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.

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.

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 Dent seconded by Councillor Mortimore and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Full Town Council Meeting held on 6 March 2025 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

a.    Policy and Finance held on 11 March 2025;

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

RECOMMENDATION 1:

163/24/25 TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON UPDATING STANDING ORDERS AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

The Chairman invited Councillor Peggs to brief Members on the background to her report regarding the training and civility and respect pledge of Members of the new Town Council in May.

The Town Clerk informed Members that the Town Council Standing Orders already advise Members to undertake Code of Conduct (Standing Order 14.6) and Employment Law training (Standing Order 5.11).

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 3 April 2025:

1.    To note that Standing Orders already cover Code of Conduct and Employment Law training;

2.    To add the following two additions to the relevant section of Standing Orders (as attached):

All Town Councillors sign the Civility and Respect Pledge at the point of signing their Declaration of Acceptance of Office to show their commitment to the pledge;

All Town Councillors should undertake training in Finance for Councillors within 6 months of delivery of their Declaration of Acceptance of Office, subject to course availability.

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

RECOMMENDATION 2:

164/24/25 TO REVIEW TOWN COUNCIL'S POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE:

Finance:

1.         Annual Business Continuity Plan;

2.         Annual Internal Audit and Business Risk Assessment;

3.         Annual Reserves Policy;

4.         Annual Statement on Internal Control;

5.         Annual Treasury Management Strategy;

6.         Anti Bribery Policy Statement & Anti Fraud & Corruption Strategy;

7.         Finance Schedule & Precept Plan;

8.         Financial Regulations.

9.         Receipting of Income & Banking Procedures;

10.      Risk Management Plan Statement;

11.      Risk Management Strategy;

12.      Scheme of Delegation;

13.      Local Government Pension Scheme.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Peggs and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council held on 3 April 2025 the Finance policy amendments.  No further amendments were made at the meeting.

General:

1.         Acquisition or Sale of Land and Property;

2.         Allotments;

3.         Communications Policy & Strategy;

4.         Complaint Handling and Customer Behaviour Policies;

5.         Data Retention and Disposal Policy;

6.         Events and Hire of Town Council Premises;

7.         FOI Model Publication Scheme 2023;

8.         Freedom of Information Policy;

9.         Grants Policy;

10.      Match Funding Policy;

11.      Planning – A Guide for Councillors;

12.      Public Loudspeaker Policy;

13.      Receiving Public Questions, Representations and Evidence at Meetings;

14.      Safeguarding Policy;

15.      Social Media Policy;

16.      Standing Orders;

17.      STC Corporate Guidelines;

18.      Corrections and Additions to Saltash War Memorials Policy;

19.      Noticeboard Policy;

20.      Fundraising Strategy.

It was RESOLVED to note that the Admin Department reviewed policy 6,7,8,10,16,17,18, 19 above and advised there are no amendments to be made at this time.

It was RESOLVED to note that the Policy and Finance Committee reviewed throughout the year:

policy 1 above - refer to minute 74/24/25,

policy 5  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5/25/26

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to approve the amendments to the Town Council’s Provision of IT and Acceptable Use Policy, as attached.

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting representatives Emily Thuysbaert and Annabelle Ross from ‘We Are With You Cornwall’.

Annabelle gave an overview of the drug and alcohol service giving support to anyone struggling with prescribed medication, illicit drugs and alcohol. Outlining the process for accessing support and the referral process for adults and those aged 11 to 18 through ‘Wise Up for Young People Service’.

Emily provided an overview of recovery work for individuals struggling with alcohol or illicit drug dependency, focusing on guiding them onto a treatment path that includes recovery, aftercare strategies, preparation for detox and rehabilitation. Her work also involves collaborating with other services to address related issues such as benefits or housing. Additionally, she highlighted the support offered by specialised teams, including the Family Team, Women's Team, Veterans Service, Outreach Teams, and volunteers who share their personal experiences to assist in the recovery journey.

The team outlined further support through the Harm Reduction Service, which operates on a non-abstinence-based approach. This service focuses on assisting individuals to manage their substance use responsibly, emphasising control over usage and methods. Support includes needle exchange programs, anti-overdose kits for opiates, self-drug testing kits, the option for users to send drugs for testing, and opiate substitute therapy.

The service provides face-to-face support in Saltash 3 days a week from 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm on Saturday’s located at the Maurice Huggins Room or in one of the local churches. There is an on-duty system, so support is always accessible.

The support services were previously known as ‘We Are With You and Redaction’ and has been active for many years now and is the only drug and alcohol service commissioned in Cornwall as an active charity.

The charity is now known as ‘With You Cornwall’.

The Chairman thanked both Emily and Annabelle for attending this evening’s meeting.

It was RESOLVED to note.

