Minutes of a Meeting of Parish Council held at 7.45pm on Tuesday 20th Nov 2018 in the Village Hall at

Apologies for absence: Cllr. G. Meola and Cllr. E. Meola

Present: J. Ibbetts (Chairman) D. Smith V. Zwetsloot (Vice Chairman) L. Crawford (Clerk) J. Thomson Tom Wootton (Borough Cllr.) R. Squire Five members of the public

518. Declarations of Interest Cllr. R. Squire declared an interest in the planning application for the solar farm.

519. Public Open Forum

A resident from reported a street light fault near East Cottage.

The resident also requested we apply for an HGV ban in Honeydon following the recent problems with HGV’s getting stuck on the bends near Dairy Farm when the Bushmead Road was closed. Borough Cllr. T. Wootton suggested the Parish Council arrange a meeting with Andrew Prigmore and himself to discuss what options there are. He explained that it only needs 30 signatures from residents to call a debate in a full Borough Council meeting.

A resident from Honeydon requested that the bus shelter be retained as people do use it.

A resident from Honeydon reported that the vans from Mervyn Lambert Plant Hire, Barn, Lower Goodwick Farm, , , MK44 2NX are driving too fast and drive straight towards pedestrians and other road users assuming they will move out of the way. This observation was supported by 5 other residents present who had experienced similar behaviour. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the company.

Road Names

A resident from Orchard Cottage explained that his deeds and land registry document stated his road name was Staploe Road.

A resident from Honeydon explained that the road currently signed Staploe Road (UC37) which runs from Two Brewers to Wyboston used to be known as Tythe Road.

Borough Cllr. T. Wootton explained that the road through Begwary used to be known as Begwary High Street.

A resident of Begwary suggested that Begwary High Street was very unsuitable and proposed the road be called “Beggary Lane” using the older spelling of the hamlet which appears on historic maps. He explained that he thought it would be helpful for emergency services to locate properties if there were more road names.

Nov 2018

A resident of Honeydon suggested that the road from Manor Farm Cottage to the triangle / bus stop be called Manor Farm Lane.

Another suggested that the road from the bus shelter to Lower Honeydon Farm be called Brook Road.

The Clerk reported that the following additional responses had been received regarding road names:

Staploe

1. No need for a road name as there is only one road 2. I have always thought it is very Olde English and quaint that our road does not have a name. It is these little things that make our country unique and a joy to live in. However, if we have to have a name could it be something that makes reference to an original lack of a name like - No Name Street or Road. 3. Resident of the houses on the eastern side: deeds say their row is called “Northview” and this was confirmed by another resident whose parents used to live in these houses. 4. A resident whose family have lived in the village for two generations says his row (to the west end of the village) was historically “Brookside” 5. A resident suggested “Brookside Road” 6. Resident suggested The Lane, Falls Lane, Chestnut Lane 7. Two residents call it “The Street”

Honeydon

1. This is a great opportunity to help protect the identity of Begwary and for that reason I would like to suggest “Beggary Hill” or “Beggary Lane” as a street name from the junction with Manor Farm Lane to the junction with Staploe Road. The name has a historical connection to the area being the original name of the hamlet as shown on all historic maps pre 1902. “Begwary Hill” or “Begwary Lane” would also work but are less interesting. He thinks Honeydon Lane would be confusing since there is a Honeydon Rd so close and he thinks Begwary High Street is totally unsuitable. 2. Tom Wootton said the road past White House Farm was always known as Begwary High Street and became Honeydon Lane at the junction with Honeydon Road. 3. A resident liked the road names suggested but prefers Lane rather than road or street for Honeydon road and would like East Cottage to be in Manor Farm Lane not the main road. 4. A resident from Duloe suggested Fielding Way for the road in Honeydon 5. A resident of Chapel Close suggested Lower Honeydon Road past Chestnuts and Chapel Close Duloe

1. Calling the main road through Duloe "Duloe Road" is a real problem. There is a Duloe Road in Eaton Socon and quite aside from the problem of banks etc knowing us as just Duloe Village there is the problem that we already get with people in Duloe Road, Eaton Socon receiving important post which is meant for us. I wouldn't be in favour of there being two Duloe Roads that lead into each other.

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2. A resident suggested there was no need for a road name in Duloe but if necessary then she would prefer it was not Staploe Road. 3. A resident suggested Common Lane, Green Lane, Barrow View / Barrow View Lane 4. Why after all these years is the Borough Council considering adding a road name to Duloe? We have a house number, a village name and a postcode which have not presented any problems with mail etc. I have lived in Duloe for over 37 years and I for one would not welcome a change to my address.

520. Minutes of the meeting held on 30th October 2018

Having been previously circulated the minutes were approved as an accurate record of the meeting. Proposed by Cllr. D. Smith and seconded by Cllr. J. Thomson.

521. Community Events • Pantomime Puss in Boots, Priory Centre, St. Neots. Saturday 12th January 11am. Cllr. J. Thomson and Cllr. D. Smith suggested that we consider an afternoon performance given that so many children have clubs and sports on Saturday morning. The Clerk will look at alternative times. • Parish Walk to the barrow at Sacred Stones in Hail Weston leaving from Duloe Village Hall car park at 10.30am on Saturday 26th January 2019. The Barrow will be open for viewing and refreshments will be provided. • Curry Night Saturday 2nd March Village Hall • Litter pick Sunday 10th March at 2pm

522. Planning

Application number Type Description Location Deadline Link Lawful Development Conversion of a barn to a single School Farm Barn, 18/02761/LDE Certificate dwelling house (retrospective) Honeydon MK44 2LP 28/11/2018 18/02761/LDE Application for planning permission for solar farm and associated development Removal of without complying with conditions 10 condition and 11 of planning permission Land at Top Farm and Little 18/02145/S73 application 17/02538/S73 Staughton Airfield 15/11/2018 18/02145/S73

