Fiona

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

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RECEIPTS20222023
Precept£8,323.20 £0
VAT£0 £0
Community Infrastructure Levy£0 £566.85
DCC Locality Budget£279£0
Grants£0£2,142.45
Other£125.40
Interest on business reserve £30.93
TOTAL RECEIPTS£8,727.60£2,740.23
PAYMENTS20222023
Clerk’s salary£2,101.58£686.22
Clerk’s expenses£53.69£3.38
Clerk’s pension£205.36£68.58
HMRC / PAYE£0 
Parish room / village hall hire £92.50£0
Subscriptions£171£40 
Audit£150 
VAT incurred£385.93£28.83
Lengthsman£628.75£0
Lengthsman expenses£53.76£0
Maintenance£1,340£65
Donations S137£0£400 
Website & related£79.50£0
Defibrillator (Hayne Farm) £0£0
Defibrillator annual maintenance x2£270 £135
Insurance£420.44£0 
Insurance (lengthsman)£0£275.54
Gittisham Gazette printing £0£0
Other miscellaneous expenditure£2,775.40£1,045.53
TOTAL PAYMENTS£8,727.91£2,748.08
TOTAL PROFIT / LOSS FOR THE YEAR-£0.31-£7.85
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS SUMMARY 
Balance b/f£18,942.80
Gross income and reserves£14,467.83
Less total payment£11,475.99
TOTAL£21,934.64
BANK BALANCES 31.03.2023 
Nat West Business Reserve£7,061.99
Nat West Current Account£14,872.65
Unpresented cheques£0
TOTAL£21,934.64

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL PAYMENTS OVER £100 1 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023

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DATEPAYMENT – VendorPAYMENT – DescriptionPayment TypeITEMAMOUNT INC VATVAT
       
07.04.2022ClerkClerk’s salary & expensesClerk salary & expenses6£226.860
07.04.2022Devon Assoc of Local CouncilsAnnual membershipMemberships7£193.32£22.32
12.05.2022ClerkClerk’s salary & expensesClerk’s salary & expenses15£231.730
12.05.2022RosPAPlay area annual inspectionPlay area16£109.20£18.20
12.05.2022Community FirstAnnual insurance policyPlay area & assets20£420.440
12.05.2022Fiona ClampinReimbursement for solar lightsAssets22£139.980
12.05.2022Carol HallReimbursement for jubilee party costsGeneral administration24£442.740
09.06.2022ClerkClerk salary & expensesClerk salary & expenses26£231.73
09.06.2022Janet TwistReimbursement for printing of Hayne Farm defib info leafletGeneral administration28£1710
09.06.2022Alison MarshallAnnual auditGeneral admin35£1500
05.07.2022ClerkClerk salary & expensesClerk salary & expenses38£230.100
05.07.2022Honiton GlassRepair of telephone box panesGeneral administration41£143.16£23.86
05.07.2022ClerkClerk salary Clerk salary45£228.740
05.07.2022Len AbbottLengthsman workLengthsman46£159.500
05.07.2022Gittisham Parish HallHire of village hall for weekly community kitchenGeneral administration48£2500
16.08.2022Michael PollRepair to play area fenceMaintenance51£5600
01.09.2022ClerkClerk salaryClerk salary52£228.740
01.09.2022Len AbbottLengthsman workLengthsman54£224.750
06.10.2022ClerkClerk salaryClerk salary60£228.740
15.11.2022Community Heartbeat TrustDefibrillator maintenance subscriptionGeneral administration66£324£54
15.11.2022ClerkClerk salary Clerk salary 67£228.740
01.12.2022ClerkClerk salaryClerk salary69£228.740
01.12.2022Peter OrchardReimbursement for printing of EDDC Local Plan info leafletGeneral administration72£1250
01.12.2022Sara TrumperReimbursement for Gittisham Community Kitchen food costs & sundriesGeneral administration74£218.200
01.12.2022Noticeboard Company3 x notice boards for bus sheltersGeneral administration / assets75£1,010.680
01.12.2022Noticeboard Company3 x notice boards for bus shelters VAT portionGeneral administration / assets76£0£202.17
05.01.2023ClerkClerk salary & expensesClerk salary & expenses79£229.420
05.01.2023Sara TrumperReimbursement for Gittisham Community Kitchen food costs & sundriesGeneral administration80£215.240
05.01.2023Gittisham Parish HallPurchase of comfy chairsGeneral administration82£1500
05.01.2023Len AbbottLengthsman workLengthsman83£1160
02.02.2023ClerkClerk salary & expensesClerk salary & expenses90£231.440
02.02.2023Sara TrumperReimbursement for Gittisham Community Kitchen food costs & sundriesGeneral administration91£187.690
02.02.2023Community Heartbeat TrustDefibrillator (Hayne Farm) maintenance subscriptionGeneral administration92£162£27
02.02.2023Arthur G Gallagher Ins.Public liability insurance (lengthsman)Lengthsman93£275.540
02.03.2023ClerkClerk salaryClerk salary97£228.740
02.03.2023Sara TrumperReimbursement for Gittisham Community Kitchen food costs & sundriesGeneral administration98£199.820

Notice of public rights 2022-23 – exempt authorities

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WHAT EXEMPT AUTHORITIES NEED TO DO TO ADVERTISE THE PERIOD DURING WHICH ELECTORS AND INTERESTED PERSONS MAY EXERCISE RIGHTS RELATING TO THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 require that:

1. The statement of accounts prepared by the authority (i.e. the Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) Part 2), the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested, during a period of 30 working days set by the smaller authority and including the first 10 working days of July.

2. The period referred to in paragraph (1) starts with the day on which the period for the exercise of public rights is treated as having been commenced i.e. the day following the day on which all of the obligations in paragraph (3) below have been fulfilled.

3. The responsible financial officer for an exempt authority must, on behalf of that authority, publish (which must include publication on the authority’s website):

(a) the Accounting Statements (i.e. Section 2 of the AGAR Part 2), accompanied by:

(i) a declaration, signed by that officer to the effect that the statement of accounts will not be audited on account of that authority’s self-certified status as exempt, unless either a request for an opportunity to question the auditor about the authority’s accounting records under section 26(2) or an objection under section 27(1) of the Act, results in the involvement of the local auditor;

(ii) the Annual Governance Statement (i.e. Section 1 of the AGAR Part 2); and

(iii) the Certificate of Exemption (i.e. Page 3 of the AGAR Part 2); and

(b) a statement that sets out—

(i) the period for the exercise of public rights;

(ii) details of the manner in which notice should be given of an intention to inspect the accounting records and other documents;

(iii) the name and address of the local auditor;

(iv) the provisions contained in section 25 (inspection of statements of accounts etc), section 26 (inspection of documents etc) and section 27 (right to make objections at audit) of the Act, as they have effect in relation to the authority in question;  

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

You will meet statutory requirements if you fully and accurately complete the notice of public rights pro forma in this document; and publish (including publication on the smaller authority’s website) the following documents, the day before the public rights period commences:

  1. the approved Sections 1 and 2 of Part 2 of the AGAR; and
  2. the completed Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Annual Governance & Accountability Return (Exempt Authority). Please note that we have pre-completed it with the following suggested dates: Monday 5 June – Friday 14 July 2023. (The latest possible dates that comply with the statutory requirements are Monday 3 July – Friday 11 August 2023); and
  3. the notes which accompany the Notice (Local authority accounts: a summary of your rights).

