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 2022, 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 2022 and a completed Certificate of Exemption is submitted no later than 30 June 2022 notifying the external auditor.
Gittisham Parish Council
certifies that during the financial year 2021/22, 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 2021/22: £15,501
Total annual gross expenditure for the authority 2021/22: £9,790
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 2017
In relation to the preceding financial year (2020/21), 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notice under paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 8 to the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (“the Act”), and has not withdrawn the notice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under section 28(1) of the Act for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful, and the application has not been withdrawn nor has the court refused to make the declaration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 2022. 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 2022. Reminder letters incur a charge of £40 +VAT
Annual Internal Audit Report 2021/22
Signed by the Responsible Financial Officer
Date 09/06/2022
Signed by Chairman
Date 09/06/2022
I confirm that this Certificate of Exemption was approved by this authority on this date: 09/06/2022
as recorded in minute reference: 38/22
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 2022, 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 2021/22 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 objective
Yes
No*
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 2020/21, it met the exemption criteria and correctly declared itself exempt. (If the authority had a limited assurance review of its 2020/21 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 (2020-21) 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 2020/21 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.
Yes
No
Not 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
27/05/2022
Alison Marshall
Signature of person who carried out the internal audit
Date
09/06/2022
*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 2021/22
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 2022, that:
Agreed
Yes
No
‘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/A
has 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:
09/06/2022
Signed by the Chairman and Clerk of the meeting where approval was given:
Chairman
Clerk
and recorded as minute reference: 36/22
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.
Yes
No
www.gittisham.org.uk
Section 2 – Accounting Statements 2021/22 for
Gittisham Parish Council
Year ending
Notes and guidance
31 March 2021 £
31 March 2022 £
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 forward
17,545
16,233
Total 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 Levies
8,160
8,323
Total amount of precept (or for IDBs rates and levies) received or receivable in the year. Exclude any grants received.
3. (+) Total other receipts
13,835
7,178
Total income or receipts as recorded in the cashbook less the precept or rates/levies received (line 2). Include any grants received.
4. (-) Staff costs
3,356
2,969
Total 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 repayments
0
0
Total expenditure or payments of capital and interest made during the year on the authority’s borrowings (if any).
6. (-) All other payments
19,951
6,822
Total expenditure or payments as recorded in the cashbook less staff costs (line 4) and loan interest/capital repayments (line 5).
7. (=) Balances carried forward
16,233
21,943
Total 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 investments
16,233
21,943
The 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 assets
26,774
28,862
The 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 borrowings
0
0
The 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)
Yes
No
The Council as a body corporate acts as sole trustee for and is responsible for managing Trust funds or assets.
N
N.B. The figures in the accounting statements above do not include any Trust transactions.
I certify that for the year ended 31 March 2022 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:
Date 09/06/2022
I confirm that these Accounting Statements were approved by this authority on this date:
09/06/2022
as recorded in minute reference: 37/22
Signed by Chairman of the meeting where the Accounting Statements were approved
WHAT EXEMPT AUTHORITIES NEED TO DO TO ADVERTISE THE PERIOD DURING WHICH ELECTORS AND INTERESTED PERSONS MAY EXERCISE RIGHTS RELATING TO THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
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:
the approved Sections 1 and 2 of Part 2 of the AGAR; and
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 13 June – Friday 22 July 2022. (The latest possible dates that comply with the statutory requirements are Friday 1 July – Thursday 11 August 2022); and
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 2022
Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 25, 26 and 27
The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)
NOTICE
NOTES
1. Date of announcement_12th June 2022____________________________(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 2022, 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 13 June 2022 _______________________ and ending on (d) ___Friday 22 July 2022 ________________________ 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 1-14 July 2022 for 2021/22 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.
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.
In attendance: Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Richard Ayre & Graham Hutton (Baker Estates for agenda item 7), Fiona Clampin (clerk)
Apologies for absence: Cllr D Valentine, Cllr Jake Bonetta (EDDC), PCSO Darren England
177/21 To accept and approve apologies
Apologies were received and accepted.
178/21 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 3rd February 2022
Cllr Orchard requested a change to minute ref 164/21, to remove the line “Cllr Bruce thanked Cllr Twiss for sorting out the blocked exit of the balancing pond south of Old Elm Road” as this is pending. The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd February were then confirmed and signed by the Chair.
179/21 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report
There was no update on figures available on the Police UK website since the last meeting.
180/21 To receive declarations of interest
None.
181/21 To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
Cllr Twist said she had contacted the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm) about QR codes on benches, and had received a good response. She thought it would be possible to attach these to existing benches.
Cllr Orchard had enquired about DCC’s school transport safeguarding policy with Matthew Joll, and received a comprehensive response. The county operates a strict ‘no pass, no travel’ policy.
ACTION: Cllrs Twist & Orchard to send information on the above to Cllr Twiss.
182/21 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
DCC budget
Cllr Twiss said the Devon County Council Budget was approved at full council on 17th February after many months of work in what has been the most challenging one in living memory, for a variety of reasons, not least the pandemic. Members are probably aware that the DCC part of Council tax will go up by 2.99 per cent, the lowest increase in 7 years, adding 87p per week or £45 a year to Homes in the Band D Council tax bracket. As portfolio holder for Finance at DCC, Cllr Twiss said he had put back £1m in to Highways for cyclic maintenance, drainage schemes and pothole repairs, as well as £329k of funding for community organisations, which had been invaluable during the pandemic. He said that in recognition of greater healthcare working between the NHS and DCC, the council has received £10m to offset high service needs in the Adult Social Care sector and currently negotiating with the Department for Education on a multi-million pound settlement to help with the Special Educational needs deficit in Devon.
Council Tax rebate
Details of the Government Council tax discount, helping to counter some of the hike of upcoming fuel price increases are now known. They are an automatic one-off grant, which is not means tested, spreading across Council Tax Bands A-D. DCC has now received details of the total sum, which will then be split across the district councils to distribute as the collection authority. The £150 discount will be applied automatically and deducted from the bill, when issued. Cllr Walker asked if residents who did not pay by direct debit could slip through the net, so Cllr Twiss asked that if councillors knew anybody in this category they should follow up on this.
Energy costs
Cllr Twiss said these are clearly a major concern for the overwhelming number of our population. The Government has announced a package of support to help households with rising energy bills, worth around £9bn in 2022-23. He circulated a factsheet from the County Treasurer. This offers a step by step guide as to how this will work (as well as other help with the cost of living), and support in the form of grants will be administered via the District Councils, as with the Council tax discount.
Funding allocations of the allocations for the Devon Districts is shown below:
Helping Devon respond to the climate and ecological emergency, and working to protect and improve our natural environment
Working together to ensure all children are safe, healthy and can thrive with opportunities to fulfill their potential
Helping Devon achieve inclusive economic recovery and sustainable growth, ensure more people can take advantage of opportunities, and invest carefully to improve infrastructure
Making Devon a fairer place, address poverty, health and other inequalities, and ensure support for those people and families struggling most
Help people to be healthier and more resilient, ensure everyone gets the care they need, and support people to live their lives well
Support all our communities to be safer, better connected and more resilient with a focus on communities at greatest risk or in greatest need
Green transport
As a cyclist Cllr Twiss said he was particularly pleased that South Western Railway (SWR) has completed the installation of Co Bikes docking stations plus 30 e-bikes at Cranbrook and Honiton stations, launching a new eco-friendly onward travel option for their customers. He hoped this scheme will be rolled out to Axminster as well. The e-bikes, supplied by Co Bikes, will provide SWR customers with a green and efficient transport alternative, helping to tackle congestion on roads, improve air quality and give locals and visitors alike an alternative way of travelling around East Devon and Exeter, where there is already an extensive network. Over £200,000 has been invested in the schemes, which has come about through a network of partnerships between SWR, the Department for Transport, Devon County Council and others, as well as Co Bikes. There are e-bike docks available at Cranbrook Station and another 10 at Honiton and to use the new Co Bikes, people will need to download the ‘Nextbike’ app on a smart phone and register for an account. To activate the account, customers make a £10 payment which is then used for their first e-bike trips and off you go! Cllr Twiss added that DCC will be looking at making trains and buses more integrated, as the current situation is based on historic service times which do not always match up.
Covid
Covid is still very much present in our communities and while there are huge grounds for optimism, caution needs to be maintained. Cllr Twiss circulated the latest update issued by the Devon Clinical Commissioning Group on 25th February.
Cllr Bruce said in view of the current situation in Ukraine, he could not help feeling somewhat surreal writing this report and wondering what the effect would be on us all. He said he felt sure we will be able to play our part if we are called upon to help our fellow Europeans, as they look for sanctuary and support.
The rest of this report seems somewhat irrelevant in the light of this, he said, but here we go:
The strategic planning meetings continue to go through the motions towards releasing the draft plan to the public. He noted in the meetings he had attended, that the villages within his ward have been almost exclusively represented, with little input from other areas affected by this report. So he felt reasonably confident that our views have been well presented to the committee, and left them in no doubt over our concerns.
Cllr Bruce reported he was pleased to have attended a cheque presenting ceremony on behalf of Gittisham PC and EDDC, at the invitation of Baker Estates. Cheques were handed over to Admiral Nurses and Hospiscare.
Cllr Bruce said he was glad to see the parish have taken up the offer of a jubilee oak tree from EDDC as part of the celebrations, although he suspected these may be somewhat muted given the current circumstances. However let’s hope we can put on a good show for Her Majesty.
The council received hundreds of calls for assistance after the trio of storms that battered us last week.
On Friday (19 February) there were 603 calls, followed by 434 on Saturday (20 February) and 376 on Sunday (21 February). EDDC’s Home Safeguard Team has been working hard over the last week to check up on vulnerable residents to offer assistance after power outages meant they were not able to make hot food and drink, over the weekend of the storm. There have also been a steady flow of repair calls about other issues that were referred to other agencies such as DCC for fallen trees.
