attend Community Enterprises PL12 (CEPL12) to learn more of the activities of CEPL12.

It was RESOLVED to note the report and arrange a visit in the New Year.  Members thanked CEPL12 for their continued support in the community.

The Chairman gave a brief update on the recently attended Working Group meeting to discuss Transport and Connectivity with discussions feeding into the action plan for South East Cornwall CAP.

It was RESOLVED to note.

No actions.

Due to the Safer Saltash meeting being postponed until the 18^th December 2023 there was nothing to report.

Members discussed the report and letter received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

Thanks was given to the event organisers, Service Delivery Team, and all who contributed to the successful Christmas Festival.

It was proposed by Councillor Stoyel, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to:

1.  Note the report;

2.  Refer the Christmas Light Switch On request to the 8^th February 2024 Services Committee meeting for consideration;

3.  Delegate to the Town Clerk to liaise with the Chairman of the Saltash Chamber of Commerce regarding the loudspeaker system;

4.  Appoint Councillors Bickford and Peggs to be the Town Council Representatives on the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Festival forum reporting back at a future Services Committee meeting.

Nothing to report.

Members received the report submitted by Cornwall Councillor Lennox-Boyd contained within the circulated reports pack.

Members received the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee report contained within the circulated reports pack.

Cornwall Councillor Worth provided a verbal overview of the report and the recommendations contained within to be discussed and debated by the Tamar Bridge and Ferry Joint Committee meeting to be held on Friday 8^th December 2023.

The Joint Committee are to discuss the future financing options and the long-term prospects to be posed to Government.

Cornwall Councillor Worth advised Members that following the meeting of the Joint Committee, the results will be further discussed and debated by both Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council with a resolution due in February 2024.

Members discussed the frustrations in the design of the survey and agreed the Public Consultation was flawed with many lessons to be learnt and improved for future consultations.

Members discussed issues being experienced with the flow of traffic and delay in contactless payments at the toll booths. Cornwall Councillor Worth reiterated solutions to these issues subject to investment and the relationship to technology, all of which are being considered when looking at finance options for the future of the bridge.

Members received the report submitted by Cornwall Councillor Frank contained within the circulated reports pack.  Members spoke briefly on the Devolution Deal.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Members received the Saltash Health Care Action Group Vision and letters sent to key stakeholders by the Chairman contained within the reports pack.

Members discussed the lack of public knowledge of the NHS Services provided at St Barnabas Hospital.  Members agreed the importance to continue to work in partnership with the Saltash Health Care Action Group to encourage the NHS to provide clearer and more effective communication of NHS Services available locally to Saltash residents.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

Please note: Any member of the public requiring to put a question to the Town Council must do so by 12 noon the day before the meeting.

None received.

Please see a copy of the minutes on the STC website or request to see a copy at the Guildhall.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by CouncillorPeggs and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Full Town Council Meeting held on 2^nd November 2023were confirmed as a true and correct record.

a.  To advise the receipts for October 2023;

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.  To advise the payments for October 2023;

It was RESOLVED to note.

c.   Urgent and essential works actioned by the Town Clerk under Financial Regulations.

Nothing to report.

d.  To note that bank reconciliations up to 31^st October 2023 were reviewed as correct by the Chairman of Policy & Finance Committee and the Town Clerk.

It was RESOLVED to note.

e.  To note that an audit on recent supplier payments was conducted by the Chairman of Policy & Finance in line with the Council’s Financial Regulations. It was noted that there are no discrepancies to report.

It was RESOLVED to note.

a.  Extraordinary Policy and Finance held on 31st October 2023; 

It was RESOLVED to note the minutes and consider the following recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION:

87/23/24    TO RECEIVE THE MATCH FUNDING PLAY PARKS POLICY RECOMMENDATION FROM THE SERVICES COMMITTEE HELD ON 12TH OCTOBER 2023 AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to approve the recommendation from the Services Committee and RECOMMEND the Match Funding for Playparks Policy to the Full Council meeting to be held on 2nd November 2023, as attached.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Mortimore and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendation.

b.  Policy and Finance held on 14th November 2023; 

It was RESOLVED to note the minutes and consider the following recommendations.

RECOMMENDATION 1:

105/23/24  TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE TOWN COUNCIL PRECEPT FOR THE YEAR 2024/25 AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Peggs and following a recorded vote of 9 for, it was resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 7th December 2023 Option 2a as attached.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION 2:

106/23/24  TO RECEIVE THE TOWN COUNCIL RECOMMENDED FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE YEAR 2024/25 AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Lennox-Boyd and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 7th December 2023 the Town Council Fees and Charges for the year 2024/25 as attached and delegated authority to the Finance Officer to amend the Library fees only should Cornwall Council make further amendments in the year 2024/25.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION 3:

107/23/24  TO RECEIVE THE TOWN COUNCIL RECOMMENDED BUDGETS, VIREMENTS AND NOMINAL CODES FOR THE YEAR 2024/25 AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Foster and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 7th December 2023:

1.    The Town Council Budgets for the year 2024/25 as attached;

2.    The Town Council Virements for the year 2024/25 as attached;

3.    The Town Council Nominal Codes for the year 2024/25 as attached.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION 4:

108/23/24  TO RECEIVE THE TOWN COUNCIL RECOMMENDED LEVEL OF CONTINGENCY AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 7th December 2023:

1.    To reduce the Town Council level of contingency from 5.5 months to 5.06 months for the year 2024/25;

2.    To set the Town Council level of contingency at 5.06 months for the year 2024/25, as attached;

3.    A contingency figure of £584,870 for the year 2024/25, as attached.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 261/23/24

It was RESOLVED to note the minutes. There were no recommendations.

This will be a recorded vote.