Smaller authority name: GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN (EXEMPT AUTHORITY)

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 25, 26 and 27

The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)

NOTICENOTES
    1. Date of announcement_2nd July 2023____________________________(a) 2. Each year the smaller authority prepares an Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR).  The AGAR has been published with this notice. It will not be reviewed by the appointed auditor, since the smaller authority has certified itself as exempt from the appointed auditor’s review. Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the AGAR, the accounting records for the financial year to which it relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested. For the year ended 31 March 2023, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to:   (b)             Fiona Clampin (clerk, Gittisham Parish Council), Garlands, Gittisham EX14 3AJ  Tel. 01404 851442 email:   commencing on (c) __Monday 3 July 2023 _______________________     and ending on (d) ___Friday 11 August 2023 ________________________   3. Local government electors and their representatives also have:   The opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and The right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority.   The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only.   4. The smaller authority’s AGAR is only subject to review by the appointed auditor if questions or objections raised under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 lead to the involvement of the auditor.  The appointed auditor is:   PKF Littlejohn LLP (Ref: SBA Team) 15 Westferry Circus Canary Wharf London E14 4HD ()   5. This announcement is made by (e) Fiona Clampin Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer Gittisham Parish Council      (a) Insert date of placing of the notice which must be not less than 1 day before the date in (c) below                     (b) Insert name, position and address/telephone number/ email address, as appropriate, of the Clerk or other person to which any person may apply to inspect the accounts   (c) Insert date, which must be at least 1 day after the date of announcement in (a) above and at least 30 working days before the date appointed in (d) below   (d) The inspection period between (c) and (d) must be 30 working days inclusive and must include the first 10 working days of July.                                               (e) Insert name and position of person placing the notice – this person must be the responsible financial officer for the smaller authority

LOCAL AUTHORITY ACCOUNTS: A SUMMARY OF YOUR RIGHTS

Please note that this summary applies to all relevant smaller authorities, including local councils, internal drainage boards and ‘other’ smaller authorities.

The basic position

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (the Act) governs the work of auditors appointed to smaller authorities. This summary explains the provisions contained in Sections 26 and 27 of the Act. The Act and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 also cover the duties, responsibilities and rights of smaller authorities, other organisations and the public concerning the accounts being audited.

As a local elector, or an interested person, you have certain legal rights in respect of the accounting records of smaller authorities. As an interested person you can inspect accounting records and related documents. If you are a local government elector for the area to which the accounts relate you can also ask questions about the accounts and object to them. You do not have to pay directly for exercising your rights. However, any resulting costs incurred by the smaller authority form part of its running costs. Therefore, indirectly, local residents pay for the cost of you exercising your rights through their council tax.

The right to inspect the accounting records

Any interested person can inspect the accounting records, which includes but is not limited to local electors. You can inspect the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records. You can copy all, or part, of these records or documents. Your inspection must be about the accounts, or relate to an item in the accounts. You cannot, for example, inspect or copy documents unrelated to the accounts, or that include personal information (Section 26 (6) – (10) of the Act explains what is meant by personal information). You cannot inspect information which is protected by commercial confidentiality. This is information which would prejudice commercial confidentiality if it was released to the public and there is not, set against this, a very strong reason in the public interest why it should nevertheless be disclosed.

When smaller authorities have finished preparing accounts for the financial year and approved them, they must publish them (including on a website). There must be a 30 working day period, called the ‘period for the exercise of public rights’, during which you can exercise your statutory right to inspect the accounting records. Smaller authorities must tell the public, including advertising this on their website, that the accounting records and related documents are available to inspect. By arrangement you will then have 30 working days to inspect and make copies of the accounting records. You may have to pay a copying charge. The 30 working day period must include a common period of inspection during which all smaller authorities’ accounting records are available to inspect. This will be 3-14 July 2023 for 2022/23 accounts. The advertisement must set out the dates of the period for the exercise of public rights, how you can communicate to the smaller authority that you wish to inspect the accounting records and related documents, the name and address of the auditor, and the relevant legislation that governs the inspection of accounts and objections.

The right to ask the auditor questions about the accounting records

You should first ask your smaller authority about the accounting records, since they hold all the details. If you are a local elector, your right to ask questions of the external auditor is enshrined in law. However, while the auditor will answer your questions where possible, they are not always obliged to do so. For example, the question might be better answered by another organisation, require investigation beyond the auditor’s remit, or involve disproportionate cost (which is borne by the local taxpayer). Give your smaller authority the opportunity first to explain anything in the accounting records that you are unsure about. If you are not satisfied with their explanation, you can question the external auditor about the accounting records.

The law limits the time available for you formally to ask questions. This must be done in the period for the exercise of public rights, so let the external auditor know your concern as soon as possible. The advertisement or notice that tells you the accounting records are available to inspect will also give the period for the exercise of public rights during which you may ask the auditor questions, which here means formally asking questions under the Act. You can ask someone to represent you when asking the external auditor questions.

Before you ask the external auditor any questions, inspect the accounting records fully, so you know what they contain. Please remember that you cannot formally ask questions, under the Act, after the end of the period for the exercise of public rights. You may ask your smaller authority other questions about their accounts for any year, at any time. But these are not questions under the Act.

You can ask the external auditor questions about an item in the accounting records for the financial year being audited. However, your right to ask the external auditor questions is limited. The external auditor can only answer ‘what’ questions, not ‘why’ questions. The external auditor cannot answer questions about policies, finances, procedures or anything else unless it is directly relevant to an item in the accounting records. Remember that your questions must always be about facts, not opinions. To avoid misunderstanding, we recommend that you always put your questions in writing.