The following resolutions were proposed by Cllr. V. Zwetsloot and seconded by Cllr. J. Thomson and Councillors were unanimously in agreement. (Cllr. R. Squire did not participate in the discussion or voting regarding the solar farm). • It was resolved that the Council should not object to School Farm providing there is evidence that it has been inhabited for 4 years. • It was resolved that the Council should object to the removal of the condition to use augering near residents houses as it is a much less intrusive noise than piling. The Council would also like to see the trees and hedges planted now and a fund provided to ensure that these are maintained in the future. • It was resolved to allocate £1603.80 Community Infrastructure Levy money from development at Topham End Farm, Honeydon Road, Colmworth 17/02007/FUL to replacing the street lights. Proposed by Cllr. V. Zwetsloot and seconded by Cllr. R. Squire. The Clerk will write to the Borough Council to ask whether they consider this a suitable use of the funds.

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523. Highways and Rights of Way • Consider road names for unnamed roads in the parish. It was resolved that it would be helpful to name the roads in the parish to assist in locating properties – particularly by emergency services - and to avoid the unwieldy names currently on record. It was resolved that the Clerk should circulate the following names for consideration (new ones highlighted in green) and consult people on Survey Monkey and paper for final approval in January and request further suggestions for road names in Duloe (currently unnamed and labelled Green Lane on the map below). Cllr. V. Zwetsloot proposed and Cllr. R. Squire seconded the motion.

• It was resolved not to object to the proposal to divert footpath STA/8A and STA/8 at the electricity substation on Bushmead Road near Eaton Socon. • The Clerk reported that there had been very little progress on outstanding Highways issues despite her chasing the highways department regarding: o Repairing the road near East Cottage, Honeydon, reinforcing the bank and replacing the railings o signs, lines, potholes It was resolved that the Clerk will arrange a meeting with the Highways Department to discuss how to make progress on the outstanding issues.

• Learnings from the road closure on Bushmead Road and consequent HGV issues in Honeydon. The Clerk reported that there had been numerous reports of HGV’s going

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through Honeydon and being unable to pass the bends at Begwary and having to reverse back through the village. This despite the Borough being warned that this would be an issue. Jason Holdsworth of Bedford Borough Council has now agreed to ask future closure applicants to extend the closure points to catch and divert vehicles before they get to Honeydon, rather than close additional roads. He also said that the closure applicant would need to deploy extra black on yellow signs on other roads to reiterate that those roads aren't suitable for HGVs. He has added a flag to his road closure spreadsheet so that this information will be flagged up when anyone applies to close Bushmead Road. • Protecting entrance to BW27 (leads from dog bin on corner of Woodhouse Lane, Duloe past Mount Pleasant) from parked cars to allow access for horses. Andrew Prigmore has agreed to add a sign to ask drivers not to block the bridleway and this will be installed by 13th February. • Possible closure of access to the A1 in Wyboston and . Highways have indicated that the current accesses to and from the Al at Chawston Lane, Nagshead Lane and The Lane will need to be closed and an alternative link road provided when the Black Cat junction is upgraded. Following the proposed improvements traffic on this section of the Al will become more continuous and free flowing, which will further reduce the available gaps for vehicles to safely exit onto the Al carriageway from these lanes. In the interests of safety of the local residents and other road users, it is proposed to close the access to and from Chawston Lane, Nagshead Lane and The Lane, and to provide a new access to the Al via a new local link road from The Lane to Roxton Road. The proposals do not affect the access to these lanes from the west. Cllr. J. Ibbett and Cllr. J. Thomson will attend a meeting for residents on Monday 10th December. • Cllr. J. Thomson explained that a landowner in Honeydon wants to block vehicular access to a bridge which has a footpath on it. Cllr. R. Squire explained that the regulations would permit this providing there is 1m either side for pedestrians to use the footpath. Councillors had no objection to the proposal.

524. Street lights • The Clerk presented quotes to replace the street lights in the parish.

21 lights to convert from SOX to LED's plus 4 brackets to be replaced.

Supplier Recommended light Cost to replace Comments Can be switched off for part of the night (but not dimmed each night) and Andy Muskett LED Holophane 23watt S-Line £4,940.00 the light can be switched to a lower wattage (long term - not each night) Aylesbury Mains 16 LED Urbis AXIA Luminaire £8,311.80 Replicates spread of SOX Aylesbury Mains 18w LED Philips Trueforce £2,625.00 Not suitable for our old lanterns - risk of water ingress K&M Lighting Services 25W Indo Air 1 LED £4,960.00 Dims to half wattage between midnight and 5.30am (13W)

She reported that she had received one comment from a resident in response to the article in the Hamlets Voice to say that they wanted to keep the lights and supported the introduction of LED but would prefer the warmer colour LEDs.

Councillors considered the LED Holophane but were concerned that, although the wattage can be altered by a technician visiting the light, it could not be dimmed at night which would be the preferred option. They also considered the Indo Air which could be dimmed at night but this is pre-set in the factory and therefore the wattage cannot be varied after installation. They proposed that the Clerk ask Hail Weston Parish Council (who have the Indo Air lights)

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Nov 2018 whether they have been happy with the lights and whether anyone has mentioned whether they are bright enough in the middle of the night. The choice will be made at the meeting in January.

• Approve application for Salix funding loan / allocation of reserves as required. It was resolved to use £1140 –£1160 of the CIL money from Topham End Farm and not apply for a Salix loan.