It is good to report, said Cllr Bruce, that more than 100 East Devon council homes are now more eco-friendly thanks to a special project that helped them upgrade their insulation, heating systems and much more. EDDC has been running a Green Homes Grant programme since 2020. The Government scheme is designed to help councils fund the cost of reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of its housing. The project has also allowed residents on low incomes to save energy and significantly lower their utility bills. EDDC has now installed a variety sustainable, eco-friendly technologies into the homes involved in this project – including air source heat pumps, solar panels, new radiators and pipework, upgraded insulation, smart controls, and intelligent hot water cylinders that harvest surplus energy generated by solar panels and store it as hot water.
Improvements to parking access to the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths should be nearing completion shortly, Cllr Bruce explained. This fragile and highly valued ecological/geological area offers a rare chance to walk across a unique landscape, formed by pebbles from rivers that ran across a desert environment during the Triassic era, some 240 million years ago. These now raised beds form heathland support specifically adapted plant and wildlife, including the Dartford Warbler. As most visitors travel by car to get here, it was important to work up a parking improvement plan that allowed access, whilst ensuring the preservation of this very important site.
In his absence, Cllr Jake Bonetta circulated slides from the recent presentation to EDDC by consultants acting on behalf of Combe Estate regarding potential development in the parish.
Cllrs Twiss and Bruce left the meeting.
183/21 To receive an update on the Hayne Farm development from Baker Estates
Graham Hutton & Richard Ayre from Baker Estates outlined the proposal to build an additional 37 dwellings to the south of the current Hayne Farm development. If approved, access to this area will not be directly from Hayne Lane and there will also need to be a pumping station. If the proposed footpath between Hayne Lane and Goldcombe is granted, it will cut through this part of the development. Any temporary diversion during construction could be accommodated. It was estimated that 15-20 per cent would be affordable housing; at the entrance the density and character of the properties will be similar to the existing site, and then properties will be more spaced out further away, to give a more rural, traditional feel. There will be a consultation on 15th March where Baker Estates will be happy to answer questions from residents, and those living in properties close by on Old Elm Road. Graham Hutton reported that a site investigation had been done and they found what they’d expected in terms of contaminated material, although from experience he said he did not rule out the possibility of finding more.
Members discussed the naming of this development, and Graham Hutton said he would think about this. He said he would also enquire about a postbox. The plans are expected to be submitted to EDDC in May.
Graham Hutton & Richard Eyre left the meeting.
184/21 To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
To note the latest planning decision notices
21/3165/TRE – 7 Ferndale Close Honiton EX14 2YN T1, T2 : Inspect and crown clean of 2 x Oak trees, crown lifting the Oak trees to approximately 6 m. Refusal.
22/0006/LBC – Westgate Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AU : Change of use of part of paddock to habitable use and construction of 3 x bay garage/outbuilding. Withdrawn.
22/0201/FUL – 2 Drillers Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AQ : Replacement windows & replacement porch on south elevation, facade repairs on north & south elevation, new internal floor finish. Withdrawn.
To receive an update on Highways
7th–11th March road from Chineway to Hare & Hounds closed for SW Water works.
Cllr Orchard said recent repairs on Hayne Lane had not addressed the collapsed part of the road, so another closure would surely be in the offing.
To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106
Cllr Orchard said he would be meeting the 14th contractor on site at the play area at the weekend, and warned that with the extensive delays already noted, previous quotes could rise in price. The Chair highlighted the requirement to comply with procurement policies.
To receive an update on public transport
Cllr Orchard said he had removed a substantial quantity of unwanted items in the Vale bus shelter, as they were taking up too much space.
ACTION: Cllr Orchard to attach another sign to deter people from dumping items.
To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development
Baker Estates expressed surprise that Cllr Twist had taken delivery of the defibrillator some time ago, and agreed to take it off her hands immediately. It will need a sign to indicate it is not yet in use. Cllr Twist said Sovereign Housing are still in the process of agreeing the host agreement, and the leaflet is still in its early stages of design.
ACTION: Clerk to discuss wording of leaflet with Cllr Twist, and Cllr Twist to investigate printing costs.
To consider climate change measures within the parish, including rewilding proposals for land in the parish
Members agreed a replacement oak tree was needed in the village play area, at a cost of approximately £85.
ACTION: Clerk to order quercus robur from Terry Trim.
To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security
Cllr Twist said a national alert had been issued for the E.On email scam; criminals are impersonating the energy company E.On promising an £85 refund in an attempt to steal personal details and money.
To consider limited residential development in the parish
Members heard that Cllr Valentine had made a short presentation to EDDC’s Strategic Planning committee voicing the parish council’s opposition to any development west of Hayne Farm, which is under discussion as part of EDDC’s draft Local Plan. The presentation was circulated. Developers and land owners have been promoting possible development opportunities to EDDC. The promoted land is both a prominent and extremely sensitive landscape and whilst not in the AONB, any development would have a serious detrimental impact on both the setting of the AONB and the village of Gittisham. It would encroach into the valley within which Gittisham is located and bring development to within 400m of the village. The proposal cannot support a sustainable development and car use will inevitably be the primary form of transportation contrary to the principles within EDDC’s own existing and proposed local plan policies.
ACTION: All to keep abreast of development proposals, so information can be correctly communicated to the parish.
To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area
Cllr Walker said she would empty the dustbin. Members heard the jubilee oak would probably be delivered w/c 7th March, and the equipment for the Hayne Farm play area was due to be delivered on 22nd March.
To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish
Cllr Walker said the lengthsman had carried out some work near to Goldcombe. He has advised that work is needed to address the build-up of stones at the Riverside bridge and the build-up of silt at the village bridge bypass culvert. This work will need a mini digger. Cllr Walker will investigate how the council carried out this work in the past, using M Locke contractors. The Chair said she will assess the engineering aspects of the reported problems and advise on exactly what’s required. A report will be provided to the next meeting.
ACTION: Cllr Walker to investigate the use of private contractors for such work in the past.
185/21 To receive a report from the Chair
Members resolved to support the 20 is Plenty campaign to request Devon County Council to normalize a 20mph limit/zone throughout all residential roads and areas in the parish of Gittisham. The Chair said the PC should notify Devon CC (Stuart Hughes cabinet member plus the local highways officer) of the PC’s support and also make contact with neighbouring parishes to tell them what the PC has done. The Chair said that Wales and Cornwall have a 20 mph speed limit in all residential areas and this campaign aims to persuade DCC to do the same. If adopted by DCC, this would establish a 20mph limit throughout the residential areas of the parish, namely Gittisham village, Gittisham Vale and Hayne Farm. Research by RoSPA has demonstrated a link between the introduction of 20mph zones and a subsequent reduction in casualties. Cllr Twiss had indicated he would support this, but advised that if a large number of parishes come forward in support of the campaign, DCC will have to assess them according to priority (such as villages with schools).
The Chair said the Gittisham community has clearly expressed in the past, and continues to express, its concerns about the impacts of speeding traffic on the residents of the parish, particularly on vulnerable road-user activity (by children, older people, cyclists, mobility scooter users, parents with prams/buggies/etc, horse riders, and so on). Gittisham village has no pavements and there are no speed limit restrictions in the village or surrounding lanes, ie 60mph. The lanes in the parish are narrow and without pavements and are used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The Vale and Hayne Farm have 30mph limits but would also like to see a residential area speed limit of 20mph.
Gittiisham Parish Council is aware of an increasing number of pedestrians using the roads for leisure walking, with the expansion of the Hayne Farm housing development and a post-Covid rise in walking and cycling in the parish. GPC is also supporting the DCC climate change initiative and considers all relevant measures when addressing all aspects of parish life. A 20mph limit would be consistent with, and would underpin, these measures through, for example, significantly reduced vehicle carbon emissions throughout the parish.
Many residential areas such as Alphington, Exwick, Kenn, Starcross, have extensive areas covered by 20 mph zones/limits, in many cases with no substantive traffic calming measures having been introduced. RoSPA states: 20mph limits without traffic calming also reduce traffic speed. Their lower cost means that wider areas can be covered.
186/21 To consider upgrading the parish bus shelters
This was deferred for discussion at the next parish council meeting.
187/21 To approve the March payments and to note the current bank balance
It was resolved to approve the following payments:
1146 F J Clampin £224.86 Clerk’s salary
1147 Michael Poll £65 Grass cutting, inv. ref. 10129
1148 Leonard Abbott £28 Lengthsman work, 2hrs Feb 2022 (@14/hr)
1149 DALC £18 Being a Good Councillor 1 (training course, Cllr Fowles)
The clerk said the VAT rebate for 2019/20 had been received, totalling £2,597.78. Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £21,942.10 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).
188/21 To consider parish council support for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and any funding opportunities
The Chair said the village hall committee had begun to consider holding an event, which the parish council may be able to support in some way.
ACTION: Clerk to keep a file of funding opportunities and activities to support.
189/21 To consider the parish council’s grant-giving policy, publication scheme, complaints policy, anti-fraud & corruption policy, Freedom of Information Scheme and code of conduct
It was resolved to approve the above policies.
ACTION: Cllr Rowe to upload the FoI scheme to the Gittisham website.
190/21 To consider the parish council’s Statement of Internal Control, Financial Regulations and Risk Management
It was resolved to approve the above policies. Councillors with authorization agreed to sign a letter to Nat West allowing the clerk to discuss internet banking with them.
191/21 Clerk’s Report
The clerk said she had discussed the high printing costs of the gazette with Carol McCann. It was agreed to keep this under review.
192/21 For information only; items for the forward agenda
Platinum Jubilee activities; internet banking policy; bus shelters upgrade.
193/21 To consider any late entry correspondence
Cllr Twist and the Chair agreed to attend the Baker Estates drop-in on 15th March.
Councillors agreed to take some 20 is Plenty stickers.
194/21 Date of next two meetings. Thursday 7th April and May tbc at 7.30pm in the village hall.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2135 hrs.