The right to make objections at audit

You have inspected the accounting records and asked your questions of the smaller authority. Now you may wish to object to the accounts on the basis that an item in them is in your view unlawful or there are matters of wider concern arising from the smaller authority’s finances. A local government elector can ask the external auditor to apply to the High Court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful, or to issue a report on matters which are in the public interest. You must tell the external auditor which specific item in the accounts you object to and why you think the item is unlawful, or why you think that a public interest report should be made about it. You must provide the external auditor with the evidence you have to support your objection. Disagreeing with income or spending does not make it unlawful. To object to the accounts you must write to the external auditor stating you want to make an objection, including the information and evidence below and you must send a copy to the smaller authority. The notice must include:

  • confirmation that you are an elector in the smaller authority’s area;
  • why you are objecting to the accounts and the facts on which you rely;
  • details of any item in the accounts that you think is unlawful; and
  • details of any matter about which you think the external auditor should make a public interest report.

Other than it must be in writing, there is no set format for objecting. You can only ask the external auditor to act within the powers available under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.

A final word

You may not use this ‘right to object’ to make a personal complaint or claim against your smaller authority.  You should take such complaints to your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, local Law Centre or to your solicitor. Smaller authorities, and so local taxpayers, meet the costs of dealing with questions and objections.  In deciding whether to take your objection forward, one of a series of factors the auditor must take into account is the cost that will be involved, they will only continue with the objection if it is in the public interest to do so. They may also decide not to consider an objection if they think that it is frivolous or vexatious, or if it repeats an objection already considered. If you appeal to the courts against an auditor’s decision not to apply to the courts for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful, you will have to pay for the action yourself.

For more detailed guidance on public rights and the special powers of auditors, copies of the publication Local authority accounts: A guide to your rights are available from the NAO website.  If you wish to contact your authority’s appointed external auditor please write to the address in paragraph 4 of the Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return.  

Explanation of variances 2022-23

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Name of smaller authority: GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

County area (local councils and parish meetings only: DEVON

Please provide full explanations, including numerical values, for the following:

  • variances of more than 15% between totals for individual boxes (except variances of less than £200);
  • a breakdown of approved reserves if the total reserves (Box 7) figure is more than twice the annual precept/rates & levies value (Box 2).
Section 22021/22 £2022/23 £Variance £Variance %Detailed explanation of variance (with amounts £)
Box 2 Precept or Rates and Levies    83238,32300n/a  
Box 3 Total other receipts      7,1783,1454,03356.2
CIL receipts in the year 2021/22 were much higher, and VAT for two consecutive years was reclaimed.  No VAT claim was carried out in 2022/23 but this is pending.
Box 4 Staff costs        2,9693,062-93-3.1n/a  
Box 5 Loan interest/ capital repayments      NIL    NIL    NIL    NIL    n/a  
Box 6 All other payments      6,8228,414-1,592-23.33
In 2022/23 GPC paid for large items such as noticeboards, repairs to the play area and contributed towards a major new venture in the parish, the Community Kitchen.
Box 9 Total fixed assets & long term investments & assets28,86230,308-1,446-5n/a
Box 10 Total borrowings      NILNILNILNIL    n/a  
Explanation for ‘high’ reserves      
Box 7 is more than twice Box 2 because the authority held the following breakdown of reserves at the year end:
 
£7,061.99 Contingency
£5,769.39 CIL		 

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2023

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RECEIPTS

Precept£8,323.20 
CIL£566.85 
Other£2,546.85 
VAT rebates£3,346.95 
net interest (on business reserve a/c)£30.93 
Gross receipts


PAYMENTS		 £11,467.83
Administration£57.07 
Salaries£2,787.80 
Pension£273.94 
S137 / Transport£400.00 
VAT payments£414.76 
Maintenance£1,405.00 
Lengthsman£726.01 
Other£5,411.41 this doesn’t include £3,000 moved to business reserve, see below)
Total payments£11,475.99
Excess of receipts over payments

BANK RECONCILIATION		£-8.16
Balance b/fwd 1 April 2022£18,942.80

Gross Receipts current and reserves accounts (includes the £3,000 moved to the BR in 2017) £14,467.83

less total payments          £11,475.99

Cashbook Balance                                                                                                                       £21,932.64

Bank balance as at 31 March 2023      Current Acc                                             £14,872.65

Reserves Acc        £7,061.99

less unpresented cheques               £0.00

Bank Account Balance         £21,932.64 as per cashbook balance

Responsible Financial Officer 

Fiona Clampin

Clerk Signature

 Chair         

Carol Hall

Chairman Signature

1st June 2023





Certificate of Exemption – AGAR 2022/23 Part 2

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To be completed by smaller authorities where the higher of gross income or gross expenditure did not exceed £25,000 in the year of account ended 31 March 2023, and that wish to certify  themselves as exempt from a limited assurance review under Section 9 of the Local Audit  (Smaller Authorities) Regulations 2015

There is no requirement to have a limited assurance review or to submit an Annual Governance and Accountability Return to the external auditor, provided that the authority has certified itself as exempt at a meeting of the  authority after 31 March 2023 and a completed Certificate of Exemption is submitted no later than 30 June 2023 notifying the external auditor.

Gittisham Parish Council

certifies that during the financial year 2022/23, the higher of the authority’s total gross income for the year or total gross annual expenditure, for the year did not exceed £25,000

Total annual gross income for the authority 2022/23: £11,468
Total annual gross expenditure for the authority 2022/23: £11,476

There are certain circumstances in which an authority will be unable to certify itself as exempt, so that a limited  assurance review will still be required. If an authority is unable to confirm the statements below then it  cannot certify itself as exempt and it must submit the completed Annual Governance and Accountability Return Part 3 to the external auditor to undertake a limited assurance review for which a fee of £200 +VAT will be payable.

By signing this Certificate of Exemption you are confirming that:

  • The authority was in existence on 1st April 2019
  • In relation to the preceding financial year (2021/22), the external auditor has not:
  • issued a public interest report in respect of the authority or any entity connected with it
  • made a statutory recommendation to the authority, relating to the authority or any entity connected with it
  • issued an advisory notice under paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 8 to the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (“the Act”), and has not withdrawn the notice
  • commenced judicial review proceedings under section 31(1) of the Act
  • made an application under section 28(1) of the Act for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful, and the application has not been withdrawn nor has the court refused to make the declaration
  • The court has not declared an item of account unlawful after a person made an appeal under section 28(3) of the Act.

If you are able to confirm that the above statements apply and that the authority neither received gross income, nor incurred gross expenditure, exceeding £25,000, then the Certificate of Exemption can be signed and a copy submitted to the external auditor either by email or by post (not both).

The Annual Internal Audit Report, Annual Governance Statement, Accounting Statements, an analysis of  variances and the bank reconciliation plus the information required by Regulation 15 (2), Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 including the period for the exercise of public rights still need to be fully completed and,  along with a copy of this certificate, published on the authority website/webpage* before 1 July 2023.  By signing this certificate you are also confirming that you are aware of this requirement.