525. Broadband • It was resolved to invite Alistair Burt to a meeting and copy the mayor to campaign for faster broadband in Honeydon and to be installed as soon as possible. We have been advised that fibre to the premises will be installed in Honeydon but there is no sign of any infrastructure for this yet and there is no news on when the houses in Upper Staploe will get faster broadband. The Clerk will invite parishioners to send her speed test results and Cllr. R. Squire offered to host the meeting.

526. Village Hall and Playing Field Containers • Report from Village Hall Committee AGM 15th November. Cllr. J. Ibbett reported that the meeting had been productive and committee members agreed that their preference would be to keep the hall in its current location, extend it slightly and rebuild. E. Meola offered to draw up plans by February and cost them so that the hall committee can develop a proposal for parishioners and get feedback before the next meeting in April. • Works required to make hall safe and containers suitable for hire approx. o Moving the electricity meter from the hall roof space to a temporary building supply outside the hall (which would then feed the containers). We would effectively create a new supply. Approximate costs (UK Power Networks costs are rough estimates at this stage) £4340-£4,730 Electrical Remaining GRP Supplier & plumbing in hall Option Description Disconnection Reconnection Cables Kiosk charge works Total cost reserve Comment UK Power UK Power UK Power Ebay Eon (Opus £306) Neil Irons 1 Disconnect everything 108 £108 Need to pay for Option 2 or 3 at a later date to reconnect 2 Single phase (existing) supply 108 1179 122 880 0 1235 £3,524 £4,736 Might not cope with all future needs of the hall 3 Triple phase (improved) supply 108 1298 400 880 0 1235 £3,921 £4,339 "Future proofs" the hall

o Switching off the water supply to the hall and creating a separate feed for the containers. Transferring the account for the water supply to the Parish Council (there is no need to create a new supply). To be confirmed. o Emptying the septic tank. Approximately £170 +VAT. Bedford Borough Council visited on 15th November to empty the tank and found that the drain was blocked but the septic tank was empty. They returned to jet the drain today (20th Nov) and found that the roots from the tree behind the smaller container pipe had broken the pipe 3m from the cover to the septic tank (at the point where the roots go under the container) and they suspect there is significant damage. They advised that the toilets not be used until the damage is repaired. Jetting and Suction from Sandy visited today and explained that we need to use a camera to see how bad the damage is and whether it can be sleeved or whether excavation and replacement will be needed. If we need to move the containers to access the pipe and excavate it the costs could be significant. Lanes Drains quoted £150 for a camera to survey the pipe.

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• It was resolved to disconnect the electricity from the hall (£108) and containers, turn off the water supply, fell the tree and get quotes for connecting to mains drains or to repair the drain but to wait to do the work when the hall is rebuilt. If funds are spent on creating a new electricity supply and drains for the hall there will be less available to access match funding when we come to rebuild and we would not be likely to recoup the investment by hiring out the containers. Proposed by Cllr. R. Squire and seconded by Cllr. D. Smith.

527. Ward Report • Borough Cllr. T. Wootton’s report

Ward Fund

I still have monies remaining in my Ward Fund and all parish clerks in Wyboston Ward have been made aware of this. Please let me know if there are any schemes you would like to pursue. Depending on demand I may be able to make a contribution. The deadline for submitting new schemes is the 14th December 2018.

Government Budget

The Chancellor presented the Government’s Budget to the House of Commons on the 29th October. The following announcements are of particular relevance to the Borough Council:

• Small retailers will benefit over the next 2 years from a 1/3 cut in their business rate bills. • A £675m Future High Street Fund will be established. Councils will be encouraged to bid for funds to support urban regeneration. • The Council is to receive £620k in the current year to assist with adult social care pressures. The Council will also receive a share of an additional £410m for adults’ and children’s social care next year. • £20m has been committed to accelerate planning for the East West Rail link between Bedford and Cambridge. • English councils will receive £420m this year to repair potholes.

Urgent Treatment Centre

Bedford Hospital’s new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) opened its doors on the 1st October 2018. The UTC provides same-day appointments for minor illnesses over a 12 hour period, 7 days a week via referrals from A & E and the 111 phone service as a means of reducing pressure on the Hospital’s A & E function.

The UTC saw 250 patients in its first week. The Council’s Adult Services & Health Committee will review the performance of the facility in the coming months.

Visitor Information Centre

On the 17th October a new Visitor Information Centre opened at St Paul’s Church, Bedford. Opening initially on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10.30am – 4pm, it has been established by volunteers wanting to promote the Borough a tourist destination.

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Covanta

On the 10th – 11th October the High Court heard a Judicial Review of the decision of the Environment Agency to grant a permit to US firm Covanta to build a waste incineration plant at . The case was brought by the campaign group Against Covanta Incinerator. It was announced at the beginning of November that the case was dismissed, meaning the incinerator will, as it stands, go ahead.

Flu Vaccine

The Council has issued a reminder to parents and guardians that 2 and 3 year olds are eligible to receive the flu vaccine to protect them in the colder months. Children aged 4 are also eligible if they were 3 years old on the 31st August 2018.

Cllr Tom Wootton: 07771575227 / [email protected]

• Ward Fund. We received £800 towards a gazebo in September. The Tuin wooden one requested is £935 ex VAT. It was resolved that this money be reallocated to reroof the bus shelter in Honeydon. Cllr. D. Smith proposed, Cllr. J. Ibbett seconded and Councillors were unanimously in favour. Borough Cllr. T. Wootton expressed his support for the decision. • Ward Forum report from Colmworth 25th October. o PC Kerry Jones attended and advised that there has been an increase in vehicle crime in the area. She gave her contact details: [email protected] Tel 01234 842 862. o Andrew Prigmore explained that HGV bans are problematic because the police can’t enforce them, the problem moves to another village and they are exempt for vehicles accessing a site on the road. In addition, Bedford Borough Council wants to support rural businesses. He assesses each application on its merits and uses survey data. His threshold for considering action is if there are more than 20 HGV’s per day in each direction. o Janine Laver and Gideon Richards of the Planning Department explained how class Q permitted development rights work for converting agricultural barns into houses. o Justine Ives did not attend the meeting but sent an update by postcode for each village which is available on the parish website.

