2023-2024 Full Parish Council - Minutes

Washingborough Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 21st February 2024 at 6.00pm in the Community Centre, Small Hall, Fen Road, Washingborough, Lincoln. LN4 1AB

Present:

•   Cllr Mrs J Aspinall
•   Cllr Mrs B Bland 
•   Cllr Mrs M Gibbons
•   Cllr R Harrington
•   Cllr Mrs L Hannam
•   Cllr G Peck (Facilitator)
•   Cllr Mrs L Simons
•   Cllr Mrs W Skelton
•   Cllr Mrs R Whipp

In Attendance: Miss K Broddle (Clerk) and Mrs E Salter (Assistant Clerk).

Also Present: District Cllr I Carrington. 

Members of the Public: Two members of the public were present.

a. Public Forum: None.

b. Reports from LCC and NKDC – The report from LCC was circulated prior to the meeting, Cllr Harrington gave a shortt verbal report for NKDC. (reports attached) 

91. Localism Act 2011 requirements:

a.   Apologies and reason for absence were received from Cllr Cawrey (LCC) and Cllr Goodwin (NKDC).

b.   Declarations of interest: None.

c.   Applications for dispensation: None.  

92. Draft notes of the Parish Council meeting held on 17th January 2024 were proposed, seconded and resolved for signing as the minutes.

93. Matters raised at Public Forum: None.

94. Clerks Report (for information only). 

a.   To note that the annual fire extinguisher inspection has been carried out and we are in receipt of the certificates of conformity. 

b.   To note that the works to the Maple tree on the Village Green have been carried out following NKDC decision that a TPO was not needed.

c.   To note the email from Doddington Hall informing us that they will no longer be able to deliver the Christmas Tree. 

d.   To note the email from Planning Services at LCC regarding planning application consultations. 

e.   Under Clerks delegated powers the annual request from Washingborough’s Army Cadet Force to use Chapel Park for training purposes has been accepted as no complaints have been received. 

f.   To advise that an anonymous letter has been received regarding a resident of Winchester Drive. 

95. To discuss and resolve the following:

a.   A volunteer to give the report at the Annual Parish meeting on 6th March. It was proposed, seconded and resolved that Cllr Mrs L Simons give the report.

b.   To agree the dates and times for the 20024/2025 meeting year. It was proposed, seconded and resolved that the dates and times be accepted. 

c.   That the clerking team look into the viability of applying for a grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund to replace the front door with accessible entrance of the Community Centre. It was proposed, seconded and resolved that the clerking team look into the grant and obtain quotes for the work.

d.   The request from Dancing Dungarees to set up their catering horse box in the car park serving refreshments. It was proposed, seconded and resolved to allow this other than when the local farmers market takes place in the village. The clerking team are to contact Dancing Dungarees to inform them that all rubbish must be taken away. 

e.   Attendance of Councillors at the Washingborough Wellbeing Friday at the Methodist Church on 15th March.  It was proposed, seconded and resolved that Cllr’s Gibbons, Peck and Simons attend in the afternoon. 

f.   The report from the flooding working party and any actions to be taken – it was reported that:  further questions had been put together; a meeting with the IDB is to take place shortly; the LCC report into the flooding problems will not be issue until October 2024; details of which authority dealt with what areas had been agreed in Nov 2023 but had not yet been released to either the public or the Parish Council; a reminder of how to dispose of sand bags safely was still to be published. 

96.  Planning Matters.

a.   To resolve any comments on the following applications received: None.

b.   To ratify comments on the following applications retuned under Clerks delegated powers: 

i.   24/0006/HOUS: Brook House, Fen Road, Washingborough. Demolition of existing conservatory and construction of two storey extension. Washingborough Parish Council had no comment to make on this application.

c.   To note the decisions from NKDC on the following applications:

i.   24/0006/HOUS: Brook House, Fen Road, Washingborough - Approved. 
   
97.   Financial Matters.

a.   The payment schedule for February 2024 was proposed, seconded and resolved and the salaries payments were noted.

b.   The accounts and budgets for January 2024 were noted.

c.   The Unity Trust bank statement for January 2024 was noted and signed.

