Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed Lee Wright – Administration Officer to Saltash Town Council and those in attendance at this evening’s meeting.

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

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.

None.

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

None.

Please note: Any member of the public requiring to put a question to the Town Council must do so by email or via The Guildhall no later than 12 noon the day before the meeting.

Members of the public are advised to review the Receiving Public Questions, Representations and Evidence at Meetings document prior to attending the meeting.

The Chairman informed the meeting that five public questions had been received.

The residents who submitted four of the questions were not in attendance. 

The Town Clerk read out the questions in the order that they were received of those who were not in attendance.

A member of the public Miss Beverly Gordon was in attendance and invited to ask her question.

The Chairman read the following statement:

Thank you for your questions this evening.

Saltash Town Team listened to concerns raised about the relocation of the memorial bench and rescinded their original proposal to relocate the bench for the trial period.

Saltash Town Council noted the Town Team updated report.

The market trial will run for 6-months - March to August. 

At the end of trial, Town Team will review all aspects of the trial, reporting their findings and recommendations to Saltash Town Council for consideration. 

To be clear, the resolution to enable the bench to be relocated is no longer valid because Town Team have rescinded their original proposal, further consideration will be given at the end of the trial.

Members discussed the questions posed to the Town Council.

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and unanimously RESOLVED to delegate to the Town Clerk  ...  view the full minutes text for item 333/24/25

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 P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Full Town Council Meeting held on 9 January 2025were confirmed as a true and correct record.

a.  Extraordinary Personnel held on 19 December 2024;

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

RECOMMENDATION:

64/24/25 TO RECEIVE A REPORT AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS ON THE ROLE OF THE RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER AND CONSIDER

ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Foster and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council:

1.  To retitle the existing Finance Officer post to Finance Officer / Responsible Finance Officer;

2.  To amend the existing Finance Officer job description to encompass the responsibilities of the Responsible Finance Officer role (as attached);

3.  To amend the existing Town Clerk / Responsible Finance Officer job description to reflect the transfer of the Responsible Finance Officer tasks (as attached);

4.  To update the Town Council Organisation Structure (as attached).

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

b.  Policy and Finance held on 14 January 2025;

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

RECOMMENDATION 1:

134/24/25 TO RECEIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS:

a.    Grants;

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Griffiths and resolved to RECOMMEND to adopt the Grants Policy as attached, to Full Council to be held on 6 February 2025.

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

RECOMMENDATION 2:

b.    STC Privacy Notice.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Lennox-Boyd and resolved to RECOMMEND to adopt the STC Privacy Notice as attached, to Full Council to be held on 6 February 2025.

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

c.   Planning and Licensing held on 21 January 2025;

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

a.  Library held on 16 January 2025;

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

b.  Town Vision held on 23 January 2025;

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

RECOMMENDATION 1:

50/24/25    TO RECEIVE THE TOWN COUNCIL BUSINESS PLAN DELIVERABLES FOR QUARTER THREE AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor Gillies and RESOLVED:

3.    The Town Vision Sub Committee recognised the importance of the Civility and Respect Pledge, for Officers and Town Councillors, and because of the importance of this pledge it is RECOMMENDED under Strategic Priority 1 of the Personnel Committee deliverables, to revisit the Civility and Respect Pledge at the Full Town Council meeting to be held on 6 February 2025 and quarterly going forward.

Councillor Griffiths Chairman of the Town Vision Sub Committee advised this recommendation was to be received and considered under Agenda Item 8 at this evening’s meeting.

RECOMMENDATION 2:

52/24/25 TO RECEIVE A DRAFT FUNDRAISING STRATEGY AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and resolved to RECOMMEND to approve and adopt the Fundraising Strategy, as attached, to Full Town Council to be held on 6 February 2025, subject to changes made at this evening’s meeting.

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

c.   Devolution held on 30 January 2025;

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

RECOMMENDATION 1:

9/24/25 TO RECEIVE THE DRAFT LEASE FOR VICTORIA GARDENS AND MAURICE HUGGINS ROOM AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Bickford and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 6 February 2025 to refuse the Lease based on and detailed above:

1.    Omission of agreed funding;

2.    Lack of break clause;

3.    No reference to Freehold transfer;

4.    Risk to Town Council;

5.    Restrictions on permitted use;

6.    Maintenance and decoration obligations;

7.    Restrictions on alterations;

8.    No compensation for improvements.

The Town Clerk reported on discussions held after the Devolution Sub-Committee with the responsible Cornwall Council officers to advise of the recommendation to refuse the draft Lease.