Bedford Borough Council have invested in a “Speedwatch Van” in partnership with but it is unable to issue speeding fines – only warning letters. It was resolved that the Clerk should write to Bedford Borough Council to express the Parish Council’s frustration that the money was not invested in additional enforcement as warning letters are not sufficiently effective. Proposed by Cllr. R. Squire and seconded by Cllr. V. Zwetsloot.

528. Playing Field, Duloe Common and Assets • Renovating bench in Duloe. This has not been done. Cllr. R. Squire offered to revarnish it. • Honeydon bus shelter – removing asbestos & replacing roof. L. Crawford presented quotes and it was resolved to accept the quote from Rainbow International Restoration for £640 plus VAT with the remaining £160 available being used to repair the bench.

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• Asset register. There have been no changes since the register presented in April.

529. Finance • Receipts and payments are listed on p10. Proposed by Cllr. V. Zwetsloot and seconded by Cllr. J. Ibbett. • Bank reconciliation is listed on p11 • Reserves were reviewed and are listed on p12 o The £800 underspend from the 2017-18 budget which was used to buy the containers in April has now been shown as spent from earmarked reserves since the money was earmarked for the purpose from the previous year’s budget in April 2018 and did not come from precept (correction from previous minutes where it was shown as spent from unearmarked reserves). o It was resolved that there was no need for additional reserves for legal expenses, a locum Clerk, or additional maintenance at this stage but that if works are required to maintain the containers in the future the maintenance costs may need to be reviewed. • The performance against budget was reviewed and is listed on pp13-15. The overspend vs our regular budget is now forecast to be £179 (£1500 spent on the containers in April is listed under “Other Payments” as it was funded from Ward Funds and earmarked reserves). Street lights will be funded from the Street Light Reserve (£4500) plus £1140-£1160 of CIL money. • The budget and precept for April 2019 to March 2020 is listed on pp16-18 and was proposed by Cllr. R. Squire and seconded by Cllr. D. Smith. Councillors voted unanimously in favour. The precept will be £10,500 and this represents a 4% increase on the previous year. This means a Band D Council Tax payer will pay £80.15 per year for the parish precept portion of their Council Tax and this is an increase of £3.12 compared to 2018/19. • Consider need for three year forecast. Cllr. R. Squire proposed that this was not needed at this time and Cllr. D. Smith seconded this. • Audits. The Clerk reminded Councillors that they had decided not to do an interim internal audit this year and there will be just one internal audit in April. There is now no need for an external audit unless turnover exceeds £25,000. • The Clerk explained that Duloe and Staploe Village Playing Field Charity Accounts are to be reported entirely separately to the Parish Council Accounts and any receipts and payments from the charity account will not appear in the Parish Council accounts.

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Main Account Payments Cheque Type of Number / Date Payee Details transaction Reference Amount 18/09/2018 Bradgate Fencing Duloe Common grass cutting payments 6 of 8 Standing order 0 £6.08 18/09/2018 A. R. Worboys Highways grass cutting payment 6 of 8 Standing order 0 £223.15 06/10/2018 Opus Energy Electricity for street lights 22nd Aug to 21st Sep 2018 Direct Debit 0 £36.73 18/10/2018 Bradgate Fencing Duloe Common grass cutting payments 7 of 8 Standing order 0 £6.08 18/10/2018 A. R. Worboys Highways grass cutting payment 7 of 8 Standing order 0 £223.15 26/10/2018 Duloe Village Hall Harvest Supper profits BACS 0 £33.00 26/10/2018 Wicksteed Leisure Glue and filler for play area BACS 0 £95.40 31/10/2018 Andy Muskett Street light maintenance 2nd Quarter BACS 0 £90.00 06/11/2018 Opus Energy Electricity for street lights 21st Sep to 21st Oct 2018 Direct Debit 0 £41.71 11/11/2018 1&1 Internet E-mail accounts 23rd Oct to 23rd Nov 2018 Direct Debit 0 £1.19 20/11/2018 Wyboston, Chawston & Village Hall Hire of the hall for November meeting BACS 0 £20.00 20/11/2018 L. Crawford Expenses for July to October Cheque 100904 £62.92 20/11/2018 JCB Printing Printing hamlets voice BACS 0 £87.00 20/11/2018 Cartridge save Black cartridge BACS 0 £82.68 20/11/2018 Bedford Borough Council Drainage works at Duloe Village Hall BACS 0 £197.07 20/11/2018 Colmworth Village Hall Deposit for curry night BACS 0 £34.00 24/11/2018 L. Crawford Clerk's salary 3rd Quarter Cheque 100902 £791.84 24/11/2018 Bedfordshire Pension Fund Clerk's pension 3rd Quarter Cheque 100903 £220.96 Total £2,252.96

Main Account Receipts Type of Date Payee Details transaction Reference Amount 24/09/2018 Bedford Borough Council Highways grass cutting grant Credit 0 £1,389.51 16/10/2018 Cash receipts Harvest Supper proceeds from ticket sales Receipt 0 £84.00 25/10/2018 Cash receipts Harvest Supper proceeds from ticket sales Receipt 0 £13.00 12/11/2018 Bedford Borough Council CIL Money for Topham End Farm Credit 0 £1,603.80 Total £3,090.31