*Published web address

ONLY this Certificate of Exemption should be returned EITHER by email OR by post (not both) as soon as possible after certification to your external auditor, but no later than 30 June 2023. Reminder letters incur a charge of £40 +VAT

Annual Internal Audit Report 2022/23

Signed by the Responsible Financial Officer

Clerk Signature

Date 01/06/2023

Signed by Chairman

Date 01/06/2023

I confirm that this Certificate of Exemption was approved by this authority on this date: 01/06/2023

as recorded in minute reference: 40/23

Generic email address of Authority:

Telephone Number 01404 851442

Published Web address www.gittisham.org.uk

Gittisham Parish Council

www.gittisham.org.uk

During the financial year ended 31 March 2023, this authority’s internal auditor acting independently and on the basis of an assessment of risk, carried out a selective assessment of compliance with the relevant procedures and controls in operation and obtained appropriate evidence from the authority.

The internal audit for 2022/23 has been carried out in accordance with this authority’s needs and planned coverage. On the basis of the findings in the areas examined, the internal audit conclusions are summarised in this table. Set out below are the objectives of internal control and alongside are the internal audit conclusions on whether, in all significant respects, the control objectives were being achieved throughout the financial year to a standard adequate to meet the needs of this authority.

Internal control objectiveYesNo*Not covered** 
A.  Appropriate accounting records have been properly kept throughout the financial year.Y   
B.  This authority complied with its financial regulations, payments were supported by invoices, all expenditure was approved and VAT was appropriately accounted for.Y   
C.  This authority assessed the significant risks to achieving its objectives and reviewed the adequacy of arrangements to manage these.Y   
D.  The precept or rates requirement resulted from an adequate budgetary process; progress against the budget was regularly monitored; and reserves were appropriate.Y   
E.  Expected income was fully received, based on correct prices, properly recorded, and promptly banked; and VAT was appropriately accounted for.Y   
F.  Petty cash payments were properly supported by receipts, all petty cash expenditure was approved and VAT appropriately accounted for.  Not applicable 
G. Salaries to employees and allowances to members were paid in accordance with this authority’s approvals, and PAYE and NI requirements were properly applied.Y   
H. Asset and investments registers were complete and accurate and properly maintained.Y   
I. Periodic bank account reconciliations were properly carried out during the year.Y   
J. Accounting statements prepared during the year were prepared on the correct accounting basis (receipts and payments or income and expenditure), agreed to the cash book, supported by an adequate audit trail from underlying records and where appropriate debtors and creditors were properly recorded.Y   
K. If the authority certified itself as exempt from a limited assurance review in 2021/22, it met the exemption criteria and correctly declared itself exempt. (If the authority had a limited assurance review of its 2021/22 AGAR tick “not covered”)Y   
L. The authority publishes information on a website/webpage, up to date at the time of the internal audit, in accordance with the Transparency code for smaller authorities.Y   
M. The authority, during the previous year (2021-22) correctly provided for the period for the  exercise of public rights as required by the Accounts and Audit Regulations (evidenced by the notice published on the website and/or authority approved minutes confirming the dates set).Y   
N. The authority has complied with the publication requirements for 2021/22 AGAR  (see AGAR Page 1 Guidance Notes).Y   
 O. (For local councils only)   Trust funds (including charitable) – The council met its responsibilities as a trustee.YesNoNot applicable
   
Y

For any other risk areas identified by this authority adequate controls existed (list any other risk areas on separate sheets if needed).

Date(s) internal audit undertaken                              Name of person who carried out the internal audit

24/05/2023 – 26/05/2023                     Trudie Jenkins

Signature of person who carried out the internal audit  

                        

Auditor Signature
  Date26/05/2023
*If the response is ‘no’ please state the implications and action being taken to address any weakness in control identified (add separate sheets if needed). **Note: If the response is ‘not covered’ please state when the most recent internal audit work was done in this area and when it is next planned; or, if coverage is not required, the annual internal audit report must explain why not (add separate sheets if needed).

Section 1 – Annual Governance Statement 2022/23

We acknowledge as the members of:

Gittisham Parish Council

our responsibility for ensuring that there is a sound system of internal control, including arrangements for the preparation of the Accounting Statements. We confirm, to the best of our knowledge and belief, with respect to the Accounting Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023, that:

Agreed
 YesNo‘Yes’ means that this authority:
1. We have put in place arrangements for effective financial management during the year, and for the preparation of the accounting statements. Y prepared its accounting statements in accordance   with the Accounts and Audit Regulations.
2. We maintained an adequate system of internal control including measures designed to prevent and detect fraud and corruption and reviewed its effectiveness.  Y made proper arrangements and accepted responsibility  for safeguarding the public money and resources in  its charge.
3. We took all reasonable steps to assure ourselves      that there are no matters of actual or potential              non-compliance with laws, regulations and Proper       Practices that could have a significant financial effect              on the ability of this authority to conduct its        business or manage its finances.  Y has only done what it has the legal power to do and has complied with Proper Practices in doing so.
4. We provided proper opportunity during the year for  the exercise of electors’ rights in accordance with the requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations.  Y during the year gave all persons interested the opportunity to inspect and ask questions about this authority’s accounts.
5. We carried out an assessment of the risks facing this authority and took appropriate steps to manage those risks, including the introduction of internal controls and/or external insurance cover where required.  Y considered and documented the financial and other risks it faces and dealt with them properly.
6. We maintained throughout the year an adequate and  effective system of internal audit of the accounting  records and control systems.  Y arranged for a competent person, independent of the financial controls and procedures, to give an objective view on whether internal controls meet the needs of this smaller authority.
7. We took appropriate action on all matters raised  in reports from internal and external audit.  Y responded to matters brought to its attention by internal and external audit.
8. We considered whether any litigation, liabilities or  commitments, events or transactions, occurring either during or after the year-end, have a financial impact on this authority and, where appropriate, have included them in the accounting statements.  Y disclosed everything it should have about its business activity during the year including events taking place after the year end if relevant.
9. (For local councils only) Trust funds including  charitable. In our capacity as the sole managing  trustee we discharged our accountability  responsibilities for the fund(s)/assets, including  financial reporting and, if required, independent  examination or audit.N/Ahas met all of its responsibilities where as a body corporate it is a sole managing trustee of a local trust or trusts.
   