A monthly Community Newsletter published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
March 2022 Edition 241
Lillian Hayman (née Dymond)
Lilian was born in July 1929 and passed away peacefully on 15th February 2022 at her home with her family around her. She led a full life growing up at Colestocks, near Payhembury with her two older brothers on the family farm. She had fond memories of scrumping apples from next door! (apparently her brothers led her astray!) Also cycling to Sidmouth Junction (as it was known then) to catch the train.
After marrying Basil she moved to Gittisham Farm where she fed calves, managed the hens (selling many trays of eggs), and even ventured into tractor driving now & then in between the book keeping and daily running of the house along with looking after both parents! and bringing up three children! Christmas time was especially busy, not only with the running of the farm, preparing ( plucking and trussing) the geese and cooking the family feast but also finding the time to host the village carol singers, gathering around the piano with cider & mince pies, roast potatoes plus other goodies.
Mum/ Grandma took an active role in the community, from secretary of Honiton Young Farmers, secretary of Gittisham Parochial Church Council for many years, member of the Women’s Institute, organiser of the Gittisham Craft Club – Lilian was a major instigator in ordering and making the church kneelers which adorn our lovely church – and also Farm Women’s Group. She loved entering many competitions too, which saw her practising her skills of jam making, baking, preserving, flower arranging and hand crafts. A busy life shared with her children, grandchildren and many close friends.
Russell, Karen & Jennifer would just like to thank everyone for their kind words, cards, flowers and cakes which are a welcome support. Lilian’s funeral is on Friday 11th March at 11.00am in Gittisham Church followed by cremation at East Devon Crematorium for family and closest friends.
The Beaumont Charity
The Beaumont Charity was formed in 1596 and offers support to those suffering financial difficulties while living within the Parish of Gittisham. The charity is able to make a single payment to any resident who has a low income and limited savings and requires money towards a wide range of practical needs. Examples of this include energy and heating bills, a home safeguard alarm service, TV licence, assistance towards transport costs, education resources, funeral expenses and energy reduction measures to name but a few. In fact there is no restriction on the categories that the Trustees can award money to.
If you feel that you would like further information on how to apply for a payment, please contact myself, Jayne Bramley, Charles Holme, James Fuller or Mike Smith by calling Combe Estate on 01404 45576. All calls and claims will be kept completely confidential and if necessary we can support you with completing the application form. Kind regards, Richard Marker
Pierre’s pop-up Sunday cafe
You can never have enough pancakes, so although Shrove Tuesday has passed, Pierre will be cooking sweet and savoury Brittany pancakes with a variety of fillings at his next pop-up cafe. We will be open between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 13th March for home-made croissants, pains au chocolat and apricot pastries. Good selection of desserts and cakes. Gluten-free and vegan alternatives available. Booking for lunch is advised. Eat in or take away. Please call or text Pierre on 07545214940. Payment can be by either cash or card.
Prayers for Ukraine
There will be a vigil of prayers for Ukraine on Sunday 6th March outside the Lych-gate at 10.50 with coffee in the parish room afterwards. The church will be open to light candles, private prayer or to share your concerns with others.
Gittisham Gazette distribution
There was a leaflet drop in the Hayne Farm and Gittisham Vale estates asking if residents would like to receive the Gazette by email or if they have no internet access they could be posted. I have had a few requests so far, it does not matter how many are emailed and several households have 2 copies. I put 25 copies in the Vale bus shelter and as the 10 copies in the Hayne Farm sales office very rarely get picked up I shall only put a couple in from this month. The Gazette can also be found on the Website https://gittisham.org.uk I apologise to those who do not get the Gazette and do my best to print as many as I can on my own printer. If you have a neighbour who doesn’t have access to the internet and you could print off a copy then many more could receive this publication. I do hope more residents from both the Vale and Hayne Farm will let me have their email addresses – you won’t be bombarded with other information other than the Gazette unless there is something that needs your attention from the Parish Council.
St Michael’s Church, Honiton Mission Community and 200 Club
St. Michael’s Gittisham
Our coffee morning with bring and buy cake stall held on 26th February in the village hall made £89.20 for church funds. Many thanks to Judith Turner and Pam Chown for manning the coffee side of the event. Thanks too to those who brought and bought cakes, I hope we can have a repeat in a few months. When the weather warms up we hope to have monthy get-togethers on the green when nice enough and possibly if not so nice be able to use the parish room again, but if we can’t use the parish room we can hire the hall.
March services 6th Special prayers for peace and the people of Ukraine outside the Lych-gate at 10.50. The church will be open afterwards to light candles and to pray or share concern. Coffee will be available in the parish room. All ages welcome. 13th Eucharist, 20th no service 27th Mothering Sunday, lay-led morning worship with posies and coffee afterwards at 11am.
As things are de-restricted now, we are once again using our hymn and service books. Obviously until told otherwise, social distancing and masks should preferably be worn but if you want to sing you must wear masks. To receive details for ongoing worship, Eucharistic and lay-led please contact me, Carol on 01404 851113 or email or Julia by email on or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680. It will be lovely when we can have our beautiful kneelers out on display again. We are planning to get them out for Lillian Hayman’s funeral. I would be most grateful for some help, especially getting the boards covering the pews back up to the gallery. If you can help, please let me (Carol) know. The church is open three or four days in the week and as the weather is cool the door will be closed but unlocked. If you find it closed (it is quite hard to open but keep trying) but if definitely locked and you would like to view or have prayer space please ring me Carol on 01404 851113 or Julia on 01404 850680 and hopefully one of us will be home to unlock.
Telephone Service on first Sunday of the month
This is a free service starting at 11am all you need to do is, a little before 11.00 dial 0800 651 0080 you will be asked for the code 3299789 and press the hash # key (they call it the £ sign), you will then be asked to say your name and press the hash # key again, you will then be in the ‘congregation’. Julia usually delegates participants to join in with some of the components (collect, affirmation, readings etc.) If you would like to join the service please let either Julia – 01404 850680 / 07763 111367 or Carol know on 01404 851113 / 07746 409142 so we can deliver the service sheet to you. If you press the speakerphone button, you don’t have to hold the phone to your ear.
Honiton Mission Community
Honiton St Paul’s weekly services continue at 11.00am. The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about services and the latest guidelines on the Covid regulations. There is also a link to the Gittisham website. The monthly Mission Community newsletter Around the Parishes is available by email or post from the Parish Office; see below for details. As our MC churches are now having their own services, Sunday Morning Eucharistic Worship at 11.00am, in St. Paul’s is being live streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue or the Parish Office by emailing or and the link will be forwarded. Alternatively, ring the Parish office to book your place in person, on 01404 44035. Messages will be replied to when someone is available. Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays. The ‘virtual’ Eucharist is at 6.30pm; details from Rev’d Sue.
At St Paul’s, coffee and biscuits are served in church on Tuesdays and Saturdays. They are currently free of charge but donations are welcomed for Vaccine Aid or church funds. However during each Wednesday in Lent simple lunches are being offered from 12.00 to 1.30 and donations will be going to Water Aid. The Coffee morning on Shrove Tuesday had Rev’d Sue cooking pancakes and they were much appreciated and on Ash Wednesday Rev’d Sue led a Eucharist with ‘Ashing’. This year we ashed ourselves so there was so contact. The service commenced, at the Bishop’s request, the playing of the Ukrainian National Anthem along with pictures from the country of the atrocities heaped on them by Putin’s military might.
200 Club
March is the time to renew your subscriptions for the season 2022/2023 April to March. Numbers are available if you would like to join the church’s 200 club which is one way of funding the upkeep so necessary with this old church which takes a lot to keep it heated and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature, please ring me, Carol on 01404 851113. I can send an application form. The cost is £12 per number per year. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes of £40.00, £20.00, £15.00, £10.00 and £5.00. Twice a year there is a 6-monthly prize of £48 (March and September). Payment can be made by cheque or cash or Standing Order, there is a form for your bank. I can email both the application and Standing order forms if required, please let me know 01404 851113 / or write to 3 School House Cottages, Gittisham, EX14 3AH.
March 2022 200 Club Results
1st Alice Hayman 2nd Sara Trumper 3rd Cynthia Underdown 4th Sarah Agg-Manning 5th Charles Vyner-Brooks 6-month Peter Orchard
Parish Council March 2022 report
Six councillors met for the March meeting. Phil Twiss (DCC) and Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) were also present.
DCC budget.
Phil Twiss said DCC’s budget had been approved on 17th February. The DCC part of council tax will go up by 2.99%, the lowest increase in 7 years he said, adding 87p per week or £45 a year to homes in the Band D Council tax bracket. He explained that as portfolio holder for Finance at DCC he had put back £1m into Highways for cyclic maintenance, drainage schemes and pothole repairs, as well as £329k of funding for community organisations, which were invaluable during the pandemic.
Finance.
Members agreed the finances.
Hayne Farm extension.
Graham Hutton & Richard Ayre from Baker Estates outlined the proposal to build an additional 37 dwellings to the south of the current Hayne Farm development. If approved, access to this area will not be directly from Hayne Lane. It was estimated that 15-20% would be affordable housing. There will be a consultation on 15th March where Baker Estates will be happy to answer questions from residents, and those living in properties close by on Old Elm Road. Graham Hutton reported that a site investigation had been done and they found what they’d expected in terms of contaminated material, although from experience he said he did not rule out the possibility of finding more. The plans are expected to be submitted to EDDC in May.
Development in the parish.
Members heard that David Valentine had made a short presentation to EDDC’s Strategic Planning committee voicing the parish council’s opposition to any development west of Hayne Farm, which is under discussion as part of EDDC’s draft Local Plan. Developers and land owners have been promoting possible development opportunities to EDDC. David Valentine said the promoted land is both a prominent and extremely sensitive landscape and whilst not in the AONB, any development would have a serious detrimental impact on both the setting of the AONB and the village of Gittisham. It would encroach into the valley within which Gittisham is located and bring development to within 400m of the village. He explained that the proposal cannot support a sustainable development and car use will inevitably be the primary form of transportation contrary to the principles within EDDC’s own existing and proposed local plan policies.
‘20’ is Plenty.