The Town Clerk shared an email with Members from the responsible Cornwall Council officer acknowledging the Town Council's concerns regarding the draft Lease.

Further to this, Cornwall Council recognise there are various Saltash properties ‘under discussion’ with Cornwall Council with regard to devolution and instead of considering these as ‘silos’ it may be an opportune to consider a single transaction where a number of properties are dealt with together where the proposed terms are similar.

This approach would improve efficiency and allow the properties to be considered as a package, potentially increasing the devolution capital grant previously offered, subject to the final set of assets included.

Properties under consideration include Alexandra Square Toilets, the Memorial Peace Garden, Maurice Huggins Room, Victoria Gardens,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 336/24/25

The Chairman referred to the Town Vision recommendation which requested Members revisit the Civility and Respect Pledge (minute nr.336/24/25.a).

The Chairman referred to the Town Clerk regarding internal processes.

The Town Clerk confirmed that internal procedures were established to ensure all departments regularly review and reaffirm the pledge.

The Chairman then read the Civility and Respect Pledge to Members.

Members discussed the continued lobbying for the change in legislation with the Chairman encouraging all Members to independently complete the Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities consultation – closing date 26 February 2025.

It was proposed by Councillor Gillies, seconded by Councillor Mortimore and RESOLVED to reaffirm Saltash Town Council’s commitment to the Civility and Respect Pledge and to revisit the pledge on a quarterly basis at Full Town Council meetings.

It was RESOLVED to note.

PC Cummings Saltash Neighbourhood Beat Officer attended this evening’s meeting to discuss Saltash crime figures, highlighting a noticeable increase compared to last year.

PC Cummings addressed the ongoing issues of antisocial behaviour, noting that further investigations are underway to identify those responsible.

PC Cummings provided an overview of the crime statistics, emphasising key areas of concern, noting that shoplifting figures should likely be higher and mentioned plans to implement a radio system in the future. This system would enhance communication between shops and stores, aiding in the reporting and tracking of repeat offenders.

PC Cummings encouraged everyone to report crimes, as this plays a crucial role in securing funding and resources for law enforcement.

Members discussed ongoing speed related issues in the town, with Cornwall Councillor Frank suggesting that Speed Watch could help address problem areas.

It was RESOLVED to note the update and thank PC Cummings for attendance at this evening’s meeting.

Nothing to report.

Nothing to report.

Councillor Lennox-Boyd provided a verbal update on various issues due to Safer Saltash not having met this year.

The update covered reports of anti-social behaviour during the festive period and early in the New Year, as well as confirmation from the comprehensive schools that they will attend a future Safer Saltash meeting.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Cornwall Councillor Frank provided a verbal overview of the report included in the circulated reports pack, highlighting key points such as the closure of the Adult Education centre in Saltash, investment in Saltash Leisure Centre, Belle Vue Car Park consultation and the Delivering Devolution Initiative.

Councillor Frank expressed thanks to all those who supported and assisted in the campaign to save the leisure centre, especially Saltash Town Council, noting that the initiative has been successful, with investment now being made due to rising attendance and membership numbers.

Cornwall Councillor Frank noted that the leisure centre working group has not met since last year and expressed hope that it will reconvene in the near future.

Cornwall Councillor Lennox-Boyd provided a brief verbal update on her visit to the Family Hub, highlighting its invaluable integrated services and increased usage of early help assessments due to improved accessibility.

Cornwall Councillor Lennox-Boyd spent the day observing its integrated support, which includes midwifery, postnatal care, infant and parent services, and a new advice line for direct family access. A full report will be presented to the Town Council at a later date.

Cornwall Councillor Worth provided a verbal update on several key topics.

Topics included the Tamar Toll revision is awaiting ministerial approval which may not come thorough until 25 March, with potential implementation in April/May, if the minister refuses the revision alternative budget options will be explored to cover monthly costs which are approximately £100K.