*For any statement to which the response is ‘no’, an explanation must be published

This Annual Governance Statement was approved at a meeting of the authority on:

01/06/2023

Signed by the Chairman and Clerk of the meeting where approval was given:

Chairman

Chairman Signature

       Clerk

Clerk Signature

and recorded as minute reference: 38/23

Other information required by the Transparency Code (not part of the Annual Governance Statement)
The authority website/webpage is up to date and the information required by the Transparency Code has  been published.YesNo
  

www.gittisham.org.uk

Section 2 – Accounting Statements 2022/23 for

Gittisham Parish Council

 Year endingNotes and guidance
31 March 2022 £31 March 2023 £Please round all figures to nearest £1. Do not leave any boxes blank and report £0 or Nil balances. All figures must agree to underlying financial records.
1. Balances brought  forward16,23321,943Total balances and reserves at the beginning of the year  as recorded in the financial records. Value must agree to Box 7 of previous year.
2. (+) Precept or Rates and Levies8,3238,323Total amount of precept (or for IDBs rates and levies) received or receivable in the year. Exclude any grants received.
3. (+) Total other receipts7,1783,145Total income or receipts as recorded in the cashbook less the precept or rates/levies received (line 2). Include any grants received.
4. (-) Staff costs2,9693,062Total expenditure or payments made to and on behalf  of all employees. Include gross salaries and wages,  employers NI contributions, employers pension  contributions, gratuities and severance payments.
5. (-) Loan interest/capital repayments00Total expenditure or payments of capital and interest made during the year on the authority’s borrowings (if any).
6.  (-) All other payments6,8228,414Total expenditure or payments as recorded in the cashbook less staff costs (line 4) and loan interest/capital repayments (line 5).
7. (=) Balances carried forward21,94321,935Total balances and reserves at the end of the year. Must equal (1+2+3) – (4+5+6).
8. Total value of cash and short term investments21,94321,935The sum of all current and deposit bank accounts, cash holdings and short term investments held as at 31 March – To agree with bank reconciliation.
9. Total fixed assets plus long term investments  and assets28,86230,308The value of all the property the authority owns – it is made up of all its fixed assets and long term investments as at  31 March.
10. Total borrowings00The outstanding capital balance as at 31 March of all loans from third parties (including PWLB).
11. (For Local Councils Only) Disclosure note re Trust funds (including charitable)YesNoThe Council as a body corporate acts as sole trustee for and is responsible for managing Trust funds or assets.
 NN.B. The figures in the accounting statements above do not include any Trust transactions.

I certify that for the year ended 31 March 2023 the Accounting

Statements in this Annual Governance and Accountability Return have been prepared on either a receipts and  payments or income and expenditure basis following the guidance in Governance and Accountability for Smaller  Authorities – a Practitioners’ Guide to Proper Practices  and present fairly the financial position of this authority.

Signed by Responsible Financial Officer before being  presented to the authority for approval:

Clerk Signature

Date 01/06/2023

I confirm that these Accounting Statements were approved by this authority on this date:

01/06/2023

as recorded in minute reference: 39/23

Signed by Chairman of the meeting where the  Accounting Statements were approved

Chairman Signature

2023-06 Parish Council agenda 1st June 2023

by

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Ms Fiona Clampin

Clerk to the Council

Garlands

Gittisham

Honiton

EX14 3AJ

01404 851442

25th May 2023

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the June Parish Council Meeting to be held in Gittisham Parish Room on Thursday 1st June 2023 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.

Prior to the start of the meeting a period of 15 minutes is allowed to permit any resident to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the Council.  Please contact the clerk if you would like to do this, preferably by email in advance of the meeting, with a question you wish to be raised with Councillors on your behalf. 

  1. To accept and approve apologies
  2. To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 11th May 2023
  3. To receive the Beat Manager’s report
  4. To receive declarations of interest
  5. To consider actions from last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
  6. To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
  7. To receive a presentation by Airband
  8. To consider the following planning applications:

a) 23/1056/FUL – Unit B Weston Park Devonshire Road Heathpark Industrial Estate – Installation of vents and flues on north, west and east elevations, removal of window on north elevation

b) 23/1009/FUL Landscores Cottage EX14 3AU Single storey extension to dwelling and general purpose agricultural barn

c) 23/0110/LBC Charlies Cottage 1 Beaumont Cottages EX14 3AG

Replace all windows to match existing with slim line double glazing; gas central heating; Install underfloor heating system to the entire ground floor; Block up doorway on north elevation; New window on north elevation to kitchen.; New internal doorway between dining room and created bedroom/office.; New window on east elevation to create bedroom/office; new conservation roof window to the new bedroom/office on east elevation; Open up the fireplace for an investigation, reinstate fireplace. Radiators at first floor.

  1. To consider the following licensing application:
  • Combe Farm Shop, Hayne Farm, Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3PD Ref.055816

Premises Licence Application to include

Premises Open Hours requested

Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 23:00

Sunday 09:00 to 20:00

Activities – Times requested

Supply of alcohol for consumption On and Off the Premises

Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 23:00

Sunday 09:00 to 20:00

  1. To consider the impact of the Truck Festival, May 2023 (Cllr Twist)
  2. To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
  • To note the latest planning decision notices (Cllr Orchard)
  • To receive an update on highways (Cllr Orchard)
  • To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy and S106 (Cllr Orchard)
  • To receive an update on public transport (Cllr Orchard)
  • To consider climate change measures within the parish, including proposals for rewilding land off Old Elm Road (Cllr Twist / Cllr Rowe)
  • To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security (Cllr Twist)
  • To consider limited residential development in the parish (Cllr Valentine)
  • To consider updating the parish emergency plan (Cllr Orchard)
  • To consider purchasing a dog waste bin and long term collection (Cllr Orchard)
  • To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village (all)
  • To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area (Cllr Walker)
  • To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish (Cllr Walker)
  1. To receive a report from the Chair
  2. To approve the June payments and to note the current bank balance:

F Clampin £235.83 clerk’s salary & expenses (card)

Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc

Len Abbott expenses £tbc

Michael Poll play area grass cutting £65 (inv. 10220)

Michael Poll play area grass cutting £65 (inv. 10228)

Gittisham Parish Hall £498.54 Coronation party expenses

Bluechip Payroll £tbc annual audit 2022-23

Fitness Sports Ltd £49.80 + VAT

NEST (clerk’s pension) £24.82

  1. To receive and note the annual internal audit report
  2. To approve the annual governance statement 2022-23
  3. To approve the 2022/23 accounting statements
  4. To consider the criteria for meeting exemption from the annual limited assurance review 2022-23, and approve the exemption certificate
  5. To set and approve the period for the exercise of public rights 2022-23
  6. To consider Parish Council support for the village fete
  7. To consider decorating and / or refurbishing the parish council’s bus shelters
  8. Clerk’s report
  9. For information only; items for the forward agenda
  10. To consider any late entry correspondence
  11. To note the date of the next two meetings, Thursday 6th July and Thursday 3rd August 2023 at 7.30pm. 