Members resolved to support Carol Hall’s proposal to support the 20 is Plenty campaign. Wales and Cornwall have a 20mph speed limit in all residential areas and this campaign aims to persuade DCC as the county highways authority to do the same. Phil Twiss said he would support this, but advised that if a large number of parishes come forward DCC will have to assess them according to priority (such as villages with schools).
Road closures.
7th–11th March road from Chineway to Hare & Hounds closed for SW Water works. Peter Orchard said recent repairs on Hayne Lane had not addressed the collapsed part of the road, so another closure would surely be in the offing.
Play areas.
Members heard that the equipment for the Hayne Farm play area was due to be delivered on 22nd March.
Scams.
Janet Twist said a national alert had been issued for the E.On email scam; criminals are impersonating the energy company E.On promising an £85 refund in an attempt to steal personal details and money.
Next meeting will be on Thursday 7th April at 7.30pm in the village hall.
Gittisham Gazette distribution
There was a leaflet drop in the Hayne Farm and Gittisham Vale estates, asking if residents would like to receive the Gazette by email or if they have no internet access they could be posted. I have had a few requests so far, it does not matter how many are emailed and several households have 2 copies. I put 25 copies in the Vale bus shelter and as the 10 copies in the Hayne Farm sales office very rarely get picked up I shall only put a couple in from this month.
I apologise to those who do not get the Gazette and do my best to print as many as I can on my own printer. If you have a neighbour who doesn’t have access to the internet and you could print off a copy, then many more could receive this publication. I do hope more residents from both the Vale and Hayne Farm will let me have their email addresses – you won’t be bombarded with other information other than the Gazette, unless there is something that needs your attention from the Parish Council.
Editor/Distributor: Carol McCann 01404 851113 / 0794 6409142 .
If you have events or news items including pictures, for inclusion in the gazette from the village, the Vale or Hayne Farm Estate, do please email it to Carol as early as possible. Copy date for the April edition is TBC.
A prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and Compassion to guide their decisions Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear that you would hold and protect them We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of peace. Amen.
Energy bill information from your Devon county councillor, Phil Twiss (Conservative)
What has the government announced?
• The government has announced a package of support to help households with rising energy bills, worth £9.1 billion in 2022-23.
• This includes:
o A £200discount on their energy bill this Autumn for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain. This will be paid back automatically over the next 5 years.
o A £150non-repayable rebate in Council Tax bills for all households in Bands A-D in England.
o £144 millionof discretionary funding for Local Authorities to support households who need support but are not eligible for the Council Tax rebate.
• The devolved administrations are receiving around £715 million funding through the Barnett formula as usual where UK Government support doesn’t cover Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Why is the government providing support?
• The government recognises many households will need support to deal with rising energy costs, which are being affected by global factors.
• From 1 April, the energy price cap will rise from £1,277 to £1,971 – an almost £700 increase in energy bills for the average household.
• Wholesale gas prices have quadrupled in the last year. Because gas is used for electricity generation this pushes up retail electricity bills as well as retail gas bills.
How will the Energy Bill Discount Scheme work?
• Domestic energy customers in Great Britain will receive a £200cash discount on their bills this autumn. The government will provide funding to all suppliers for them to pass on to their domestic energy customers from October.
• Customers will pay back the discount automatically in equal instalments over five years, starting from financial year 2023-24, when wholesale gas prices are expected to come down. This is expected to be reflected as an increase to standing charges on bills.
• This approach will help to spread the increased costs of global prices over time in a way that is more manageable for households.
• The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will set out more detail on this policy in a consultation in the spring.
How will the Council Tax rebate work?
• Households in England in Council Tax Bands A-D will be eligible for a £150rebate in their council tax bill in April this year.
• The rebate to bills will be made directly by local authorities. This won’t have to be repaid.
• 80% of households in England are in Council Tax Bands A-D, so will benefit from this rebate. The rebate will not be paid for second homes or empty properties. • We expect the vast majority of people who pay by Direct Debit to receive this money in April. For households in Bands A-D who do not pay by Direct Debit, their councils will be ready to process their claims in April.
• For those with council tax bills lower than £150 that month, it will take a bit longer to receive the benefit in full. Almost all households should see the full benefit by May.
• The government is providing new funding to local authorities for these rebates, as well as extra funding to help with increased administrative costs.
• For those who need help with their energy bills but are not eligible – such as households on income support in higher bands (E-H) or with properties in bands A-D that are exempt from council tax – local authorities will receive £144 million of discretionary funding to help.
• Further details will be set out by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and local authorities.
Will people across the whole UK benefit?
• The £200 energy bills discount applies across England, Wales and Scotland. The Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for energy policy in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Executive will be funded to provide comparable support with around £150 million through the Barnett formula next year. The Barnett formula will also be applied when UK Government spending is recovered in future years, which will result in lower funding for the Executive in those years.
• The £150 Council Tax Energy Rebate applies in England only, as Council Tax policy is devolved in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. As a result, the devolved administrations will receive around £565 million extra funding through the Barnett formula, which will enable them to provide similar support. They will be able to choose whether to spend this funding this year or next year.
• This comprises around £290million for the Scottish Government, £175million for the Welsh Government and £100million for the Northern Ireland Executive.
What other help is available for people struggling with the cost of living?
• These new measures are on top of the existing £12 billion support the government is providing for the cost of living this financial year and next. This includes reducing the Universal Credit taper rate, raising the National Living Wage, freezing alcohol and fuel duties and providing targeted help with energy bills.
• The government is continuing with plans to expand eligibility for the Warm Home Discount by almost a third and increase the rebate value to £150 each year (from £140). 3 million vulnerable households will now benefit from the £150 supplier rebate. More detail will be published shortly in the government response to the consultation on this. • A fuller explanation of how the government is helping with the cost of living is available in a separate factsheet here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government support-for-energy-bills-and-the-cost-of-living-factsheets
You are hereby summoned to attend the March Parish Council Meeting to be held in Gittisham Village Hall on Thursday 3rd March 2022 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.
If any member of the public wishes to join by Zoom, please contact the clerk.
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.
To accept and approve apologies
To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd February 2022
To receive the Beat Manager’s report
To receive declarations of interest
To consider actions from last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
To receive an update on the Hayne Farm development from Baker Estates
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 the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development (Cllr Twist)
To consider climate change measures within the parish (Cllr Twist) inc rewilding proposals for land in the parish (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)
To receive a report from the Chair, including considering the parish council’s involvement in the 20 is Plenty campaign
To consider upgrading the parish bus shelters
To approve the March payments and to note the current bank balance:
F Clampin £224.86 clerk’s salary & expenses (petrol)
Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc
Len Abbott expenses £tbc
Dog waste bin (£tbc)
DALC 1 x session Being a Good Councillor training @£18 each inc VAT (Jan Fowles)
NEST (clerk’s pension) £22.48
12. To consider Parish Council support for the Queen’s platinum jubilee, and any funding opportunities
13. To consider the parish council’s grant-giving policy, publication scheme, complaints policy, anti-fraud & corruption policy, Freedom of Information Scheme and code of conduct
14. To consider the Parish Council’s Statement of Internal Control, Financial Regulations and Risk Management
15. Clerk’s report
16. For information only; items for the forward agenda
17. To consider any late entry correspondence
18. To note the date of the next two meetings, Thursday 7th April and Thursday 5th May 2022 at 7.30pm in the village hall.
In attendance: Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Fiona Clampin (clerk)
Apologies for absence: Cllr Jake Bonetta (EDDC), PCSO Darren England
159/21 To accept and approve apologies
Apologies were received and accepted.
160/21 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 6th January 2022
The minutes of the meeting held on 6th January were confirmed and signed by the Chair.
161/21 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report
1 crime, December 2021:
1 x anti-social behaviour, Parsonage Lane.
162/21 To receive declarations of interest
None.
163/21 To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
Cllr Valentine said he had watched online the meetings of EDDC’s Strategic Planning committee the previous week at which developers and landowners were given 15-minute slots to promote their development opportunities before the committee. Consultants on behalf of Combe Estate gave a presentation on 25th January, where they argued that an allocation for residential development would sit comfortably with the employment land to the north of the railway land around Hayne Lane and “round off” development to the west of Honiton. It was also claimed that the development would meet sustainability criteria, given the proximity of the employment allocation and local supermarkets and access to public transport. It was put forward that access would be through the Hayne Farm development and that land has been retained to secure this access. When asked about numbers, the consultant suggested a figure in the region of 300 dwellings. There was no comment about the relationship of any development to the village, to the AONB nor to the sensitive nature of the landscape and impacts of development encroaching into the Gitt valley. There was no comment by the consultants or by the district council.
Cllr Valentine said there would be opportunities for the parish council to comment at meetings of the same committee where Honiton draft allocations are considered – possibly 8th February and 8th March. Members agreed that Cllr Valentine would be best placed to present on behalf of the parish council. The Chair added that she was concerned about the possibility of housing and other development in the parish and the responsibility that this council has in keeping up with proposals. She thought GPC’s recent involvement in the local plan and boundary matters has shown that GPC is keen to be involved in consultations. She urged members to be proactive and represent the parishioners.
ACTION: Clerk to request a public speaking slot from EDDC for Cllr Valentine.
164/21 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
Broadband
Cllr Twiss reported that he had met Jurassic Fibre staff who are committed to rolling out ultrafast broadband to Gittisham. He said their work is hampered by blocked Openreach ducting, which they can access to run their fibre optic cable through, but road closure notices are in place for March to enable this work to be done so that the service can go live with those who subscribe to it. The Chair said it was a shame that the apparent delay discussed by members in November appears to be ongoing, and she looked forward to hearing a definite date so GPC can keep expectant parishioners up to date.
Emergency access gate, Old Elm Road
Cllr Twiss said DCC’s Highways contractor would remove one of the narrower, restricted access points at the emergency access gate between the western end of Old Elm Road and Hayne Lane, which will allow motorised buggies and large prams to pass through easily. He said he was optimistic that this work will be completed by the end of the current financial year on 31st March.