Savings Account Receipts Type of Date Payee Details transaction Reference Amount 01/10/2018 Barclays Interest on savings account Credit 0 £3.46 01/11/2018 Barclays Interest on savings account Credit 0 £3.84 Total £7.30

Transfers Type of Savings Payee Details Type of transaction transaction Reference CommAcc Acc None

Posted balances after the above transactions clear Community Account 30833940 £10,493.86 Base Rate Savings 43461580 £11,299.29

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STAPLOE PARISH COUNCIL BANK RECONCILIATION 1st APRIL 2017 TO 18/11/2018 Date of bank statement 18/11/2018 Line of cash book: 88 9 Prepared by Mrs. Lucy Crawford, Parish Clerk BARCLAYS DATE Community Account 30833940 Receipts Payments Transfers Balance 1-Apr-17 Balance bf £8,768.68 18-Nov-18 Posted balance per accounts £11,990.33 £15,681.31 £9,077.38 -£3,382.28 £11,990.33 Unpresented cheques / uncleared payments: None Total £0.00

18-Nov-18 Balance as per bank statement £11,990.33 18-Nov-18 Posted balance - cleared balance £- 18-Nov-18 Balance cf £11,990.33

BARCLAYS Base Rate Savings 43461580 Receipts Payments Transfers Balance 1-Apr-17 Balance bf £7,898.32 18-Nov-18 Posted balance as per accounts £11,299.29 £18.69 £0.00 £3,382.28 £11,299.29 18-Nov-18 Balance as per bank statement £11,299.29 18-Nov-18 Posted balance - cleared balance £- 18-Nov-18 Balance cf £11,299.29

Summary for all accounts Receipts Payments Transfers Balance 1-Apr-17 Balance bf £16,667.00 18-Nov-18 Balance per accounts £23,289.62 £15,700.00 £9,077.38 £- £23,289.62 18-Nov-18 Balance per bank statements £23,289.62 £23,289.62 18-Nov-18 Balance cf £23,289.62

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Reserves Nov 2018 Expenditure Funds from reserve Balance Fund Name Reserved Income to reserve to to close of Comment

01/04/2018 18/11/2018 18/11/2018 18/11/2018

Street light replacement fund £3,750.00 £750.00 £4,500.00

Football Club Deposit £200.00 £200.00 £0.00 Deposit repaid 15th June 2018

Village Hall Rebuild Fund £5,510.00 £750.00 £6,260.00

Election fund £550.00 £550.00 Bought laptop, one year MS Office & virus Transparency Code Grant £529.65 £404.15 £125.50 subs. Keep remainder for next yr subs Bought containers using underspend in Football Containers £800.00 £800.00 £0.00 previous budget in April 2018 Ward fund for gazebo / bus shelter £0.00 £800.00 £800.00 Due to purchase autumn 2018

CIL Money £0.00 £1,603.80 £0.00 £1,603.80 For Topham End Farm

Literature & info fund £48.41 £48.41

Heater refund £0.00 £1,000.00 £0.00 £1,000.00 Refund for Village Hall heaters

Total earmarked reserves £11,388.06 £4,903.80 £1,404.15 £14,887.71 £3,499.65 Available reserves £5,278.94 £8,401.91

Total funds £16,667.00 £23,289.62 £8,401.91 Earmarked reserves = funds set aside for a specific purpose. These can only be allocated to another purpose if the council passes a resolution to do so. Available reserves = total balance in the accounts less the earmarked reserves. This should be 50-100% of our precept ie. £5045 - £10091 Therefore £8401.91 is quite high as we have just received our second tranche of precept. However, it is expected to fall to £5095.35 by 31st March 2019 which is within our recommended range. 12

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Staploe Parish Council Review of Budget Nov 2018

Forecast to 31st Forecast less Actual 2017/18 Budget 2018/19 Actual to 18/11/2018 Mch 2019 budget Comment Regular Receipts Precept £9,900.00 £10,091.00 10091.00 £10,091.00 £- Interest £18.32 £20.00 18.69 £20.00 £- Grass cutting £1,389.51 £1,389.51 1389.51 £1,389.51 £- Council tax support grant £139.00 £- 0.00 £- £- Grant phased out Total Regular Receipts £11,446.83 £11,500.51 11499.20 £11,500.51 £- Other Receipts Newsletter advertising £- £- 0.00 £- £- £700 towards containers in April 2018 and £800 towards gazebo Ward Fund £1,000.00 £- 1500.00 £1,500.00 £1,500.00 /bus shelter in Sept 2018. Transparency Code Grant £1,006.29 £- 0.00 £- £- For additional hours to cover the transparency code Donation for speed sign £2,100.00 £- 0.00 £- £- Other (eg. f.ball deposit, refunds, proceeds from £1000 refund for heaters Sept 2018, £97 for Harvest Supper social events / book sales) £234.36 £- 2700.80 £2,753.80 £2,753.80 tickets. £1604 CIL. £53 ticket sales curry night Total Other Receipts £4,340.65 £- 4200.80 £4,253.80 £4,253.80

Total Receipts £15,787.48 £11,500.51 15700.00 £15,754.31 £4,253.80 Excess of receipts over budget due to other receipts

Regular Payments (from precept)

Forecast to 31st Forecast less Actual 2017/18 Budget 2018/19 Actual to 18/9/2018 Mch 2019 budget Comment Clerk's salary & pension £3,595.79 £3,815.57 2856.75 £3,815.57 £- Clerk's PAYE £- £- 0.00 £- £- Clerk's employment expenses £254.47 £288.00 226.80 £300.80 £12.80 Total staff costs £3,850.26 £4,103.57 3083.55 £4,116.37 £12.80