A recorded vote was taken.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Miller and following a recorded vote of 9 for, it was RESOLVED to approve the fees and charges for the year 2024/25 as attached.

This will be a recorded vote.

A recorded vote was taken.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Griffiths and following a recorded vote of 9 for, it was RESOLVED to approve the Town Council Budgets, Virements and Nominal Codes for the year 2024/25 as attached.

This will be a recorded vote.

Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 makes it an offence for a Councillor in Council Tax arrears (with at least two months unpaid bills) to vote at a Meeting of Saltash Town Council where financial matters relating to the Council Tax are being considered – agenda item 24.

A recorded vote was taken.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Miller and following a recorded vote of 9 for, it was RESOLVED:

1.  To set the Town Council level of contingency at 5.06 months for the year 2024/25, as attached;

2.  To vire £94,885 from the contingency fund for the year 2024/25 to maintain the budget increases;

3.  To maintain a contingency figure of £584,870 for the year 2024/25, as attached.

This will be a recorded vote.

The Chairman informed members that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 makes it an offence for a Councillor in Council Tax arrears (with at least two months unpaid bills) to vote at a Meeting of Saltash Town Council where financial matters relating to the Council Tax are being considered.

A recorded vote was taken.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Peggs and following a recorded vote of 9 for, it was RESOLVED:

1.  To set the Town Council Precept of £1,388,217, an increase of 6.15% (attached);

2.  £248.58 per annum for a Band D dwelling, an increase of 22p per week, 4.81% (attached).

Councillor Bullock and Dent declared an interest in the next agenda item and left the meeting.

Members received and discussed the report contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was proposed by Councillor Brady, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED:

1.  To delegate to the Town Clerk to appoint a Law Firm to act on behalf of Saltash Town Council;

2.  Associated legal costs to be paid by The Trustees of Saltash Heritage;

3.  The Town Clerk to report back at 11th January 2024 Full Town Council meeting subject to sufficient advice being sought for Members further consideration;

4.  The Town Clerk to provide an update to Coodes Solicitors on the set resolution.

Councillors Bullock and Dent were invited and returned to the meeting.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Peter Ryland – Chairman of Town Team spoke of the draft report for the Town Accelerator Fund, that Cornwall Council had agreed in principle, subject to Town Council approval as the accountable body.

Members discussed providing financial support to allow Town Team to apply for Town Delivery Fund.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Brady and RESOLVED to:

1.  Note the report;

2.  Approve the Town Team Town Accelerator Fund report (as attached) to be submitted to Cornwall Council for consideration;

3.  Approve Saltash Town Council to be the accountable body for the funding and procurement process;

4.  Give delegated authority to the Town Clerk working with Town Team, as required, to appoint Mel Richardson to prepare the Town Delivery Fund Application, allocating costs of up to a maximum of £1,000 allocated to budget code 6282 EMF Funding Bids.

5.  Give delegated authority to the Town Clerk working with Town Team to approve and sign off future Grant Offer letters relating to Town Accelerator and Town Delivery Funds only, reporting back at future Full Town Council meetings.

Members wished to thank the Town Clerk in acting swiftly to ensure an application was prepared in time for consideration to the Town Accelerator Fund.

(Pursuant to FTC held on 2.11.23 minute nr. 231/23/24)

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to defer to Full Council to be held on Thursday 5^th January 2024 to allow review of information from Plymouth City Council.

Members received the update report contained and circulated within the reports pack.

It was RESOLVED to note.

The Chairman provided a brief verbal overview of a recently attended Saltash Leisure Centre working group meeting where Cornwall Council reported on the Transformation Plan.

A further meeting is to be arranged.

It was RESOLVED to note.

The Chairman requested the Saltash Leisure Centre membership be amended to two named Town Councillor representatives.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED to appoint Councillors Bickford and Bullock as Town Council Representatives to the Cornwall Council Saltash Leisure Centre Working Group.

The Chairman requested permission to write to the head of Cornwall Adult Education to ascertain why the community of Saltash does not have suitable and fair Adult Education Services.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Brady and RESOLVED to approve the Chairman to write to the head of Cornwall Council Adult Education on behalf of Saltash Town Council to request a meeting to discuss future, fair and accessible provision for Saltash, reporting back at a future Town Council meeting.

The Chairman provided a brief overview of the report received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Bickford and RESOLVED:

1.  To endorse the Tennis Centres ten year Business Plan;

2.  To approve the Chairman to write a letter of support on behalf of Saltash Town Council to be used in support of current and future funding bids;

3.  Members can submit their comments direct on the Tennis Centre Business Plan.

Members discussed the Parking Order and proposal received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was RESOLVED to note.

a.  The next scheduled meeting date Saturday 9^th December 2023 outside Bloom Hearing, Fore Street.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED for Councillors Peggs, Dent and Bickford to attend with an invitation to Saltash Healthcare Action Group to 9^th December 2023 Meet Your Councillor session and any future sessions.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

None.

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting. 

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

None.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media releases:

1.  Saltash Healthcare Action Group Vision working in partnership with Saltash Healthcare Action Group;

2.  Precept 2024/2025 (early next year);

3.  Playparks Match Funding Policy;

4.  Meet Your Councillors in partnership with Saltash Healthcare Action Group;

5.  Statement of Case Evidence Submission working in partnership with the Working Group;

6.  Endorsement of Saltash Tennis Club Business Plan working in partnership with the Saltash Tennis Club.

Thursday 11^th January 2024 at 7.00pm

To Order that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to all Deeds and    

Documents necessary to give effect to the foregoing Acts and Proceedings.

It was RESOLVED that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to all Deeds and Documents necessary to give effect to the foregoing Acts and Proceedings.