Footpath
Following residents’ requests, Cllr Twiss said he had been asked to look at the viability of a shared cycle/footway on the EDDC footpath that runs from the railway bridge on Sidmouth Road towards Hayne Lane which runs to the south of the railway line. He said he had written as an EDDC ward member, but part of the route passes over DCC Highway assets. Having had an initial look, he felt that the footpath was too narrow to accommodate both sets of users, but he will be guided by the advice that comes back from EDDC.
Cllr Fowles thanked Cllr Twiss for the recent ‘grumble walk’, which included a look at parking issues on Old Elm Road. Cllr Twiss said he would seek a view from DCC Highways as to whether it is practical to put some lines down to keep the road clear on grounds of safety, or leave as is because the parked vehicles slow traffic down.
Energy costs
This is clearly a major concern for the overwhelming number of our population, said Cllr Twiss. The Government has announced a package of support to help households with rising energy bills, worth around £9bn in 2022-23. He circulated a fact sheet produced by the County Treasurer which offers a step by step guide as to how this will work (as well as other help with the cost of living). Support in the form of grants is likely to be administered via the district councils, but details are still be finalised on that in the next few days. Cllr Bruce added that among the rising costs of living, prescription charges were changing. An online petition to oppose the change has already gathered more than 100,000 signatures.
Helping Devon respond to the climate and ecological emergency, and working to protect and improve our natural environment
Working together to ensure all children are safe, healthy and can thrive with opportunities to fulfil their potential
Helping Devon achieve inclusive economic recovery and sustainable growth, ensure more people can take advantage of opportunities, and invest carefully to improve infrastructure
Making Devon a fairer place, address poverty, health and other inequalities, and ensure support for those people and families struggling most
Help people to be healthier and more resilient, ensure everyone gets the care they need, and support people to live their lives well
Support all our communities to be safer, better connected and more resilient with a focus on communities at greatest risk or in greatest need
Levelling Up
Cllr Twiss said he was skeptical as to how much difference the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda would have in the region. He circulated the 300-page document to members. However, he maintained an open mind and said to be prepared to be surprised if some real ‘new money’ heads our way!
Finally, a slightly unusual offer that might be of interest to talented young musicians in our midst.
Pipe up Devon is an opportunity for young people aged 11-18 to receive subsidised tuition for professional tutors to learn organ playing and test their skills in the local church, contributing to the local community. Cllr Twiss circulated details, and encouraged anyone interested to visit www.exeter.anglican.org/resources/worship/pipeup-devon
Cllr Bruce said EDDC’s Strategic Local Plan is grinding through its draft phase and it is important to maintain the parishes’ concerns in the eye of the committee. He said he hoped that what has been said so far will be noted when it comes for the draft document to go out for public consultation.
It was regrettable, said Cllr Bruce, that the Stansell’s planning application failed, despite a very similar application being rejected by one vote. It is yet another example of planning being shown to be inflexible when it comes to the changing needs of our communities, he said.
Cllr Bruce announced a small one-off community grant is available for voluntary, community and other not for profit groups. Grants of up to £500 are available. Deadline is December this year and for more details please contact East Devon small grants through the council website.
In his absence, Cllr Bonetta sent the following report:
As the days begin to get longer now we leave the darkness of winter, the administration of EDDC has been busy at work on a multitude of projects. The budget for 2022/23 is due to be set at an Extraordinary Full Council meeting on 23rd February, taking place at the Ocean Centre in Exmouth. As well as this, the Strategic Planning Committee has received presentations from developers across the district, bidding for land allocations in the emerging Local Plan.
Local Plan developer presentations
On 25th January, Strategic Planning Committee received two presentations from developers relating to land surrounding the Honiton St. Michael’s ward. Of particular interest to Gittisham parishioners will be the presentation relating to the allocations “Gitti_01” and “Gitti_05”, on behalf of Combe Estate, detailing plans for further extension of Honiton westwards. I have sent to the clerk the presentation which I have received detailing their bid, and a recording of the presentation itself can be found on YouTube via the following link (fast-forward to 5:39:10): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rk-pqVTGTw
When it comes to agreeing the allocation, as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, I am determined to ensure that the green belt between Honiton and Gittisham village is preserved and protected. This proposed development extends to within 400m of the village, which could potentially damage the heritage of the area indefinitely. I am of course happy to speak to individual councillors and residents about this.
EDDC Council Tax
In the next budget year, EDDC will be raising its council tax by £5, representing an annual council tax charge of £156.78 per Band D equivalent property. This is a 3.29% increase on last year, and is in line with assumptions made by national government on funding available to the council. This of course does not mean every household will be paying the above figure into EDDC’s budget – this will depend on your property. Although regrettable that taxes have to go up, there are serious funding gaps at EDDC that need to be filled – and the overall tax from EDDC represents well under 10% of the overall council tax bill in Honiton St. Michael’s. This rise will go into supporting recycling and waste collections across the district, as well as providing better leisure and sports facilities through the council’s service level payment to LED. It will also go towards updating the council’s archaic salary structure, which will help to alleviate the pressures on staff in the council and support them with the hard work that they do.
Wild Honiton project
As part of the Countryside and Leisure Service Plan for 2022-23, an exciting project will be launched in Honiton to deliver a local Nature Recovery Network pilot. The project, titled “Wild Honiton”, has been successfully rolled out in Exmouth through their own version of this project, and will see open space improvements and investments in our biodiversity across the town. There will also be numerous volunteering opportunities through this and opportunities for art and activity trails that link the town centre with its green spaces. I am looking forward to working closely with the Countryside team on this project, and I hope that the parish council also gets involved in this important project across the Vale ward.
Cllrs Twiss and Bruce left the meeting.
165/21 To consider the following planning applications:
22/01075/FUL Blamphayne Sawmill Gittisham EX14 3AN – Extension to existing machinery store
22/0005/FUL Westgate Gittisham EX14 3AU – Change of use of part of paddock to habitable use and construction of 3 x bay garage/ outbuilding
21/3165/TRE 7 Ferndale Close Honiton EX14 2YN – T1, T2 : Inspect and crown clean of 2 x Oak trees, crown lifting the Oak trees to approximately 6 m. above the public footpath pruning back to the main branch collar the 3 lowest limbs make 1 x 100 mm cut and 2 x 75 mm cuts pruning the branch tips by no more than 10% volume and making natural target pruning cuts of approximately 25 mm. in diameter.
22/0202/LBC 2 Drillers Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AQ – Replacement windows & replacement porch on south elevation, façade repairs on north & south elevation, new internal floor finish
22/0201/FUL 2 Drillers Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AQ – Replacement windows & replacement porch on south elevation, façade repairs on north & south elevation, new internal floor finish
Members had no objections to a, b, or c. Regarding d) and e), members had no objections in principle, but said they would prefer to see double glazing, so it is in accordance with EDDC’s and national policies regarding measures to deal with climate change.
166/21 To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
To note the latest planning decision notices
21/2474/FUL Goldcombe, Gittisham – Change of use of holiday let to dwelling. Refusal.
21/2906/FUL 3 Lower Green Way, Gittisham – Installation of first floor window in north elevation (retrospective).Retrospective approval (no conditions).
To receive an update on Highways
9th Feb – Road to Catshayes Farm for BT pole installation
22nd–26th Feb – Chineway to Hare & Hounds for water works
28th Feb–2nd March Hayne Lane for pot hole repairs
2nd–3rd March (inc) road from Gittisham Farm to Eveleigh’s for gully works (overnight)
Cllr Orchard reported that the railway bridge at the Forge was inspected 18th January night. On Weds 20th January the old A30 under the new A30 dual carriageway was flooded during extended rain. The balancing pond south of Old Elm Rd was also 70 per cent full, part due to DCC’s summer 2020 response not to clear the outlet grill.
To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106
Cllr Orchard said he had received a quotation from a contractor for the play area, and he would discuss next steps with EDDC. The clerk added that Honiton Town Council had been in touch to enquire about progress, as it was keen to spend any S106 money that Gittisham might offer. EDDC had replied to say that as Gittisham was in the process of obtaining quotes for its own projects, there was no definitive cost for their projects as yet.
To receive an update on public transport
Cllr Valentine reported that a student had been refused entry recently to one of the school buses, as they were unable to provide a bus pass. This caused the student and their family some distress, especially as the student had been taking the bus regularly since September 2021.
ACTION: Cllr Orchard to write to DCC’s Matthew Joll requesting DCC’s safeguarding policy on school transport.
To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development
Cllr Twist explained that the defibrillator had arrived, and she had informed Baker Estates and they are organising the installation date when a qualified electrician is available. The newly amended host agreement has not yet been signed by Sovereign Housing. Sovereign can sign on to the WEBNOS system to see that the weekly checks have been carried out. They have also requested a copy of the insurance certificate from Community Heartbeat. Cllr Twist said she would like to produce a leaflet for distribution on the estate, and would appreciate help on layout and wording. She said this was an opportunity for the parish council to have publicity on the estate. The Chair thanked Cllr Twist for her work on this.
ACTION: Clerk to discuss wording of leaflet with Cllr Twist, and Cllr Twist to investigate printing costs.
To consider climate change measures within the parish, including rewilding proposals for land in the parish
Cllr Twist provided some details on EV charging: she said plugging into a regular 3-pin socket is classed as a slow charger, charging from empty could take more than 24 hours. Home charging points vary in price, but broadly somewhere between £350 and £800. There is a government grant towards having one installed, it will cover 75% of the price, but is capped at £350, and the grant is set to end on 31st March 2022. In order to take advantage of the scheme you have to be using a government-approved company installing an approved unit.
Check your eligibility for an energy efficiency grant. There is a new grant fund called LAD2 which helps tenants and owner occupiers improve the energy efficiency of their home. For details visit the East Devon District Council website.