98.  It was proposed, seconded and resolved that Cllr Mrs L Simons facilitates the March Full Parish Council meeting.
       
99.  Under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 it was proposed, seconded and resolved to move into closed session for the following items: 

100.  Staffing matters: 

a.   To update on the cleaning vacancy – it was advised that the recent recruitment drive for the vacant cleaning post had not been successful. However, the groundsman has offered to undertake an additional two working hours, to cover the weekend bookings.  This was agreed by Council and will be reviewed after six months.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 7.10pm

NKDC Report

Reece, Carola & Ian

Garden Waste

Customers seeking to set up or renew arrangements to have their brown garden waste bins collected from the kerbside, can do so shortly.

New applications can be made online, from February 2, HERE, where customers can also renew for a seamless service. Telephone arrangements open on February 29, calling on 01529 414155. The almost-20,000 customers already paying through direct debit will be advised about continuation of service by letter from early February. This is to enrol for a programme of collections running from March 25, 2024 to March 21, 2025. During that time customers will be able to present their brown garden waste bins for up to 24 collections, set out within a calendar and in accordance with the operational terms and conditions of the service. Collection dates for all bins can always be found HERE. .The fee for a first brown bin to be collected over the forthcoming service period is £45, which is a £5 increase on the current service year in recognition of increased operational costs. The cost to have additional bins collected from the same address remains at £8 each. For those who are joining the service and don’t have a bin, or for anyone wanting more bins, the cost to purchase a brown bin is £41. Customers can join the scheme at any time, but the fee for a full year applies. During the past year 35,526 households took up the District Council’s Garden waste service to have their brown bins containing grass and hedge clippings, twigs, leaves, weeds and flowers taken away; saving themselves the mess, hassle, cost and inconvenience of taking their garden material to a household waste centre or appointing a registered person to remove it for them. Customers can also dispose of their Christmas tree in their brown bin, if chopped up small.

The NK Cycle Hub

An exciting new initiative that recycles cycles for those in need and promotes confident cycling launched at ONE NK last week (Friday 26 January). Through the NK Cycle Hub – a renovated bus previously used as a mobile play space – the three spokes of the scheme are. Wheels for Life – taking donated serviceable pre-loved bikes and bringing them back to a usable condition, to be gifted to people who do not have the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of owning and using a bike. Wheels for All – creating opportunities for disabled people and people who’d otherwise not be able to cycle, with a specially adapted fleet of bikes suitable for all (1st accredited site in the East Midlands). Cycle confidence – Join sociable, led rides for beginners and to build confidence, as well as a ladies-own breeze rides.  All of this aligns with and extends North Kesteven District Council’s cycle, heath & wellbeing and climate action strategies encouraging more active participation and a sustainable shift to greener, more active lifestyles and transport choices.   For more information visit in how to donate a bike to the scheme visit HERE.

Rural England Prosperity Fund

Charities, community groups, social enterprises and parish and town councils operating within North Kesteven can apply for a share of £74,389 to help meet the costs of activities and opportunities for people living in rural areas.

The Rural England Prosperity Fund is part of the Government’s initiative for Levelling up, targeted at rurally isolated areas and running alongside the UK Shared Prosperity programme. Initial bids for between £5,000 and £10,000 should be made by February 16 for the capital costs of schemes that strengthen communities, building pride in place, bring people together and create social connections that will grow and thrive.                                                         

Projects must be in a rural area e.g. towns, villages and hamlets with populations below 10,000, or market or ‘hub towns’ with populations of up to 30,000 that serve their surrounding rural areas as centres of employment and in providing services. This means that some areas of North Hykeham and Waddington West are not eligible for funding.
On the Council’s behalf, the grants are being managed by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation which will support applicants through the process. 

Repair Café back for 2024

Sleaford’s Repair Café, run by Sleaford Climate Action Network, is returning in 2024 in a bid to keep more items out of the waste system and staying in use.

You can take along small electricals, toys, clothing and textiles, I.T. equipment, bicycles and many other items for a free repair by experienced volunteers (though donations are welcome). 

