MINUTES OF A MEETING OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 IN THE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICES
THOSE ATTENDING:
Cllr H Allsopp
Cllr E A Barrell (Chair)
Cllr J Rowell
Cllr P Vaughan
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr D L Nicholson Parish Clerk, Ms A Brindley Deputy Parish Clerk.
AGENDA PART 1
F001/19. 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
The following apologies were received: Cllr J Foster, Cllr G Huntley, Cllr L Watson for family commitments; Cllr K Grimes for illness and Cllr A Iley delay due to traffic. The meeting agreed that these were proper reasons for absence.
F002/19. 2. MEMBERS DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(S).
No declarations were made.
F003/19. 3. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN TO SERVE FOR THE COUNCIL YEAR 2019/20.
Cllr E A Barrell was duly moved, seconded and elected to serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee for the ensuing year.
F004/19. 4. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN TO SERVE FOR THE COUNCIL YEAR 2019/20.
Cllr J Rowell was duly moved, seconded and elected to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee for the ensuing year.
F005/19. 5. MINUTES.
Members noted that all previous minutes have been reported directly to the Parish Council.
F006/19. 6. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
F007/19. 7. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE TO THE END OF THE FINANCIAL QUARTER JULY – SEPTEMBER 2019
The Deputy Parish Clerk presented the budget report to the end of September highlighting those budget lines that given the Council year is half-way through, appeared to be heading towards an overspend. She explained that expenditure profiles were not evenly distributed over 12 months and it is the case that payment of a single invoice can account for the total annual expenditure.
RESOLVED: Members resolved that no additional actions were required.
F008/19 8. Budget 2020/21.
8.1. Management Reorganisation.
RESOLVED: Members considered that in view of the special and confidential nature of the business to be transacted it was advisable to refer consideration of this item under part 2 of the agenda.
8.2. Parish Council Representation.
The Parish Council is affiliated to those national organisations supporting the sector.
- The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is the recognised employers’ organisation, representing local councils at a national level as a member of the National Joint Committee (NJC) in respect of employment issues.
- The National Association of Councillors (NAC), an all-party voice for elected members, providing training and support for the sector.
- The Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) is the professional body for Parish Clerks and works closely with NALC to promote best practice and professional standards.
Each of these organisations delivers training for local council elected members and staff, the NAC and SLCC provide training up to degree level.
The Parish Clerk reported Cllr G Huntley has recently been elected as Vice Chairman of the National Association of Councillors English Region. Cllr E A Barrell has also been nominated as Vice Chairman of the Northumberland Association of Local Councils. These appointments should not result in any significant additional expenditure by the Parish Council. The Parish Clerk suggested, expenditure relating to NAC, NALC and SLCC membership and representation should be identified as a separate code in the budget for 2020/21.
RESOLVED:
- The meeting congratulated their colleagues on their appointments.
- The Clerk was asked to take forward those budget actions included in the report.
AGENDA PART 2.
Members considered that in respect of Standing Order 46a and in view of the special and confidential nature of the business to be transacted, that it was advisable in the public interest that the press and public be excluded and asked to withdraw.
F009/19. 9. GRANT REQUESTS: Members agreed to purchase and gift a
refrigerator and other kitchen equipment to Superstar Soccer Community Group.
F010/19. 10. ITEMS REFERRED FROM PART 1. FOR CONSIDERATION.
- MANAGEMENT REORGANISATION.
Members considered the need to review the Parish Councils management structure and received advice on governance and the council’s decision-making process.
RESOLVED: Members agreed that the revised structure would be approved as part of the budget process.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.15.
Signed by the Chairman: ……………………………………………. Date: …………………..