Moved from two internal audits to one after year end and no Audit Fees £160.00 £60.00 30.00 £30.00 -£30.00 external audit Councillors Expenses £- £30.00 0.00 £30.00 £- Printing and stationary now purchased direct under admin. Clerk's Other Expenses eg. stationary, printing, postage £47.93 £48.00 14.96 £48.00 £- Padlock and sundries for containers. Training £40.00 £110.00 0.00 £80.00 -£30.00 £50 Clerk's training, may use £30 for Cllrs training Highways Grass Cutting £1,386.56 £1,487.65 1279.40 £1,487.65 £- 10 cuts for £1487.65. 3% increase on previous year. Insurance £410.46 £410.46 358.23 £358.23 -£52.23 Moved to Norris & Fisher in 2018 which saved money Power (street lights) £515.27 £488.00 298.93 £488.00 £- Elec ( CCTV & containers) £60.00 £- 20.00 £280.00 £280.00 Purchased containers in April Maintainance (street lights, speed signs, & play Budgeted for: Street light maintenance £300 (correct) + £150 area) £590.80 £450.00 383.00 £450.00 £- planters +£150 other (poss for works on containers) 13

Nov 2018

Forecast to 31st Forecast less Regular payments continued Actual 2017/18 Budget 2018/19 Actual to 18/9/2018 Mch 2019 budget Comment Play Area Inspection £66.50 £68.00 66.50 £66.50 -£1.50 Play Area Works (assets purchased) £120.95 £150.00 0.00 £150.00 £- Play Area Works (consumables / labour) £- £- 79.50 £- £- £1092+20% VAT + £50 for sundries transferred to PF account but PF can't reclaim VAT so Bradgate due to refund PF and SPC will Playing field grass & hedge cutting £- £1,092.00 1312.00 £1,142.00 £50.00 pay and donate grass cutting to PF Duloe Common grass & hedge cutting £- £- 34.98 £40.05 £40.05 Did not budget for this

Subs (SLCC / BATPC) £145.00 £159.00 149.50 £149.50 -£9.50 BATPC. + share SLCC with Colmworth £35 Info commissioner, stationary items and printer cartridges Admin £214.32 £374.00 265.32 £374.00 £- bought direct, prof advice, social events. Literature & info £60.00 £- 0.00 £- £- Did not budget for email subs. Software purchased using Software & email subscriptions £- £- 7.92 £11.88 £11.88 Transparency Code funds see "Other Payments"

£800 of underspend on previous budget used to buy football Other assets (eg. street furniture / tools / office containers (plus £700 Ward Fund) in April 2018 See "Other equipment). Excl. playing field/ play area) £- £- 0.00 £- £- payments" Budget assumed 7 PC meetings (in case additional one re A1), 2 Village Hall Hire £278.00 £270.00 86.50 £164.50 -£105.50 committee meetings and £15 towards 3 social events. Village Hall Works £250.00 £150.00 164.22 £164.22 £14.22 Clearing blocked drains at hall / contaienrs £81 for 16 pages or £60 for 12. Assume 4 issues of 12 or 3 of Newsletter £158.40 £250.00 166.20 £249.20 -£0.80 16. Likely to be 3 issues of 16pp Contingency £300.00 £300.00 £-

Overspend vs budget due to sundries for containers in Clerk's expenses £13, extra grass cutting on playing field £50, additional electricity for containers (£280), extra grass & hedge cutting on Duloe Common (previously cut by volunteers) (£40), additional costs for new Council e-mail addresses (£12), and drainage works at hall £14 over budget. Mitigated by savings in audit costs (£30), Total regular payments £8,354.45 £10,000.68 7800.71 £10,180.10 £179.42 training (£30), insurance (£52), subs (£11) and hall hire (£105). Budgeted for £1500 extra precept to allow transfers to reserve for hall and streetlights. Overspend in regular payments of £179 vs budget means that £179 of unearmarked reserves will be used to fund the overspend while £1500 is still transferred to earmarked Regular receipts - regular payments £3,092.38 £1,499.83 3698.49 £1,320.41 £179.42 reserve.

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Nov 2018

Other payments (met from additional receipts eg. grants or earmarked reserves

Forecast to 31st Forecast less Actual 2017/18 Budget 2018/19 Actual to 18/9/2018 Mch 2019 budget Comment Ward fund of £700 used towards containers in April 2018 and Ward Fund assets purchased £- £- 700.00 £1,500.00 £1,500.00 £800 towards gazebo or bus shelter Nov 2018 Ward Fund donations £1,000.00 £- 0.00 £- £- Hall heaters donated to Village Hall in 2017/18 Underspend from 2017/18 budget earmarked and used to buy Other assets purchased from earmarked reserve £- £- 800.00 £800.00 £800.00 containers + £700 ward fund Village Hall payments from earmarked reserve £150.00 £- 0.00 £- £- Used towards heaters in 2017/18 £404.15 for laptop & software (from Transparency Code fund), Payments from other earmarked reserves £71.59 £- 604.15 £604.15 £604.15 £200 football club deposit returned Mobile speed sign (met by donation) £2,100.00 £- 0.00 £- £- Purchased 2017/18 Hall hire for social events £- 102.00 £121.00 £121.00 Assume ticket sales in other receipts cover this cost. Assume replaced before year end £4500 from street light reserve Street light replacement £5,640.00 £5,640.00 & £1140 CIL money Other donations made by SPC £- £- 33.00 £33.00 £33.00 To Village Hall - profit from Harvest Supper Total Other Payments £3,321.59 £- 2239.15 £8,698.15 £8,698.15 Total Payments £11,676.04 £10,000.68 10039.86 £18,878.25 £8,877.57 Transfers to reserves Village Hall rebuild savings to earmarked reserve £1,350.00 £750.00 750.00 £750.00 £- Street light replacement savings to earmarked reserve £750.00 £750.00 750.00 £- -£750.00 Due to be spent on street lights Feb 2019 Heater refund 1000.00 £1,000.00 £1,000.00 CIL income 1604.00 £464.00 £464.00 Due to spend £1140 on street lights Feb 2019