Sign up for the Planet Pledge, to reduce home energy wastage, it started on 17th January 2022. Participants will receive a welcome guide to introduce as many as nine new energy saving behaviours each to be completed for a minimum of 66 days. For more details and to sign up visit www.planetpledge.co.uk
Cllr Rowe said that there was a new Green Spaces Development Officer in post at EDDC, Russell Giblett, with whom he was consulting about the wildflower project. Members discussed how parish residents could get involved.
To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security
Cllr Twist said there was no update on this.
Cllr Twist said criminals are targeting parents by pretending to be a child in need of financial help, particularly on Instagram. She added that Devon Trading Standards has produced a guide to scams, rogue traders and doorstep crime.
To consider limited residential development in the parish
Cllr Valentine said there was no update on this while the legal and financial issues remain unresolved.
To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area
Cllr Walker said she had given the village play area a general tidy and removed some of the brambles. She had spoken to the lengthsman about the mole hills. Cllr Twist reported that work had begun on the Hayne Farm play area.
To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish
Cllr Walker said she had spoken to the lengsthman about the work Cllr Twist had requested.
ACTION: Cllr Walker to ask the lengthsman to look at overgrown brambles on the Honiton link road.
167/21 To receive a report from the Chair
The Chair said she had attended the Zoom meeting which explained the Devon-wide campaign for 20 is Plenty, and she was supportive of it. With the council’s agreement, the Chair said she would add this to the agenda for the March meeting. There is a template for parishes to use to make a formal resolution at the parish council and then to contact their county council. The Chair added that she’d agreed to contact other parishes to increase awareness, which she will do following the discussion at the next GPC meeting. She encouraged members to watch a short video the campaign has produced https://www20splenty.org/parish_council_motion .
168/21 To review the budget for 2022-23
Members welcomed the revised budget which had been drawn up by the clerk and Cllr Twist. Members resolved to set budget expenditure at £13,652, the balance to be taken from reserves.
ACTION: Clerk to discuss gazette printing costs with Carol McCann.
169/21 To consider progress on the Hayne Farm development
The clerk said Baker Estates would attend the March 2022 meeting.
ACTION: Clerk to discuss dog waste bin with EDDC and order as appropriate.
ACTION: Cllr Rowe to ask DCC’s Mike Brown if the unused grit bin after the turning for the A30 can be moved to the junction with Meadow Acre.
170/21 To approve a supplier for the Gittisham play area maintenance contract
The clerk said she had approached three contractors to invite them to bid for the annual maintenance contract. Members resolved to appoint Michael Poll for another year.
ACTION: Clerk to contact Michael Poll.
171/21 To approve the February payments and to note the current bank balance
It was resolved to approve the following payments:
The clerk circulated a bank reconciliation for January 2022. Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £19,702.66 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).
ACTION: Clerk to discuss the frequency of village hall hire payments with Judith Turner.
172/21 To consider parish council support for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and any funding opportunities
Members agreed to speak to residents about what kind of projects they would like to see for the platinum jubilee, in addition to tree planting, a street party and bus shelter upgrades.
ACTION: Clerk to keep a file of funding opportunities and activities to support.
173/21 Clerk’s Report
None.
174/21 For information only; items for the forward agenda
Platinum Jubilee activities; Hayne Farm including dog poo bins; bus shelters upgrade; 20 is Plenty.
175/21 To consider any late entry correspondence
Cllr Valentine said the barrier on the Curlditch side of the bridge by Riverside Cottages was rotten and therefore unsafe. It will be reported to the appropriate authority as a safety issue.
Cllr Twist suggested fitting QR codes to benches in the parish, as had been featured on the Netflix programme Afterlife. The QR code provides a link to a mental health charity.
ACTION: Clerk to report barrier defect to EDDC / DCC.
ACTION: Cllr Twist to investigate QR codes on benches.
176/21 Date of next two meetings. Thursday 3rd March and Thursday 7th April at 7.30pm in the village hall.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2130 hrs.
A monthly Community Newsletter published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
February 2022 Edition 240
Gittisham Cabaret
After two years of Covid misery and a very long time since the last staged entertainment event we are very pleased to invite performers and singers, plus of course backstage crew, to work towards delivering the Gittisham Cabaret. If you would like to get involved either supporting or performing there will be an informal meeting on 6th of February between 4:00 and 6:00 PM in the Village Hall, email Sarah Agg Manning, our celebrated Director at or just come along to the hall between 4.00 and 6.00pm.
If you can’t get to the hall on the 6th please let Sarah know of your interest. We will hold a series of rehearsals on Sunday evenings during February and March. Much of the material has already been written by Robert Baker, who has seen phenomenal success with similar ventures in the nearby parishes of Talaton and Awliscombe. Robert has also performed further afield at the Honiton Beehive!
The grand event will take place on 1st and 2nd April 2022 in the Village Hall and will comprise a light-hearted series of songs, sketches and even a spot of dancing. The tickets will also go on sale soon so keep an eye out to book your table for this year’s must-attend event which is being run by the Village Hall Committee and all proceeds will be invested back into the Hall.
Coffee Morning with bring & buy cake stall
St Michael’s are arranging a first coffee get together with cake stall in the Village Hall (as the Parish room is a bit small just now) on Saturday 26th February from 10.00am to 12.00noon hopefully lots of you will bring a cake or similar and buy a cake to take home. This is a fund raiser for the church to make up for all the time and fellowship we have missed over the last two years. I hope it won’t be too long before we can have coffee in church after either the Eucharist or the Morning Worship service. Do please tell your friends and neighbours and come along to Gittisham on 26th, there is plenty of parking.
Pierre’s pop-up Sunday cafe
Pierre’s next pop-up café will be on Sunday 13th February, where he’ll be cooking beef provençale for lunch and mini burgers for the vegetarians / vegans. As usual there will be a selection of tempting home-made croissants and pains au chocolat in the morning, to go with your freshly brewed coffee or tea. Cakes available in the afternoon. Drop in any time to Gittisham Village Hall between 10 and 4, although booking in advance is advised for lunch. Take-away also available for most items. Call or message Pierre on 07545 214940.
Quiz night
Right then – it’s finally quiz time. In the Village Hall and virtually (if you’re worried about be in the hall). The date is Saturday 12th February, the time is 7pm doors open for 7:30 prompt start and Hamish will be the quizmaster. Teams of 1-6 welcomed with open arms. It’s a BYO drink and BYO food – this avoids the committee having to handle your dinner (reducing a bit of Covid risk) and allows you to eat and drink exactly what you want. We’ll even show you how to use the new dishwasher afterwards. The usual raffle, huge winning prizes and family fun – all for the modest price £2 to cover the prizes and excessive heating bill. We’d love to see you back in the Hall – or online. If you are planning to attend in person – please let me know () Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 862 7237 7799 Passcode 016128 from 7.15pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86272377799?pwd=c3JIaG5DeWU2Z3d0SVVsZkhvWHY4UT09
From Grain to Cream – Russell Hayman
We are now well into our winter routine with the added excitement of our assurance inspections in the last two weeks. So a bit of a tidy up as it is a good excuse to make a bit more effort, got to leave a minor on compliance though, as it makes them feel wanted! This we achieved to great success, just an extra safety sticker on the spray shed door.
Not much going on in the fields at the moment. January can be a dead month. We do have some beans to put in this year, but it takes a long time for the ground to dry at the moment. These will replace some of our wheat area so I don’t need to buy as much fertiliser. With beans fixing their own nitrogen I do not have to apply any; still need other nutrients though. With fertiliser cost tripling over the last 12 months and availability questionable even if we find the money, it is a way of reducing our requirement. Beans are also high in protein, so will hopefully reduce the need to buy in as much. All sounds good, so why didn’t we do this before? Well they can be a “sorry” crop. (Sorry I planted so many or sorry I hadn’t planted more.) We will see which side is to be the case this season.
All the animals are in now and we can see the effect of the poorer quality our grass silage made last spring on them. ( The weather was against us in May.) They are performing just about OK, but need a higher feed rate of concentrate to compensate, so yields are down on last year and costing more to produce. We are not the only ones, as the whole country is down on production and with higher grain prices restricting usage the whole of Europe is down. World demand is still rising, so this means our prices are slowly increasing. We have yet to see the full effect in the shops. I know this will be hard for many, but in 2020 we were only getting a penny a litre more for milk than we did in 1995. I think agriculture is due some inflation and we need it, as the kind of price increases we are getting just can’t be absorbed. It is interesting to note my milk buyer is now exporting nearly half of its output, with France the biggest market. They know good cheese and are willing to pay. In fact they export to roughly 160 countries and this means they are more able to stand up to the strong arm tactics that can prevail in the UK retail sector.
We went up to see Edmund before Christmas he is working in south Yorkshire on an old dairy farm now growing crops for an A.D. plant which is pumping gas into the grid. This is part of his degree course having to do a year in the industry. He was giving the job of cutting the hedges as he has done a bit here. His remark to them was what hedges? The ones they have are just a few little bushes in a line, not like the proper ones in Devon!
St Michael’s Church, Honiton Mission Community and 200 Club
St. Michael’s Gittisham
February services 6th Telephone, 13th Eucharist, 20th no service; 27th lay-led morning worship, all at 11am. At our recent PCC it was decided to change our lay-led from the 3rd to the 4th Sunday. Our Christingle service this year had to be cancelled as Candlemass was held on 30th January when we were not scheduled to have any services. As numbers are less restricted now, bookings would still be very helpful as the service sheets still have to be printed, (we are hoping to uncover our hymn books and service sheets soon) and it will save too many pages being wasted. Ring Carol on 01404 851113. Obviously until told otherwise, social distancing and masks should preferably be worn but if you want to sing you must wear masks. To receive details for ongoing worship, Eucharistic and lay-led please contact me, Carol on 01404 851113 or email or Julia by email on or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680. It will be lovely when we can have our beautiful kneelers out on display again and as soon as we have a lovely sunny day or two we can get them out to air and check that they haven’t come to any harm over the 2 years they have been covered up. The church is open three or four days in the week and as the weather is cool the door will be closed but unlocked. If you find it closed (it is quite hard to open but keep trying) but if definitely locked and you would like to view or have prayer space please ring me Carol on 01404 851113 or Julia on 01404 850680 and hopefully one of us will be home to unlock.
