Minutes of the Finance Committee on 19 April 2023

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2023 IN THE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICES

 

THOSE ATTENDING:

Cllr H Allsopp

Cllr K Burn

Cllr A Iley

Cllr G Huntley

Cllr J Rowell (Chair)

Cllr P S Vaughan

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mrs A Brindley Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer, Mr D L Nicholson Deputy Parish Clerk, Mr D Iley Finance Officer

 

AGENDA PART 1

F012/22         1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

The following apologies were received:  Cllr J Foster (Illness), Cllr L Watson (medical appointment). The meeting agreed that these were proper reasons for absence.

 

F013/22         2.         MEMBERS DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(S).

Cllrs H Allsopp, A Iley, G Huntley and P S Vaughan indicated that they had a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 9

F014/22         3.      PUBLIC QUESTIONS

There were no questions from the public

 

F015/22         4.         MINUTES OF THE FINANCE MEETING OF 20 JULY 2022

 

Members noted that the minutes had been reported directly to the Parish Council, and agreed them as a true record.

 

F016/22         5.         MATTERS ARISING

No matters arising

 

F017/22         6.         CONSIDERATION OF FINANCIAL OUTTURN 2022-23

Members received the financial outturn report by the Parish Council, noting that the cash balance was reduced from the year 2021-22.  The Parish Clerk/RFO explained that year end had not been finalized but identified that expenditure this year included purchases of litter bins, 6 bus shelters and spares, and the replacement of office photocopiers.

 

 F018/22         7.         CONSIDERATION OF EARMARKED BALANCES FOR 2023-24

Members received the information regarding earmarked balances, noting that the Council has identified £100,000 as the contribution to Cleaswell Park refurbishment, although it was expected that grants could be obtained towards the cost.

 

F019/22         8.         THE REVISiON OF FINANCIAL REGULATiONS

 Members considered the revision of financial regulations relating to the payment of invoices directly though the bank.

 

RESOLVED: Members approved the revision of Financial Regulations to be reported to the Parish Council

 F020/22         9.         TO CONSIDER A FINANCIAL ADDENDUM TO PARTNERSHIP

 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

The Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer explained the Council has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with each strategic partner  The MoU with Stakeford and Bomarsund Sport and Social Welfare Centre requires an addendum to guide both the Parish Council and Welfare on financial matters governing areas of joint funding.  This addendum will advance financial principles associated with all partnerships covered by MoU.

The Parish Clerk and the Secretary of the Welfare had prepared a joint draft guidance for consideration by the Finance committee.  Cllrs P Vaughan, H Allsopp, A Iley and G Huntley who are Trustees appointed by Northumberland County Council to Stakeford and Bomarsund Welfare declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item.  With 4 of the 6 members in attendance declaring an interest, the meeting agreed to this item being decided at the next meeting of the Parish Council.

Items of shared funding, made under delegated powers was reported for information by the Clerk.

  • The payment of soft furnishings towards the ‘warm room’ scheme
  • The shared cost of electricity charges
  • The shared cost towards upgrade to sustainable lighting

 

RESOLVED:  Members thanked the officers for their report and noted the delegated expenditure.

 

AGENDA – PART 2.

Members considered under Standing Order 3, that in view of the special and confidential nature of the business to be transacted, it was advisable in the public interest that the press and public be excluded and asked to withdraw.

 

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 11.10 am

 

 

 

Signed by the Chairman: …………………………………………….               Date:  …………………..