The café is open from 12.30pm – 3pm at the Riverside Church Hall, Southgate on:

•   Saturday 20 January
•   Saturday 16 March
•   Saturday 18 May
•   Saturday 20 July
•   Saturday 21 September
•   Saturday 16 November

The team are always looking for new repairers so if you have skills and experience in repairing any items, please contact Sleaford CAN.

For any enquiries, please email HERE or call or 07962 360581. View the poster HERE.

There are also repair cafes in Lincoln: search for Lincoln Repair Café UK on Facebook and Instagram.

Home energy upgrades

£300,000 secured for hard-to-reach home energy upgrades

We are part of a consortium that has been awarded £300,000 to help local homes become more energy-efficient. For some, searching for information online or making applications for support schemes is more difficult to do, and some houses are harder to adapt to be greener.

That’s where the Lincs 4 Warmer Homes scheme comes in, with a dedicated team that is tasked to help those who have struggled to access other schemes. Residents will receive one-to-one help to make improvements that will lead to cosier and more comfortable homes.

This is funded by the Government’s Local Energy Advice Demonstrator project and North Kesteven District Council is working with Lincoln City Council, South Kesteven District Council, West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council.

County Councillor Report - Cllr Lindesay Cawrey

21 February 2024

Parking Matters

I have written to Lincolnshire Highways following receipt of an email from a resident and in response to several posts on social media about the issues created by inconsiderate parking on Oak Hill and Policeman’s Lane. The initial response from Highways was that Oak Hill is quiet and narrow but can support two-way traffic as the dropped kerb between 3 and 5 gives a passing place which also keeps the driveway opposite clear, and that any parking restrictions may unnecessarily inconvenience residents and/ or visitors. However, while I accept this to a point, I did go back to Highways requesting a site visit and I sent them a photograph that I screen grabbed from a recent Facebook post illustrating the problem with parking.

I thank the parish council for your ongoing support on this matter and I ask that if you know of any other residents who have experienced issues to please contact me directly via my county council email address: cllrl.cawrey@lincolnshire.gov.uk so I can demonstrate to Highways that this is of growing concern.

Devolution Consultation

The consultation for the Greater Lincolnshire devolution has now concluded. Thanks to all of you who got involved and engaged our communities in the devolution deal - encouraging members of the public to have their say. 

It has been fantastic to hear our residents views at face-to-face events across the region, as well as from those groups who needed targeted communications to share their opinions.

In total we received 4,048 responses, which is a higher response rate than other devolution consultations that have taken place in other parts of the country recently. 

We’re currently collating the data and a detailed independent analysis of the results will be reported to us in a few weeks' time. The results will inform our next steps and will be presented to, and discussed, at Overview and Scrutiny Board on 12 March. Our Full Council will then consider the results on 13 March.

Updated Budget Proposals for 2024/25

This year, the council expects to spend almost £650m on providing a wide range of vital services, including:

•   £305m for adult care and community wellbeing
•   £114m for children’s services
•   £49m for highways
•   £25m for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue

The council has managed to find £9m in savings through reducing bureaucracy and implementing new technology. However, we still face £61m in additional cost pressures from rising prices and increased demand for our services.

The government recently announced that additional funding will be provided to help with increasing cost pressures, particularly those associated with social care. However, it’s important to recognise this is one-off funding and doesn’t significantly change the long-term picture. As a result, we still expect to have to use our reserves in future years to make up a funding shortfall.

So, to protect our frontline services from cuts, the executive has proposed a 4.99 per cent increase in the county council’s share of the council tax. Despite this, our council tax rate will still remain one of the lowest in the country for a shire county.

The proposal will be put before the full council on Friday 23 February 2024.

Usher Gallery – we want Your Views!

Thanks to funding from Arts Council England, we’ll be changing the artwork on display in the Usher Gallery. With the opportunity to use our vast collection in new ways, we’re wanting to hear from residents across Lincolnshire and beyond about what they enjoy seeing and what they’d like to see more of.
 
All the feedback we receive will help us to make sure we’re showcasing a wide variety art from our collection that people from across the county, and farther afield, will want to come and visit.
 
