Agenda and draft minutes

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 received.

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

None received.

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.

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 P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Ashburn and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Policy and Finance Committee held on 11 November 2025 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

Nothing to report.

The Town Clerk briefed Members on the report received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED to delegate to the Finance Officer to obtain renewal quotations for the Town Council’s Pontoon and Cyber Security Insurance. The renewals will be reviewed and given final approval by the Town Clerk/RFO in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee and Councillor Gillies. This process will be carried out within budget code 6205 PF Insurance, reporting back to a future Policy and Finance Committee meeting.

Members discussed the draft Town Council Precept received and circulated within the reports pack.

Councillor Suter requested a recorded vote be taken.

Following a recorded vote, it was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Brady and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 4 December 2025, an increase of 4% on a Band D Dwelling for the financial year 2026/27.

The Chairman briefed Members on the Fees and Charges received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was proposed by Councillor Brady, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 4 December 2025 the Town Council Fees and Charges for the financial year 2026/27 (as attached), with no amendments.

The Finance Officer briefed Members on the Budgets, Virements and Nominal Codes received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was proposed by Councillor Nowlan, seconded by Councillor B Samuels and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 4 December 2025:

1.  The Town Council Budgets for the financial year 2026/27 (as attached), with no amendments;

2.  The Town Council Virements for the financial year 2026/27 (as attached), with no amendments;

3.  The Town Council Nominal Codes for the financial year 2026/27 (as attached), with no amendments.

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

It was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor McCaw and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 4 December 2025:

1.  To note the Responsible Finance Officers report;

2.  To maintain the Town Council level of contingency at 5.06 months for the financial year 2026/27;

3.  At a contingency figure of £700,760 for the financial year 2026/27;

4.  To vire £17,071 from General Reserves to maintain the level of contingency at 5.06 months.

The Town Clerk briefed Members on the business to be transacted under agenda item 12.

Councillor Suter requested a recorded vote be taken.

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Brady and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 4 December 2025 to set the Town Council Precept for the year 2026/27 as follows:

1.  A planned budget of £1,661,881, an increase of 5.22%;

2.  £11.04 per annum increase for a Band D dwelling, an increase of 21p per week, 4%.

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.