AGM of Old Buckenham Parish Council

Appointments at Parish Council AGM
This took place on Thursday 1 May before the normal monthly Parish Council meeting. Ten members of the public were present as well as all parish councillors apart from Paul Boggia who had sent his apologies.
Election of Chairman. Tim Ing proposed Steve Milner as Chairman, this was agreed unanimously. Tim Ing stood down and Steve Milner accepted the chair.
Election of Vice-chairman. Tim Ing proposed Jonathan Kemp and this was agreed unanimously.
Appointment of working parties. Recreation Area, Jonathan Kemp and Carol Marshall. Planning, Derek Smalley. Play Area, Sarah Dye. Allotments, Adrian Joel. Allotment Liaison Group, John Frost and Adrian Joel.
Policy document reviews. Standing orders, Steve Milner, Tom Johnson, Adrian Joel and James Watling (Parish Clerk). Financial regulations, James Watling. Health and safety policy, Tom Johnson.
Chairman’s annual report. Tim Ing said that the provision of a Neighbourhood Plan was not accepted by a majority of residents following discussion at the Annual Parish Meeting. On the Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan, Bunns Bank had been withdrawn from the plan but the council continue to have representation and are working for the good of Old Buckenham. Speedwatch has had a very good start and has carried out a large number of sessions within the village. The Cotman Housing Project has started. The War Memorial will have its future maintenance and cleaning paid for by the Parish Council. The Parish Council have a grant for 50% of the cost of school flashing speed signs and are currently seeking grants for the balance. The Parish Council are involved in the decision processes for Chapel Road School and will continue to give input and keep residents informed.
Parish Clerk’s annual report. The Precept Meeting for the financial year 2014/15 was held in November 2013 and the precept was set at £17,617. This was a small increase on the previous year. The Parish Council awarded grants to local organisations of £3,700. As Responsible Finance Officer the parish clerk is expecting to be putting forward budget proposals for the financial years 2015/16 slightly above the current level of expenditure for recommendation by the Parish Council. There will be changes to how Breckland Council will fund future precepts, the Communities Minister has indicated he may restrict precept increases to 2%. The Parish Council are fully aware of the harsh economic times for a large number of villagers who are on fixed incomes. The Parish Council will therefore ensure strict financial and monetary controls are effective at all times and that all expenditure is within budgetary limits. Expenditure for the year was approx £15,500 net of VAT from a total income of £21,600 (all figures are subject to audit). The Parish Clerk took the opportunity of thanking the Parish Councillors for their hard work and commitment to their responsibilities as Parish Councillors and for the support they have given him over the past year.