The rehang will take place in stages – one gallery space at a time – and the Usher will remain open as normal throughout so visitors can continue to enjoy art for free in Lincoln.
 
The survey is available on Let’s Talk Lincolnshire until Friday 12 April, and a series of in-person engagement events will be also be held for visitors to ask questions and find out more about the rehang from our experienced staff.

Residents can now ‘Buy with Confidence’

Trading Standards services across Lincolnshire have joined a national scheme that allows residents to know they’re buying from businesses that work in a legal, honest and fair way.
 
Businesses who sign up to the ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme will be vetted by Lincolnshire Trading Standards and added to an online database. Consumers can then search this database and have the confidence to know each businesses has been thoroughly examined and approved by Trading Standards.
 
In becoming members, businesses can help us steer people away from the rogue traders and fraudsters that give legitimate traders a bad name, and towards good, honest, reliable businesses.

Find out more about the scheme and its benefits by visiting www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/buywithconfidence

Cutting energy use while keeping homes warm

Lincolnshire County Council has supported a joint bid from North Kesteven District Council in partnership with City of Lincoln Council, South Kesteven District Council and West Lindsey District Council to The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. The successful bid was awarded £300,000 to the ‘Lincs 4 Warmer Homes’ Local Energy Advice Demonstrator project, with Lincolnshire County Council supporting a joint bid from.
 
This funding will be used to support people living in hard-to-modify homes and increase the uptake of government funding initiatives designed to help people on low incomes, or with long-term health conditions that could be made worse by living in a cold home.
 
A team of advisers have already been recruited to run drop-in advice sessions and visit households to establish what work is needed to better insulate their homes and make them more energy efficient. Lincs 4 Warmer Homes will also work with health professionals to identify people with long-term health issues who will benefit the most from improved homes.
 
It’s excellent news for the county and will build upon the good work of the Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance. This funding will go a long way to help those in the most need reduce their energy bills, keep their homes warm, and live healthier lives.

If you know someone who could benefit from this scheme and would like further information, please visit Connect2Support website.

Apprenticeship awards nominations now open

The county’s Apprenticeship Champion Awards are back for 2024 and this year for the first time, applications are being accepted from the North and North East Lincolnshire areas of the county.

The three categories for entries are:

•   Greater Lincolnshire Apprentice Champion 2024
•   Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Employer Champion 2024      
•   Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Training Provider Champion 2024

Award winners will need to demonstrate commitment, excellence in skills development and a clear drive to support success and growth. There are several online workshops being held over the next month to support those looking to apply.

If you know an apprentice who you would like to nominate, further information on how to apply, and the application forms can be found online. Applications opened on 11 January 2024 and will close at 9am on Monday 11 March 2024. 

Temporary Tarmac will be Replaced with Cobbles

There has been a lot of interest in the local media recently about our beautiful cobbled streets being repaired with Tarmac. As the Highways Authority for Lincolnshire, we have a duty to make sure our roads and paths are safe. It's why in areas of cobbles and setts you may see a patch of temporary Tarmac - without it there would be a big hole edged by stone blocks that would be unstable and unsafe.

So, our crews act as quickly as possible to make the surface safe and usable, while other officers work behind the scenes to arrange a permanent repair. Some areas we maintain are hundreds of years old, meaning cobbles and setts are often handmade and irregular in shape and size. This turns sourcing the right materials to create a seamless repair into a sometimes laborious task. 

It’s not always a quick job but when complete, and after weathering in, only those with a very keen eye should be able to see where the damaged had occurred at all - protecting the aesthetics of the area.

Coroners’ Services across Greater Lincolnshire set to Merge

North and North East Lincolnshire’s coroner area is set to be merged Greater Lincolnshire coroner areas in a move that will streamline the service and give better support to bereaved families.

The new area will become one of the largest and busiest in the country and enable the service to work consistently across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire. 

The merger proposals have been approved by the Ministry of Justice and current HM senior coroner Paul Smith will become the HM senior coroner for Greater Lincolnshire from 1 April, pending parliamentary approval.