F J Clampin – Clerk

2023-05 Parish Council meeting minutes 11th May 2023

by

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

Village ward: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr M Walker, Cllr D Valentine, Cllr A Rowe

Vale ward: Cllr J Twist (Vice Chair)

In attendance: Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr P Orchard, PCSO Darren England

1/23        To elect a Chair

Cllr Walker nominated Cllr Hall for election as Chair for 2023/24.  This nomination was seconded by Cllr Valentine.  A roll call of members present at the meeting was then taken.  It was then resolved by a unanimous decision that Cllr Hall be elected Chair for 2023/24 of Gittisham Parish Council. 

2/23        To elect a Vice Chair

Cllr Walker nominated Cllr Twist for election as Vice Chair for 2023/24.  This nomination was seconded by Cllr Rowe.  A roll call of members present at the meeting was then taken.  It was then resolved by a unanimous decision that Cllr Twist be elected Vice Chair for 2023/24 of Gittisham Parish Council. 

3/23        To receive the Chair’s & Vice Chair’s declaration of Acceptance of Office

In accordance with Section 83 of the Local Government Act 1972, Cllrs Hall & Twist made a Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

4/23        To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

5/23        To confirm the minutes of the ordinary meeting held on 6th April 2023

The minutes of the meeting held on 6th April 2023 were amended to clarify Cllr Orchard’s suggestion regarding the outdoor table tennis.  The minutes were then confirmed and signed by the Chair.  

6/23        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

March 2023: no reported crimes.

7/23        To receive declarations of interest

Cllr Rowe declared an interest in agenda item 18 (minute ref. 18/23), as he is a member of the village fete committee.

8/23        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

None.

9/23        Reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Have your say on climate change

Cllr Twiss said that people across the region are being asked to give their views on a regional strategy that will help ensure that Devon (as well as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly) can make the changes needed to cope with the worst effects of climate change. From Tuesday May 9 residents are being consulted on the Climate Adaptation Strategy for Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly ahead of its publication later this year.  To respond effectively to the climate crises, it is vital that strategies are put in place to deal with both the cause of rising greenhouse gases and their effect on our communities, also called Mitigation and Adaptation.  Mitigation focuses on tackling the causes of climate change to make the inevitable impacts of rising global temperatures less severe by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases to net-zero.  Adaptation is the process of adjusting to the impacts of climate change that we are already seeing and can be expected in the future.

The draft Adaptation Strategy has been delivered by the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Climate Impacts Group, with the assistance of engineering and environmental consultancy RSK.  The group is a partnership of strategic organisations, including local authorities like DCC, chaired by the Environment Agency. The draft strategy specifically looks at climate impacts which require, or which would benefit from, working in partnership.  The strategy accepts that significant climate ‘shocks’ are inevitable, and as the world grows warmer, different places (depending on factors like geography and population) will be affected in different ways.  You can view the Adaptation Strategy, a series of ‘short-reads’ and respond to the consultation at https://www.climateresilient-dcios.org.uk/

The 2023 ‘BIG FIX’

Running throughout May, The BIG FIX has one aim – to fix and breathe new life into as many broken things as possible. The event, coordinated by the DCC waste team, sees skilled menders fix broken items such as electronics, garden equipment, clothing, jewellery, clocks and much more to give them a new lease of life.  Due to its huge success, The BIG FIX event is going nationwide for a third time – so far 43 Repair Cafés in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England have already registered.

Through the BIG FIX we hope to save people money, not only by repairing old items but also passing on skills to fix their own items in the future.  Repair Cafés are increasing in popularity, as people are becoming more budget and environmentally conscious. They are organised and run by volunteers who offer their time and skills to help mend broken items and keep them in use for longer.  Volunteers also help greet visitors, supply tea and coffee and restock supplies of cakes and other tasty treats.  Last year, 50 Repair Cafés and 580 volunteers took part in the BIG FIX, mending 1,100 items and saving 31 tonnes CO2. Over 830 cakes and biscuits were served alongside 1,000 cups of tea and coffee!

The BIG FIX 2023 is taking place across May to enable as many Repair Cafés as possible to take part.  Locally we have repair cafes in Axminster, Blackdown (Hemyock), Broadhembury, Honiton and Sidmouth. See https://www.recycledevon.org/reuse/repair-cafe for further details.

Is your child’s vaccination programme up to date?

Data published by the UK Health Security Agency shows that uptake of vaccinations offered to 13 and 14-year olds at school fell during the coronavirus pandemic, leaving many young people now unprotected from life-threatening diseases. Though improving, uptake of vaccines that protect against tetanus, diphtheria and polio, and against meningococcal disease are well below pre-pandemic levels. Other routine adolescent immunisation programmes show similar impact from the pandemic, with uptake not yet back to pre-COVID-19 levels.

Public Health Devon say that uptake of adolescent vaccines by young people in the county is generally good compared with the rest of the UK, with take-up levels for most vaccinations above the national average.

Nationally the aim is to vaccinate at least 95 per cent of children and young people who are eligible for jabs to protect them against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio (DTaPIPV). Steve Brown, Devon Director of Public Health says, “Your GP surgery should be able to check whether your child has had both doses of the MMR vaccine, or you may be able to access their vaccination record online through GP online services. It is never too late to catch up on any missed doses of MMR vaccination. Whilst booking your child’s MMR vaccine, check if your child is due other vaccines.  They may be able to have them at the same time.”

Cllr Bruce explained that there would be little action at EDDC until the council is reformed on 24th May, following the local elections.  Cllr Walker reported that a Church Mead had been told by EDDC that the bridge will be repaired, with the addition of a pedestrian bridge. 

Cllrs Bruce and Twiss left the meeting. 

10/23     To consider the following planning applications:

a) 22/2723/FUL Combe Garden Centre Gittisham EX14 3PD – New farm shop and associated landscaping works adjacent to the site of the existing Combe Garden Centre (amended plans)

Parish councillors resolved to object to this application for reasons of prematurity, highways and flooding. The highway upgrade required is not addressed by this application to enable decision-making, and there is no secure pedestrian access to the centre (contrary to information provided in this application).  The road approaching the centre is single carriageway, with no provision for pedestrians.  However, pedestrians use this road currently including parents with pushchairs, and it is impossible to hear approaching traffic because of the noise created by the A30.  Additional facilities in the application would potentially increase the footfall and therefore risks to pedestrians and other road users.  The area already has issues with run-off and flooding.