PC Davey and Sector Inspector Bowie of Devon and Cornwall Police attended this evening’s meeting to discuss Saltash crime figures, highlighting the noticeable increase in 999 attendance despite challenges with Cornwall’s geography.

Sector Inspector Bowie provided an overview of the new Crime Management Investigation Team which has been created to make improvements and streamline investigations into level one investigations.

Sector Inspector Bowie reported the addition of four new response officers to the sector over the past two months. A new PCSO will begin next week in Saltash, with a bid submitted for an additional PCSO. He emphasised the strength of the Neighbourhood Team as a resource for Saltash.

He also addressed last month's increase in rape figures, confirming that all cases have been reviewed and reassuring the community that there is no heightened risk or increase in random attacks.

Sector Inspector Bowie went on to speak of the ongoing issues of shoplifting, highlighting Saltash as one of the lowest in the area for this type of crime.

Project Retail has been established to build trust with businesses and encourage all incidents to be reported.

PC Davey highlighted the lack of public awareness regarding the Ask Angela initiative. He informed members that while pub watch pubs in Saltash are familiar with the scheme, those not participating in pub watch may remain unaware of it.

Sector Inspector Bowie explained that while Saltash does not currently have a dedicated Tri-Service Officer, officers from other areas have been heavily utilised to support Saltash. He will seek updates on the possibility of appointing one for the town in the future.

He also provided an overview of social media and website activities, emphasising area priorities and efforts to enhance communication.

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

The Chairman was presented with a certificate in recognition for undertaking the Councillor Advocate role.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

The Chairman drew Members attention to the report received and contained within the circulated reports pack referring to the Tamar 2050 encouraging Saltash Town Council to become part of the Stakeholder Panel.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

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

It was RESOLVED to note.

Cornwall Councillor Worth provided a verbal update on town crossings, encouraging Members to write back formally to the joint committee to be part of the consultative forum.

Councillor Worth further informed Members that the first Tamar 2050 stakeholder framework meeting, chaired by Richard Stevens, will take place on April 10, with Members of Parliament in attendance. We are all aware of the update on the approved toll revision, though an implementation date remains uncertain due to legal and technical considerations.

We are reviewing the possibility of endorsement of cheaper tolls for locals through Members of Parliament and the potential for securing central government support. Additionally, a brief update on GB Energy, focusing on future energy opportunities in Cornwall, including those related to Celtic Sea Power.

It was RESOLVED to note.

The Chairman provided a verbal update following attendance at a recent meeting, sharing disappointment that Saltash is securing less facilities than expected. The Chairman went on to highlight that there is funding for Phlebotomy in Saltash which is work in progress.

The Chairman reaffirmed the Health Action Group's dedication to advocating for better health services in Saltash and informed members that the Integrated Care Board has not provided funding to enable the surgeries to merge and establish a hub.

Councillor Bickford spoke of the opportunities arising with Cornwall Foundation Trust and St Barnabus to support our residents.  

Councillor Griffiths emphasised the value of attending the meetings, noting that the provided data demonstrates how the changes are positively impacting the people of Saltash.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

a.  To advise the receipts for February 2025;

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.  To advise the payments for February 2025;

It was RESOLVED to note.

c.   To report urgent and essential works actioned by the Town Clerk under Financial Regulations.

Nothing to report.

d.  To note that bank reconciliations up to 28 February 2025; 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.

(Pursuant to minute number 318/24/25 Full Council meeting held 9 January 2025)

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

It was proposed by Councillor Miller seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED to:

1.  Approve the rescheduled date for the Policy and Finance meeting from 9 September to 23 September 2025;

2.  Approve the rescheduled date for the Services meeting from 10 July to 17 July 2025;

3.  RECOMMEND to formally adopt the updated Town Council schedule of meetings for the year 2025/26 to the Annual Meeting of Saltash to be held on 15 May 2025, as attached.

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

It was RESOLVED to note.

Councillors Dent, B Samuels and P Samuels declared an interest in the next item and left the meeting.

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

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

1.  Approve the Civic Party attend Saltash RBL church service and wreath laying ceremony at St Nicholas in remembrance of VE Day 80 held on 8 May 2025;

2.  Support the church service by printing 60 black and white copies of the Order of Service at no cost to the church.

Councillor Dent, B Samuels and P Samuels were invited and returned to the meeting.

It was RESOLVED to note due to the pre-election period the next Meet Your Councillors session is scheduled for Saturday 14 June 2025 outside Superdrug Fore Street.

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 Stoyel, seconded by Councillor Foster and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media releases:

1.    Meet Your Councillors 14 June 2025;

2.    With You Cornwall;

3.    Town Council supporting RBL on 8 May.

The Annual Meeting of Saltash Town Council to be held on Thursday 15 May at 7.00pm.

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.

Rising at: 8.10 p.m.