ECCLESHALL PARISH COUNCIL – POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE – Wednesday, June 8th 2022.

A meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee was held on Wednesday, June 8th 2022, following the Enhancements committee meeting, at 8.50pm.

1).   Present were:-         

Councillor P. Jones (Chair)                         Councillor R. Taylor

Councillor J. Jones                                        Councillor C. Wilkins

Councillor G. Dale

Observer: Cllr. D. Hill

Mrs S. J. Worden (Clerk)

No members of the Public

1).   Apologies:- Apologies were received from Councillors Perren, Reid, L. Dale and Amos.

  2).    To elect a Chairman and signature of declaration of office.

In line with Parish Council discussions whereby it was considered beneficial for the Parish Council chairman to also lead the Policy & Resources Committee, Councillor P. Jones stood and was duly re-elected as Chair for the ensuing year. Councillor P. Jones requested nominations for Vice-Chair of the committee and Councillor Perren was duly re-elected.

2).    Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday March 6^th 2022:-

The minutes, which had previously been noted by the Council, were agreed and signed.

3).   Budget update 2022/23:-

Prior to the meeting, the Clerk circulated an updated report detailing balances and expenditure to date against the budget.

This report was accepted by members.

The Clerk noted concern with the potential non receipt of the £2,500 annual Borough Bloom Grant. It is currently under scrutiny by the Borough Council to determine the grounds on which it is issued.

5).   To consider the deeds and insurances:

Members considered the updated deeds and insurances summary report provided by the Clerk and were confident all was in order.

6).   To provide an update on the research into alternatives to the NatWest Online banking account

The Clerk advised this is ongoing. A number of banks are still not accepting new applications and with customer service issues being reported with other banks, it is not considered the best time to be switching accounts. The clerk will review the situation with a view to bringing back options to the September meeting.

7).   To receive any feedback from the Business Plan working group

The first draft of the updated Business Plan was circulated prior to the meeting for review. All felt it was progressing well. Some minor amendments were noted and the working group agreed to arrange a meeting to progress the draft. Any further comments from members were requested to be submitted to the group.

8).   Consideration of Grant Requests

The Committee considered the grant request received by Eccleshall Rotary Club for £400 towards the supply and installation of a defibrillator to be located outside the library. The total project cost is estimated at £1,638 (including VAT).

The committee resolved to recommend approval of the grant for £400

9).   Items for next meeting:-

Any items for the next meeting can be forwarded to the Clerk

10).  Date of next meeting:–  Wednesday 7^th September 2022, following the planning committee meeting.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.05pm.