£9591.57 higher than budget due to additional regular costs (£179.42) plus additional payments made using ward funding or earmarked reserves (£8698.15) + extra transfers to reserve for CIL and heater refund (£1464) less £750 used for street lights not Total Payments & Transfers to Reserve £13,776.04 £11,500.68 14143.86 £21,092.25 £9,591.57 transferred to reserve. We expect payments and transfers to reserve to be £5337.77 higher than our receipts this year. £800 of this is due to the purchase of the containers, £5640 due to replacing street lights (less £750 + £1140 CIL money spent & not transferred to reserve Total receipts - (total payments & =£3750), £604 due to use of other earmarked reserves, and £179 transfers to reserve) £2,011.44 -£0.17 1556.14 -£5,337.94 -£5,337.77 due to overspend in regular budget. £5,337.77 In Summary (figures rounded)

We have received around £4254 more receipts than budgeted due to £1500 ward funding used for containers and gazebo / bus shelter, £1000 refund for heaters and £1604 CIL money. We also received £97 for harvest supper ticket sales (which covered hall hire and a donation to the hall). However, we expect to overspend by £179 vs our regular budget (regular budget should be met from precept) due to overspends on Clerk's expenses £13, playing field £50, additional electricity for containers (£280), extra grass cutting on Duloe Common (previously cut by volunteers) (£40), and additional costs for new Council e-mail addresses (£12), drainage works at hall £14 over budget. Mitigated by savings in audit costs (£30), training (£30), insurance (£52), subs (£11) and hall hire (£105). In addition we made additional payments using ward funding or earmarked reserves including street lights & containers (£8698) + extra transfers to reserve for CIL and heater refund (£1464). As a result we expect to finish the year with approx £179 less in our unearmarked reserve than we had budgeted. We received £5338 less than we spent overall. This is expected to leave £5095 in unearmarked reserve by the end of Mch 2019. Ideally we should have 50-100% of our precept in unearmarked reserve (£5045-£1091) so this is within the recommended range.

15

Nov 2018

Staploe Parish Council Budget 2019 -2020

Forecast to 31st Budget to Mch Actual 2017/18 Budget 2018/19 Mch 2019 20 Comment

4.1% % increase vs 2018-19 Regular Receipts Precept £9,900.00 £10,091.00 £10,091.00 £10,499.77 Council tax support grant £139.00 £- £- £- Grant phased out Interest £18.32 £20.00 £20.00 £20.00 Grass cutting £1,389.51 £1,389.51 £1,389.51 £1,389.51 Total Regular Receipts £11,446.83 £11,500.51 £11,500.51 £11,909.28

Other Receipts None budgeted 2018/19 Newsletter advertising £- £- £- £- £1000 for hall heaters in 17/18. £700 containers in April 18 and Ward Fund £1,000.00 £- £1,500.00 £- £800 for gazebo / bus shelter Sept 2018 Transparency Code Grant £1,006.29 £- £- £- For additional hours to cover the transparency code Donation for speed sign £2,100.00 £- £- £- Other (eg. f.ball deposit, refunds, proceeds 2017/18 £1000 refund for heaters Sept 2018. £150 from ticket from social events / book sales) £234.36 £- £2,753.80 £- sales (harvest & curry). CIL £1604 Total Other Receipts £4,340.65 £- £4,253.80 £-

Excess of receipts over budget due to other receipts less reduced Total Receipts £15,787.48 £11,500.51 £15,754.31 £11,909.28 precept (£140)

Regular Payments (from precept) Forecast to 31st Draft Budget to Actual 2017/18 Budget 2018/19 Mch 2019 Mch 20 Comment Clerk's salary & pension £3,595.79 £3,815.57 £3,815.55 £3,943.75 Remain on Salary Point 25 but 2% increase for all points. Clerk's PAYE £- £- £- £- Clerk's employment expenses £254.47 £288.00 £300.80 £288.00 Monthly mileage (£6) and Working From Home Allowance (£18) Total staff costs £3,850.26 £4,103.57 £4,116.35 £4,231.75

Audit Fees £160.00 £60.00 £30.00 £65.00 Moved from two internal audits to one after year end and no external audit Councillors Expenses £- £30.00 £30.00 £30.00 Clerk's Other Expenses eg. postage & sundries £47.93 £48.00 £48.00 £60.00 Postage and sundries Training £40.00 £110.00 £80.00 £110.00 £50 Clerk's training, may use £30 for 2 x Cllrs training Highways Grass Cutting £1,386.56 £1,487.65 £1,487.65 £1,200.00 Quote from Mark Ibbett Norris & Fisher fixed price at £358.23 but may increase if new Insurance £410.46 £410.46 £358.23 £385.00 assets purchased. Power to street lights £515.27 £488.00 £488.00 £300.00 Assume we move to LED Purchased containers in April 2018 (assumes SC of 25.11p / day Elec ( CCTV & containers) £60.00 £- £280.00 £150.00 plus £58 elec used Maintainance (street lights, speed signs, field, Budgeted for: Street light maintenance £0 (assume LEDs) plus containers, play area & planters) £590.80 £450.00 £450.00 £450.00 £150 for planters + £300 for other maintenance Play Area Inspection £66.50 £68.00 £66.50 £68.00 Play Area Works (assets purchased) £120.95 £150.00 £150.00 £150.00 Eg new swing seat 16