Telephone Service on first Sunday of the month
This is a free service starting at 11am all you need to do is, a little before 11.00 dial 0800 651 0080 you will be asked for the code 3299789 and press the hash # key (they call it the £ sign), you will then be asked to say your name and press the hash # key again, you will then be in the ‘congregation’. Julia usually delegates participants to join in with some of the components (collect, affirmation, readings etc.) If you would like to join the service please let either Julia – 01404 850680 / 07763 111367 or Carol know on 01404 851113 / 07746 409142 so we can deliver the service sheet to you. If you press the speakerphone button, you don’t have to hold the phone to your ear.
Honiton Mission Community
Honiton St Paul’s weekly services continue at 11.00am. The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about services and the latest guidelines on the Covid regulations. There is also a link to the Gittisham website. The monthly Mission Community newsletter Around the Parishes is available by email or post from the Parish Office; see below for details. As our MC churches are now having their own services, Sunday Morning Eucharistic Worship at 11.00am, in St. Paul’s is being live streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue or the Parish Office by emailing or and the link will be forwarded. Alternatively, ring the Parish office to book your place in person, on 01404 44035. Messages will be replied to when someone is available. Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays. The ‘virtual’ Eucharist is at 6.30pm; details from Rev’d Sue.
At St Paul’s, coffee and biscuits are served in church on Tuesdays and Saturdays. They are currently free of charge but donations are welcomed for Vaccine Aid or church funds.
St Nicholas Combe Raleigh ‘Snowdrop Tea’
With the partial relaxation of covid restrictions we have decided to reinstate our annual Snowdrop Tea which has unavoidably been absent from the calendar since 2019. The date – Sunday 13th February; the time – 2.00 – 4.00pm Snowdrop plants will be on sale as will tea and cake. The Combe Raleigh snowdrop ‘carpet is something to behold and gets better each year.
200 Club
March is the time to renew your subscriptions for the season 2022/2023 April to March. Numbers are available if you would like to join the church’s 200 club which is one way of funding the upkeep so necessary with this old church which takes a lot to keep it heated and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature, please ring me, Carol on 01404 851113. I can send an application form. The cost is £12 per number per year. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes of £40.00, £20.00, £15.00, £10.00 and £5.00. Twice a year there is a 6-monthly prize of £48 (March and September). Payment can be made by cheque or cash or Standing Order, there is a form for your bank. I can email both the application and Standing order forms if required, please let me know 01404 851113 /
February 2022 200 Club Results
1st Steve Howe 2nd Bill Griffiths 3rd Michael Hawkins 4th Owen Morgan 5th Jayne Bramley
Vale News
The Parish Council is looking at making the area around the balancing pond and down towards the emergency gate to Hayne Lane a more environmental and aesthetically pleasing area for the use of residents. This includes clearing out the grill which is already in hand, clearing the pond and planting around the area. We are looking to providing furniture such as a bench and picnic table. Tree and/or hedge planting across the whole of the Vale area is being considered and we have surveyed the area for suitable locations. We are able to access grants and community schemes to make this happen.
The bus stop on Old Elm Road has been earmarked for improvement, this will include the provision of solar powered lighting and painting. With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee coming up, there will be a party at Gittisham Village Hall over the special bank holiday weekend and if Vale residents wish to hold their own party the parish council will support this also. The ideal venue would be in the green area by the balancing pond. Please let us know if you would like to get involved. If residents have any ideas for other improvements we would welcome them. Please contact your councillors. https://gittisham.org.uk/parish-council/
Parish Council February 2022 report
Seven councillors met for the February meeting. Phil Twiss (DCC) and Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) were also present.
Broadband.
Phil Twiss said Jurassic Fibre’s work was hampered by blocked Openreach ducting, which they can access to run their fibre optic cable through. However, road closure notices are in place to enable this work to be done.
Finance.
Members agreed the finances.
Crimes.
Dec 2021: 1 x anti-social behaviour, Parsonage Lane.
Planning applications.
a) Blamphayne Sawmill – Extension to existing machinery store. No objection. b) Westgate, Gittisham – Change of use of part of paddock to habitable use and construction of 3 x bay garage/ outbuilding. No objection. c) 7 Ferndale Close Honiton – T1, T2 : Inspect and crown clean of 2 x Oak trees, crown lifting the Oak trees to approximately 6 m. above the public footpath pruning back to the main branch collar the 3 lowest limbs make 1 x 100 mm cut and 2 x 75 mm cuts pruning the branch tips by no more than 10% volume and making natural target pruning cuts of approximately 25 mm. in diameter. No objection. d) 2 Drillers Cottages, Gittisham – Replacement windows & replacement porch on south elevation, façade repairs on north & south elevation, new internal floor finish. No objection. Members said they would prefer to see double glazing, so it is in accordance with East Devon’s and national policies regarding measures to deal with climate change.
Development in the parish.
Carol Hall voiced members’ concerns over the possibility of additional housing and other development in the parish, particularly west of Hayne Farm, which is under discussion as part of EDDC’s draft Local Plan. Developers and land owners have been promoting possible development opportunities before EDDC’s Strategic Planning committee. David Valentine said it was important for GPC to raise the issue of development encroaching into the Gitt valley at every opportunity.
Old Elm Road emergency gate, Gittisham Vale.
Phil Twiss reported that a contractor would be removing one of the narrower, restricted access points at the emergency gate, which will allow motorised buggies and large prams to pass through easily. He was optimistic this could be done by the end of the current financial year.
Road closures. 9th Feb – Road to Catshayes Farm for BT pole installation 28th Feb–2nd March Hayne Lane for pot hole repairs 2nd–3rd March (inc) road from Gittisham Farm to Eveleigh’s for gully works (overnight)
Play areas.
Maggie Walker said she had given the village play area a general tidy and removed some of the brambles. Janet Twist reported that work had begun on the Hayne Farm play area.
Scams.
Janet Twist said criminals are targeting parents by pretending to be a child in need of financial help, particularly on Instagram. She added that Devon Trading Standards has produced a guide to scams, rogue traders and doorstep crime.
Bridge barrier, Riverside.
David Valentine said the barrier on the Curlditch side of the bridge by Riverside Cottages was rotten and therefore unsafe. It will be reported to the appropriate authority as a safety issue.
Next meeting is on Thursday 3rd March at 7.30pm in the village hall.
Gittisham Gazette distribution
There was a leaflet drop in the Hayne Farm and Gittisham Vale estates, asking if residents would like to receive the Gazette by email or if they have no internet access they could be posted. I have had a few requests so far, it does not matter how many are emailed and several households have 2 copies. I put 25 copies in the Vale bus shelter and 10 copies in the Hayne Farm sales office.
I apologise to those who do not get the Gazette and do my best to print as many as I can on my own printer. If you have a neighbour who doesn’t have access to the internet and you could print off a copy, then many more could receive this publication. I do hope more residents from both the Vale and Hayne Farm will let me have their email addresses – you won’t be bombarded with other information other than the Gazette, unless there is something that needs your attention from the Parish Council.
Did you know?
At Branscombe Church there is a section where all the kneelers depict the Kings and Queens of our Nation. Julia Barratt gave me this information and said it is worth a visit to see them. I thought it might be interesting for the children to see, especially if they are interested in history, and of course adults as well.
Editor/Distributor: Carol McCann 01404 851113/07946409142 .
If you have events or news items including pictures, for inclusion in the gazette from the village, the Vale or Hayne Farm Estate, do please email it to Carol as early as possible. Copy date for the March edition is 21st February please. I hope to send out the next gazette on 4th or 5th March.
You are hereby summoned to attend the February Parish Council Meeting to be held in Gittisham Village Hall on Thursday 3rd February 2022 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.
All attending are required to bring their own hand sanitiser, wear a face mask, and respect the 2m social distancing guidelines. If any member of the public wishes to join by Zoom, please contact the clerk.
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.
To accept and approve apologies
To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 6th January 2022
To receive the Beat Manager’s report
To receive declarations of interest
To consider actions from last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
To consider the following planning applications:
22/01075/FUL Blamphayne Sawmill Gittisham EX14 3AN – Extension to existing machinery store
22/0005/FUL Westgate Gittisham EX14 3AU – Change of use of part of paddock to habitable use and construction of 3 x bay garage/ outbuilding
21/3165/TRE 7 Ferndale Close Honiton EX14 2YN – T1, T2 : Inspect and crown clean of 2 x Oak trees, crown lifting the Oak trees to approximately 6 m. above the public footpath pruning back to the main branch collar the 3 lowest limbs make 1 x 100 mm cut and 2 x 75 mm cuts pruning the branch tips by no more than 10% volume and making natural target pruning cuts of approximately 25 mm. in diameter.
22/0202/LBC 2 Drillers Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AQ – Replacement windows & replacement porch on south elevation, facade repairs on north & south elevation, new internal floor finish
22/0201/FUL 2 Drillers Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AQ – Replacement windows & replacement porch on south elevation, facade repairs on north & south elevation, new internal floor finish
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 the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development (Cllr Twist)
To consider climate change measures within the parish (Cllr Twist) inc rewilding proposals for land in the parish (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)
To receive a report from the Chair
To review the budget for 2022-23
To consider progress on the Hayne Farm development
To approve a supplier for the Gittisham play area maintenance contract for 2022/23
To approve the February payments and to note the current bank balance:
F Clampin £224.86 + £4.84 clerk’s salary & expenses (stamp)
Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc
Len Abbott expenses £tbc
Gittisham Parish Hall – January 2022 hire £10
NEST (clerk’s pension) £22.48
14. To consider Parish Council support for the Queen’s platinum jubilee, and any funding opportunities
15. Clerk’s report
16. For information only; items for the forward agenda
17. To consider any late entry correspondence
18. To note the date of the next two meetings, Thursday 3rd March and Thursday 7th April 2022 at 7.30pm in the village hall.