Cornwall Councillor Worth went on to speak of the Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment Update (Call for Sites) which invites local councils to view live information and comment on site deliverability by 19 March.

A Cabinet meeting on 12 February is scheduled to discuss Cornwall’s Budget and Full Council is scheduled to be held on 25 February.

Cornwall Councillor Worth spoke of the no-right-turn on Gilston Road which has been implemented with police support and monitoring being undertaken to enforce the change.

Cornwall Councillor Worth was delighted to inform the Town Council that the Peninsula Transport Strategic Implementation Plan (2025–2050), about to be published, includes Saltash Station improvements of up to £50M plus and is to be delivered under the Plymouth Metro Plans, over the next two to five years.

Included in tier two of the plan is the Tamar Bridge open-road tolling, Torpoint Ferry access upgrades, and an agreement to revise the A38 Case for Action (Bodmin to Exeter) seeking £50M for safety and reliability improvements, with consultations running for four weeks before sign-off on 14 March.

It was RESOLVED to note.

The Chairman drew Members attention to the report received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

Members discussed the recent well attended and well-presented NHS Winter Wellbeing event held on Saturday 1 February.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

a.  To advise the receipts for December 2024

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.  To advise the payments for December 2024;

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 December 2024 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 Councils Financial Regulations. It was noted that there are no discrepancies to report.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note the Town Team notes. There were no recommendations.

(Refer to the attached Town Team Terms of Reference for Membership details)

The Chairman informed Members of a vacancy for a Saltash Town Council representative, which needs to be filled according to the Town Team Terms of Reference.

It was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Bullock to Town Team.

Members received an updated report on the GWR Customer and Community Improvement Fund application, as agreed at the Full Council meeting in January.

The Town Clerk highlighted the need to ratify the cost associated with the two submitted applications, which focus on utilising the Saltash railway services and the Heritage of the railway whilst also addressing community needs

It was proposed by Councillor Gillies, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED:

1.  To note the two funding applications submitted to GWR’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund;

2.  To ratify the cost of 10% equalling £500 for the project - promoting increased use of the railway from Saltash;

3.  To ratify the cost of 10% equalling £1,000 for the project – honouring the legacy and future of Saltash railway.

Members asked to pass their thanks to the Development and Engagement Manager for her work.

Members discussed the Gilston Road consultation and the recently implemented no-right turn.

Members felt it was too early to comment on the consultation and preferred to wait and see how heavier traffic might affect congestion during busier times such as spring / summer holidays.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED to defer to Full Council to be held on 5 June 2025.

The Chairman reminded members of the consultation deadline on 21 February 2025.

Members discussed the consultation and its impact on the Saltash Neighbourhood Plan.

The Town Clerk informed Members that the Saltash Neighbourhood Plan cannot be reviewed until the Local Plan is finalised and at present the responsible Cornwall Council Officer is confident that all areas of the Saltash Neighbourhood Plan will comply, ‘housing’ is the main change.

Members agreed additional time to consider the detailed response to the consultation should be taken.

It was proposed by Councillor Stoyel, seconded by Councillor Lennox-Boyd and RESOLVED to defer Cornwall Council’s Planning Policy consultation to the next Planning and Licensing Committee meeting to consider the Town Council’s position.

Members reviewed and discussed the proposal for the VE Day 80 event as outlined in the report.

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED:

1.  To approve the Saltash Town Council event plan for the VE-Day 80th Anniversary to be held on Thursday 8 May 2025;

2.  To approve associated costs of £387.80 + VAT for the event allocated to budget code 6202 Civic Occasions.

a.  The next scheduled meeting date Saturday 8 February 2025 outside Superdrug, Fore Street.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Lennox-Boyd and RESOLVED for Councillors Bullock, Peggs, Stoyel, Bickford, Lennox-Boyd and Martin to attend, in partnership with Saltash Neighbourhood Beat Officers.

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.

It was proposed by Councillor Gillies, seconded by Councillor Lennox-Boyd and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media releases:

1.  Cormac Gilston Road Consultation;

2.  VE Day 80 Commemorations.

Thursday 6 March 2025 at 7.00 p.m.

I Move 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 to Move 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.