Nov 2018

Forecast to 31st Draft Budget to Regular payments continued Actual 2017/18 Budget 2018/19 Mch 2019 Mch 20 Comment Play Area Works (consumables / labour) £- £- £- Grass cutting and treatment (Bradgate £1092) 1 extra grass cut Playing field grass & hedge cutting £- £1,092.00 £1,142.00 £1,192.00 (£45) + £55 towards hedge cutting in 2020

Duloe Common grass & hedge cutting £- £- £40.05 £40.53 Grass cutting Subs (SLCC / BATPC) £145.00 £159.00 £149.50 £159.00 BATPC. + share SLCC with Colmworth £35 Info commissioner, stationary items and printer cartridges Admin £214.32 £374.00 £374.00 £374.00 bought direct, prof advice, social events. Literature & info £60.00 £- £- £- Staploepc.org.uk e-mail domains started April 2018 (99p per month) may increase to £5 pm in 2019. Software costs £44 for MS Office & £7.50 for anti virus shared with Colmworth and will be met Software & email subscriptions £- £- £11.88 £60.00 from reserve so listed under "other payments" this year. Other assets (eg. street furniture / tools / office £1067.87 in 2018/19 used towards football containers and gazebo. equipment). Excl. playing field/ play area) £- £- £- £- Remainder from Ward Fund. Nothing budgeted in 2019-20. Budget assumes 7 PC meetings, 2 committee / Playing Field Village Hall Hire £278.00 £270.00 £164.50 £234.00 meetings and £15 towards each of 3 social events. Village Hall Works / Maintenance £250.00 £150.00 £164.22 £150.00 £150 for regular VH maintenance payment. £81 for 16 pages or £60 for 12. Assume 4 issues of 12 or 3 of 16. Newsletter £158.40 £250.00 £249.20 £250.00 Likely to be 3 issues of 16pp Contingency £300.00 £300.00 £300.00 Total regular payments £8,354.45 £10,000.68 £10,180.08 £9,959.28 Regular receipts - regular payments £3,092.38 £1,499.83 £1,320.43 £1,950.00 £1500 extra precept for transfers to reserve for hall and streetlights.

17

Nov 2018

Other payments (met from additional receipts eg. grants or earmarked reserves Forecast to 31st Actual 2017/18 Budget 2018/19 Mch 2019 Comment Ward fund of £700 used towards containers in April 2018 and £800 Ward Fund assets purchased £- £- £1,500.00 towards gazebo or services for containers in November Ward Fund donations £1,000.00 £- £- Hall heaters donated to Village Hall in 2017/18 Underspend from 2017/18 budget earmarked & used to buy Other assets purchased from earmarked res £800.00 containers + £700 ward fund Village Hall payments from earmarked reserve £150.00 £- £- Used towards heaters in 2017/18 £404.15 for laptop & software (from Transparency Code fund), £200 Payments from other earmarked reserves £71.59 £- £604.15 football club deposit returned Mobile speed sign (met by donation) £2,100.00 £- £- Purchased 2017/18 Hall hire for harvest supper £- £121.00 Assume ticket sales in other receipts cover this cost. Elections £- £- £225.00 Paid from reserve (total reserve is £550) Street light replacement £5,640.00 £4500 from reserves and £1140 from CIL money Other donations made by SPC £- £- £33.00 Total Other Payments £3,321.59 £- £8,698.15 £225.00 Total Payments £11,676.04 £10,000.68 £18,878.23 £10,184.28 Transfers to reserves Village Hall rebuild savings to earmarked reserve £1,350.00 £750.00 £750.00 £1,950.00 Street light replacement £750.00 £750.00 £- Heater refund £1,000.00 CIL income £464.00 Remainder used for street lights Total transfers to reserves £2,100.00 £1,500.00 £2,214.00 £1,950.00 Total Payments & Transfers to Reserve £13,776.04 £11,500.68 £21,092.23 £12,134.28 Total receipts - (total payments & transfers to reserve) £2,011.44 -£0.17 -£5,337.92 -£225.00 Election payment transferred out of reserve

530. Policies • The policy for viewing and commenting on planning applications was reviewed and some additional explanation regarding the Parish Council’s role was added. Proposed by Cllr. J. Thomson and seconded by Cllr. J. Ibbett.

18

Nov 2018

531. Contracts due for renewal in 2019 • Grass cutting on playing field and Duloe Common. The Clerk presented two quotes (Bradgate and Reynolds) and explained that Countrywide, Andy Worboys and Mark Ibbetts had been invited to quote but had not done so (Mark Ibbetts didn’t have suitable equipment). It was resolved to accept the quote from Bradgate for £1050 ex VAT to cut the field 8 times with extra cuts charged at £44.08 ex VAT and Duloe Common for £40.56 for 8 cuts ex VAT. Proposed by Cllr. D. Smith and seconded by Cllr. J. Ibbett. • Street light maintenance. It was resolved to exclude this from the budget as we plan to install LED lights. • 532. Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils • AGM report (Cllr. J. Ibbett) There was a presentation from Martin Tugwell, Programme Director, England’s Economic Heartland. The Expressway is due to start in 2022 between Caxton Gibbett and the Black Cat roundabout. The preferred route is due to be announced at the end of 2018. They are currently working on how the expressway will link to other connections between Oxford and Milton Keynes. They don’t want to undermine local development plans. The next 5 year block of funding and development starts in 2020. The conversation about the A1 and the East–West Expressway are a priority. In early January we should hear about the route for the East-West rail. East–West rail should reach Bedford / Sandy by 2027.

Next meeting: Tuesday 15th January

The meeting closed at 10.25pm

19