11/23      To consider the following street trading renewal application:

a) The Codfather Fish & Chip Van, far end of Old Elm Road, Honiton, EX14 2YJ

Dates:   RENEWAL – Annual Trader – Every Saturday

Times: 16:30 – 19:00

Members noted the application.

12/23     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

  • To note the latest planning decision notices
  • 23/0453/LBC – Batts Cottage Gittisham EX14 3AJ Remove existing front door and frame and replace with new on front (south west) elevation.  Approval, colour of door to be agreed with EDDC
  • 23/0454/FUL Batts Cottage Gittisham EX14 3AJ Proposed shed/studio building to replace oil tank and fenced enclosure. Approval, but building materials must be agreed with EDDC prior to construction.
  • To receive an update on Highways

Cllr Orchard sent a report, explaining that Hayne Lane bridge sign has been corrected to 13’ 9” southbound! 

  • To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106

The clerk explained that EDDC’s S106 officer had put the request for funding, and it would be several months before a decision is made.  The officer has since left EDDC.  Members discussed the possibility of purchasing the outdoor ping pong table before the approval of S106 funds.  Members resolved to buy the goal post from Fitness Sports Steel for £406 + VAT, as this does not fall within the S106 criteria.

ACTION: Clerk to check who has replaced EDDC’s S106 officer, and enquire about the deadline for spending the S106 funds and the likely outcome.

  • To receive an update on public transport

Cllr Orchard explained in his report that the remaining books were removed from the Vale bus shelter last week, and a notice posted saying book swap is closed and take any unwanted items to Lidl, Tesco or charity shop. Fingers crossed. Cllr Twist asked why the route of the no.9 bus had been cut from Old Elm Road.

  • To consider climate change measures within the parish, including proposals for rewilding land in the parish

Cllr Rowe said the Co-Bikes representative was researching an alternative scheme for Gittisham, rather than the one originally proposed.  Members discussed the creation of a path linking Hayne Farm with the village, which they agreed would encourage residents to walk rather than drive to events, and would also be desirable from a safety point of view.

  • To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security

Cllr Twist reported that now that asking for personal financial information is illegal, it’s hoped it will stop the scammers.  Ofcom says the technology is now available to ‘phone providers to stop calls coming from outside the UK being made to look like local calls and calls from major organisations.  It is hoped this technology will be rolled out soon. (Talktalk are already using this.) Cloning of cards is on the rise again, said Cllr Twist; please make sure you keep your cards in an RFID wallet or card holder, which blocks radio waves and prevents criminals from stealing your card information.

  • To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said there was nothing further to report than the information he had outlined in the annual parish meeting.

  • To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area

Cllr Walker said she would speak to the lengthsman about the items that needing addressing in the annual play area safety inspection.  Members agreed that the arrival of the goal posts would be a good time to bring together a working party to clean the village play area.  The Chair thanked Paul Wakley for planting all 30 of the hedge plants, and added that the blossom was looking beautiful in the wild area. 

  • To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish

Cllr Walker said the lengthsman would be able to spruce up the parish bus shelters, and Cllr Rowe offered to help him take down the noticeboards for the duration.

ACTION: Cllr Walker to relay the budget (£500) to the lengthsman.

13/23     To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair thanked former Cllr Fowles for her service to the parish.

ACTION: Clerk to purchase a card.

14/23     To consider and adopt the parish council’s standing orders

Members resolved to adopt the parish council’s standing orders.

15/23     To review the parish council’s fixed asset register

Members noted the fixed asset register.

16/23     To consider a review of remuneration of the parish clerk in line with the annual NALC salary scales, and associated pension payments

Members resolved to raise the clerk’s salary in line with NALC recommendations to £12.73 / hr, for the year 2022-23, and to apply the increase retrospectively.  The 2023-24 pay scales are yet to be determined.

17/23     To approve the May payments and to note the current bank balance

F Clampin             £235.83 Clerk’s salary

F Clampin             £234       Clerk’s backdated pay increase 2022-23

Michael Poll          £65 Grass cutting (inv. ref. 10212)    

Fitness Sports       £488.09 (inc. VAT) goal posts

Community First Insurance              £420.44 annual insurance policy

Alvian Ltd             £102       Annual play area safety inspection

DD          NEST     £24.82   Clerk’s pension (new rate)

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £23,125.81 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account). 

Cllr Rowe left the meeting.

18/23     To consider parish council support for the village fete

Members agreed to offer £500, but requested to see a breakdown of costs.

Cllr Rowe returned to the meeting.

19/23     To consider upgrading the parish bus shelters

Cf minute ref. 12/23 (j).

20/23     Clerk’s Report

The clerk said that John and Stella Adamson had decided to step down from the care of the village defibrillator.  The Chair said a replacement would have to be found, and in the meantime councillors would carry out the weekly checks on a rota.  She thanked Mr & Mrs Adamson for their commitment over the years to a much valued asset.

ACTION: Cllr Walker to speak to Damian Furniss.  

21/23     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Play area concerns; footpath at Hayne Farm; postbox; dog waste bin.

22/23     To consider any late entry correspondence

Cllr Twist reported that on 18th and 25th May there would be a collection at Blackdown House in Honiton of items for refugees housed in the East Devon district.

23/23     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 1st June and Thursday 6th July 2023 at 7.30pm. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2135 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

1st June 2023

2022-05 Annual Parish meeting minutes

by

MINUTES OF THE 2022 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

HELD IN GITTISHAM VILLAGE HALL

ON THURSDAY 12th MAY 2022

Present: Cllr C Hall (chair), Cllrs D Valentine, M Walker, J Twist, A Rowe, J Fowles, Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Fiona Clampin (clerk), one member of the public

Apologies: Cllr P Orchard, Phil Twiss (DCC), PCSO Darren England

1. Introduction by Council Chair

Cllr Hall welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending.

2. Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were accepted and approved.

3. Report on the Council’s activities over the past year

The Chair thanked all members for their work in the parish in 2021/22, as well as the clerk, Susie Bond (former EDDC councillor), Len Abbott and Carol McCann. 

She said it had been a busy year for the parish council and she was grateful for all the work that councillors had done to support our community. We are from a diverse set of backgrounds, which ensures lively debates at times, but definitely ensures we consider all aspects of an issue. Fundamentally, we all have the best interests of our parish close to our hearts.

The housing at Hayne Farm is ongoing, with a few changes to tie in with housing market needs to ensure a good mix of small and large homes, as well as looking at developing houses on the old farmyard. Hayne Farm residents are included in all invitations to events at the village hall and kept informed of parish news using the Gittisham Gazette and social media. The small scale housing being developed by the Community Land Trust is making very slow progress due to legal matters, but EDDC have been very positive about the pre-planning submission.