Gittisham Village Ward Cllr C Hall (Chair) Cllr A Rowe Cllr D Valentine Cllr M Walker
Gittisham Vale Ward Cllr J Twist Cllr J Fowles
In attendance: one member of the public, Fiona Clampin (clerk)
Apologies for absence: Cllr P Orchard, Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Jake Bonetta (EDDC), PCSO Darren England
143/21 To accept and approve apologies
Apologies were received and accepted.
144/21 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 9th December 2021
The minutes of the meeting held on 9th December 2021 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.
145/21 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report
1 crime, November 2021:
1 x violence & sexual offences, Parsonage Lane.
The clerk said she had shared posters from the police with Cllrs Twist and Orchard about livestock worrying to put on the parish council noticeboards.
146/21 To receive declarations of interest
None.
147/21 To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
Cllr Valentine outlined his presentation to EDDC’s Strategic Planning meeting on 14th December in relation to the draft Local Plan. The major consideration at this meeting was the working draft of the East Devon Local Plan 2020-2040. This document (more than 1,000 pages!!) rolls forward the current Local Plan and revisits all of the current LP’s policies, introduces new policies to address emerging planning issues and seeks to prioritise development opportunities throughout the district. There will be further opportunities to comment on policies. The draft plan currently recognises that given the development constraints surrounding Honiton, that only modest residential development is achievable (228 dwellings). Land previously identified as being “available” is ranked in the plan on a scale 1-6 (1. being no chance and 6. favoured for development). Inevitably land south and west of the current Hayne Lane development and south of the railway line, has been promoted (by Combe Estate) as being available. Such a development would potentially bring development into the Gitt valley and within 400m of the village. The ranking given to this land is 2 or possibly 3 (there is confusion in the documents supporting the draft plan). This would suggest that this land is not suitable for development. However, there are caveats in the report that indicate that if figures are not achievable elsewhere in the plan that land suitability would be reviewed. The meeting did not conclude its business and will reconvene on 11th January. Members agreed they were happy for Cllr Valentine to speak on the parish council’s behalf at future strategic planning meetings.
Cllr Valentine also reported that he and the Chair had attended a briefing regarding the Hayne Lane steering group. This relates to the employment allocation in the current Local Plan which is located north of the railway line between Hayne Lane and the Forge. EDDC has established a steering group to discuss and share information and views, as the project progresses, in bringing forward this land for employment purposes. It was previously agreed that GPC should be represented on this steering group. The first meeting of the steering group took place on 16th November. There was no GPC representative available for the meeting, but Cllr Valentine and the Chair had received a briefing from the steering group administrator on 17th December (via Zoom). He distributed a copy of the minutes of the initial steering group meeting to all members. The project will be the subject of a Master Plan exercise and tenders are currently been assessed with a view to appointing a consultancy to prepare the Master Plan. Once the consultant has been appointed further meetings with the steering group will take place. The Master Plan will be the subject of public consultation before a final document is presented. The next meeting is expected towards the end of February.
Cllr Twist said the blocked drains at Hayne Farm had been cleared by Baker Estates, but had promptly filled up again with the heavy rain. However, they are not as bad as before.
ACTION: Cllr Valentine to ask Cllr Bruce if he can reiterate the parish council’s position at the next strategic planning meeting on 11th January.
148/21 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
In his absence, Cllr Twiss sent the following report: “short and sweet this month following the Christmas recess at County Hall for the majority of departments, where everyone who can is back at their posts, in the ‘virtual world’, unless their role legally requires face to face meetings or visits for those such as DCC Highways workers or social care staff.
Locality Budget
A reminder that I have something called a Locality Budget available for use in your community, where typically I am able to support small-scale applications for items such as village notice boards, footpath improvements, tree planting etc. More details and how to apply can be found at https://www.devon.gov.uk/democracy/councillors-nav/locality-budgets/ The process runs until 31st March and from 1st April for the next financial year, so if you have any projects in mind you will need to put your thinking caps on quite soon!
Scrutiny of the draft budget
The target figures for each of the main services at DCC go to the Cabinet for approval next Wednesday, before a series of scrutiny meetings by the three committees, and then on to full council in February for final approval. This is likely to be the toughest budget DCC has had to set in living memory. What has become very clear is that with massive demand pressures on Adult and Children’s services in particular, (for a variety of reasons, not least the impact of COVID-19 and its variations) the increase in council tax is going to be the maximum 2% allowable without a referendum and an additional 1% for the social care precept, despite a very large amount of DCC reserves going to balance the books for 2022/23.
Cllr Bruce apologised for not attending, but said he had been identified as a close contact of someone testing positive for Covid-19. He reminded members that the next round of meetings to discuss the local plan are coming up towards the end of this month. They are scheduled to look at specific towns and villages with regard to housing allocation. It’s therefore important to register if anyone wishes to speak to the agenda item. He said he would be presenting arguments on behalf of Feniton at the beginning of the first meeting, so if the parish council wished him to speak on its behalf to let him know.
In his absence, Cllr Bonetta wished all members a happy new year.
ACTION: Cllr Twist to speak to Cllr Twiss regarding Mike Brown’s recent visit.
ACTION: Clerk to ask Cllr Twiss if he can arrange an update from Jurassic Fibre on the rollout of superfast broadband.
ACTION: Available Vale councillors to join Cllr Twiss on another ‘grumble walk’ on 29th Jan at 10.30am.
149/21 To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
To note the latest planning decision notices
21/1295/FUL 1 Hamlet Cottages Weston EX14 3PB – Demolition of existing workshop to be replaced with a new self-build dwelling. Approval with conditions.
To receive an update on Highways
In his absence, Cllr Orchard sent a monthly report asking if the parish council can use its CIL money to spruce up the bus shelters that are looking a bit scruffy. He reminded members that CIL funds can be spent on the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure. Cllr Orchard reported that the grill on Old Elm Road balancing pond has still not been cleared.
To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106
Cllr Orchard said he had contacted three more contractors for play area since last month. One declined work, the other two he met on site, but no further contact to date. The Chair said that EDDC was sympathetic, as all councils were experiencing supply issues.
To receive an update on public transport
There was no update on this.
To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development
Cllr Twist explained that Baker Estates are ready to install, and the electrics are in place for the defibrillator. Once the expenditure has been approved and the cheque sent to Community Heartbeat Trust, there is a 5-6 week lead in. The host agreement has not yet been signed by Sovereign Housing, there are on-going discussions on one of the clauses in the agreement, and Sovereign have also requested they be able to check that the weekly checks are being carried out. Cllr Twist said she hoped that all this may be sorted within the 5-6 weeks lead time. One member of the public explained that his wife is the primary checker for the existing defibrillators in the parish, and he is the secondary. Cllr Twist said that she was happy to be the primary checker for the Hayne Farm defibrillator, and would put out a call for a back-up on the Hayne Farm Facebook page.
To consider climate change measures within the parish, including rewilding proposals for land in the parish
Cllr Twist said she had received an email from Alastair Mumford of DCC, which said: “Still working on phases 1 & 2 of the charge point roll out. Phase 1 should be breaking ground in January, and Phase 2 is out to tender about the same time, with both completing by the end of 2022. Hope to be planning Phase 3 in the spring.” Members thanked Cllr Twist for persevering with this.
Cllr Rowe presented details of rewilding proposals for land along Old Elm Road. Seed mixes are £15 / 100g. 1 kilo is £80. EDDC’s Horticultural officer had talked about adding oxeye daisies, £20 / 100g and yellow rattle £38 / 100g. Members heard that land is more fertile nearer the gate, and they agreed the parish council should pursue other funding sources including the AONB, Combe Garden Centre and match-funding from EDDC.
To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security
Cllr Twist said there was no update on this.
To consider limited residential development in the parish
Cllr Valentine said there was a 4th Feb deadline for the VAT matter to be resolved.
To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area
The Chair said she would contact Russell Hayman about the damaged oak tree.
ACTION: Cllr Walker to speak to the lengthsman about mole hills.
To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish
Members thanked Len Abbott and Cllr Rowe for clearing debris from under the railway bridge, following flooding over Christmas.
ACTION: Cllr Walker to ask the lengthsman to trim the hedge and brambles on the LH side just south of the railway bridge on Hayne Lane.
150/21 To receive a report from the Chair
The Chair said there was no update this month.
151/21 To agree the budget for 2022-23
The clerk outlined likely expenditure for the rest of the current tax year, and circulated a spreadsheet showing forecast expenditure for 2022/23. Councillors suggested new lines for 2x bus shelter solar panels (£200), bus shelter refurbishment (£500), rewilding materials for Old Elm Road open space (£500), new benches (£1,500) and a party for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (£500, estimated prices). Members resolved to set budget expenditure at £16,502 which includes contingency and depreciation of play area items. The forecast expenditure details have been circulated.
ACTION: Clerk to discuss refining budget spreadsheet with Cllr Twist.
152/21 To set the precept for 2022-23
Councillors agreed to keep the precept at the 2021/22 level of £8,323.20, the balance of the budget to be taken from reserves. Councillors said they recognised the difficult circumstances brought about by the pandemic.
153/21 To approve the January payments and to note the current bank balance
It was resolved to approve the following payments:
1137 F J Clampin £225.71 Clerk’s salary & expenses (stamp)
1138 Leonard Abbott £42 3hrs lengthsman work, Dec 2021
Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £19,964.84 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).
154/21 To consider changes to the parish council meeting schedule
Members resolved to move future parish council meetings to the first Thursday of the month in order to make use of the village hall.
155/21 Clerk’s Report
None.
156/21 For information only; items for the forward agenda
Budget 2022/23; maintenance contract; Platinum Jubilee activities; Hayne Farm including dog poo bins.
157/21 To consider any late entry correspondence
Cllr Valentine said he had come across a man from DCC taking measurements along Dark Lane towards Pomeroy Lodge, with a view to resurfacing this part.
158/21 Date of next two meetings. Thursday 3rd February and Thursday 3rd March at 7.30pm in the village hall.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2110 hrs.
Chair…………………………………….
3rd February 2022
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