Agenda and draft minutes

The Town Council has adopted the Civility and Respect Pledge. Members are reminded of their obligations under the Code of Conduct. Debate is to be respectful, focused on the issues, and conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

The Chairman reminded Members that the Town Council has adopted the Civility and Respect Pledge.

Members were reminded of their obligations under the Code of Conduct. Debate is to be respectful, focused on the issues, and conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

The Co-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 three working days 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.

Following a vote (5 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor B Samuels and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Joint Burial Board Committee held on 10 February 2026 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

Nothing to report.

Nothing to report.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED:

1.   To note the report.

2.   To revert to the manual removal of weeds around the church pathway at appropriate intervals;

3.   To delegate authority to the Town Clerk to contact Cormac to obtain further information regarding the relaying of the pathway around the church reporting back to the Chairman Reverend L Bushell Hawke;

4.   To delegate authority to the Town Clerk to contact Cormac to request copies of their Churchyard headstone inspection records, risk assessments, and any associated documentation relating to their responsibility of the closed section of the churchyard only.

The Chairman informed Members that the Parochial Church Council (PCC) had approved the closure of St Stephen's Churchyard and was progressing the necessary documentation for submission to the Ministry of Justice.

Members expressed their support for the proposed churchyard closure.

The Chairman further advised that, as part of the submission process, supporting information would be required, including the latest tree survey and the completion of headstone inspections.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED:

1.   To note the verbal update and that it is intended to submit the closed churchyard documentation within the next 12 months;

2.   To support the formal closure of the churchyard;

3.   To approve the undertaking of headstone inspections by the Service Delivery Team in support of the churchyard closure process;

4.   To approve the laying down of identified unsafe headstones, rather than staking, and to replace any existing stakes with a laying-down approach to ensure a consistent method is applied throughout the churchyard;

5.   To provide the Chairman, Reverend L. Bushell Hawke, with a copy of the most recent tree survey for the site;

6.   To request that the Town Council's Communications and Engagement Officer works closely with Reverend L. Bushell Hawke to prepare and issue appropriate social media communications and a press release regarding the headstone inspections, ensuring the matter is communicated sensitively and respectfully.

The Town Clerk reported on the proposed amendments to the Fees and Charges for the year 2027/28 contained within the circulated reports pack.

The Chairman informed Members that the installation of memorial benches within St Stephen's Churchyard is subject to the granting of a faculty by St Stephen's Church, and that a faculty application fee will be payable.

Following a vote (4 in favour, 0 against, 2 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Stoyel, seconded by Councillor Bullock and resolved to RECOMMEND the Joint Burial Board Fees and Charges for the year 2027/28 as attached to the Extraordinary Policy and Finance Committing meeting to be held on 24 November 2026 with delegated authority granted to the Town Clerk to amend the proposed memorial bench charge should the 2026 Parochial Fees necessitate an increase to ensure full cost recovery.

The Town Clerk informed Members of the budget statement for the 2027/28 financial year, as included within the circulated reports pack, and advised Members that the proposed budget represented a reduction in expenditure compared to the previous year.

Members considered and discussed the proposed budget for 2027/28.

Following a vote (4 in favour, 0 against, and 2 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor B. Samuels, seconded by Councillor B. Stoyel, and resolved to RECOMMEND the Joint Burial Board Committee budget for the 2027/28 financial year, as attached, to the Extraordinary Policy and Finance Committee meeting to be held on 24 November 2026.

Operating Expenditure:

1.   To vire unspent funds from budget code 6104 BB General Site Maintenance to budget code 6170 BB EMF General Maintenance subject to there being an unspent balance available at the end of the year;

Ear Marked Funds:

2.   That any increase to budget code 6170 BB EMF General Maintenance be confirmed following the building surveyor Condition Report being received.

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. (As required or if necessary).

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. (As required or if necessary).

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.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media releases:

1.   Memorial safety testing at St Stephens Churchyard (at the appropriate time).

2.   Natural churchyard grounds (share St Stephen’s social media post).