In the village playground a scheme to spend approx. £40k of CIL or S106 money on a table tennis, boules and skittles has been developed but there have been no contractors interested in doing the work. We will look at an alternative design which still incorporates these features. New swing seats have been installed and a new hedge planted, with plants from The Woodland Trust.

According to maps and DCC, there is no vehicle access for “off-roading” across Westgate Common, just one track leading up there (Summer Lane). As we suggested, the public have been reporting sightings and damage to the police and the landowner, which is ongoing and makes a horrible mess of a beautiful area. There is also intimidation from the perpetrators to anyone suggesting they shouldn’t be there.

There have been a few changes to our councillors this year. As Susie Bond has moved away, we have a new councillor in her place, Alasdair Bruce. We will miss the diplomacy and local knowledge that Susie has, but in Alasdair we have an expert in conservation matters as well as a great understanding of political matters in the area. And we have a new parish councillor to represent the Vale Ward, Jan Fowles – “welcome and thank you for joining us”.

Superfast broadband has still not reached Gittisham village. The reason for the delay is unclear and fortunately some residents have the expensive village-wide wifi system. There is also a delay in installing the defibrillator in Hayne Farm.

At EDDC we have been involved in an unexpected and unjustified parish boundary review, which appears to have been ‘kicked into the long grass’ but we will keep an eye on the situation. We have also been looking carefully at the EDDC Strategic Plans, considering the details and implications for the parish. We are concerned about large scale housing development in the ‘valley’ of Gittisham village, spreading across from Hayne Farm.

We have plenty of plans for the coming year and are very excited to be working with the village hall committee to put on events over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend and asking businesses within the parish to get involved. We’ll also look at rewilding work with EDDC, and the 20 is Plenty campaign to reduce speeds through the village. We will also keep an eye on extensions to the housing development at Hayne Farm to ensure the long term interests of the parish are upheld.

4. Annual Police Report

The police did not send a report. 

5. County and District Council Representatives Reports

Alasdair Bruce:

Cllr Bruce said it had been somewhat daunting to follow in Susie Bond’s footsteps, but he was enjoying working with Gittisham Parish Council and looked forward to the challenges on the horizon.    He said it was regrettable that EDDC had not returned to in-person meetings, and hoped this would change very soon. 

6. Reports by Village Organisations

Gittisham CLT

David Valentine said that nearly a year had passed since the CLT’s public exhibition in Gittisham Village Hall, which was well attended.  The vast majority present were supportive, he said.  Since that date a number of difficulties have arisen with bringing forward the agreement required that leads to the transfer of land to the CLT.  This has delayed submitting the planning application, and may require an updated housing needs survey.    

7. To consider any matters raised by residents

One member of the public said he had submitted a new appeal regarding his property to EDDC planners, and hoped that the parish council would continue to be supportive.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 1950 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

May 2023

GITTISHAM ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – 12/05/2022

14 Crimes – 2021/22  

17 Crimes – 2020/21 17 Crimes 2019/20 11 Crimes 2018/19    

************************************************************************

2023-05 Parish Council agenda 11th May 2023

by

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Ms Fiona Clampin

Clerk to the Council

Garlands

Gittisham

Honiton

EX14 3AJ

01404 851442

4th May 2023

Local Government Act 1972

NOTICE OF ANNUAL PARISH MEETING FOR GITTISHAM PARISH

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting for Gittisham will be held in the parish room on Thursday 11th May 2023 at 7.30pm

The meeting will be open to the public.

Annual Parish Meeting Agenda

  1. Introduction by Council Chair
  2. Apologies for absence 
  3. Report on the Council’s activities in 2022/23 by the Council Chair
  4. Annual Police Report
  5. County and District representatives’ reports
  6. Reports by village organisations
  7. To consider any matters raised by residents.

Annual Council Meeting Agenda

4th May 2023

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the Annual Council Meeting to be held in Gittisham Parish Room on Thursday 11th May 2023 commencing at 7.30pm (following the Annual Parish Meeting) to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.

Prior to the start of the meeting a period of 15 minutes is allowed to permit any resident to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the Council.  Please contact the clerk if you would like to do this, preferably by email in advance of the meeting, with a question you wish to be raised with Councillors on your behalf. 

  1. To elect a Chair
  2. To elect a Vice Chair
  3. To receive the Chair’s & Vice Chair’s declaration of Acceptance of Office
  4. To accept and approve apologies
  5. To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 6th April 2023
  6. To receive the Beat Manager’s report
  7. To receive declarations of interest
  8. To consider actions from last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
  9. To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
  10. To consider the following planning applications: a) 22/2723/FUL Combe Garden Centre Gittisham EX14 3PD – new farm shop and associated landscaping works adjacent to the site of the existing Combe Garden Centre (amended plans)
  11. To consider the following street trading renewal application:

a)  The Codfather Fish & Chip Van, far end of Old Elm Road, Honiton, EX14 2YJ

Dates:   RENEWAL – Annual Trader – Every Saturday

Times: 16:30 – 19:00

  1. To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
  • To note the latest planning decision notices (Cllr Orchard)
  • To receive an update on highways (Cllr Orchard)
  • To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy and S106 (Cllr Orchard)
  • To receive an update on public transport (Cllr Orchard)
  • To consider climate change measures within the parish, including proposals for rewilding land off Old Elm Road (Cllr Twist / Cllr Rowe)
  • To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security (Cllr Twist)
  • To consider limited residential development in the parish (Cllr Valentine)
  • To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area (Cllr Walker)
  • To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish (Cllr Walker)
  1. To receive a report from the Chair
  2. To consider and adopt the parish council’s standing orders
  3. To review the parish council’s fixed asset register
  4. To consider a review of remuneration of the parish clerk in line with the annual NALC salary scales, and associated pension payments
  5. To approve the May payments and to note the current bank balance:

F Clampin £235.83 + £234 clerk’s salary & backdated pay for 2022-23 at new NALC rate

Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc

Len Abbott expenses £tbc

Michael Poll play area grass cutting £65 (inv. 10212)

Michael Poll play area grass cutting £65 (inv. tbc)

Alvian Ltd play area annual safety inspection £102

Community First Trading annual insurance policy £420.44 [tbc]

NEST (clerk’s pension) £24.82

  1. To consider Parish Council support for the village fete
  2. To consider decorating and / or refurbishing the parish council’s bus shelters
  3. Clerk’s report
  4. For information only; items for the forward agenda
  5. To consider any late entry correspondence
  6. To note the date of the next two meetings, Thursday 1st June and Thursday 6th July 2023 at 7.30pm. 

F J Clampin – Clerk