Finance committee of Stourport-On-Severn Town Council

Mayor's Parlour, Civic Centre, Stourport-on-Severn

Tuesday 31st October 2023

PRESENT:               

Councillors:     T Berry (Chairman); D Little; J Thomas; T Schmeising-Barnes

Officers:          S Saunders (Town Clerk); G Shaw (Treasurer)

11.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

There were no apologies for absence.

12.     MINUTES

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on the 30th May 2023 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

13.     DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 6(b) – Update on Civic Hall, as he is a trustee of The Civic Group.

14.     HALF YEARLY BUDGET REPORT

Members received a report from the Treasurer which gave information on the actual expenditure and income for the six months up to 30th September 2023.  The Treasurer informed Members that a forecast of £17,000 overspend was predicted at the present time, details of which were provided in the report. 

A discussion was held on the reduced income for burial fees and information was to be sought to see if income was lower than budgeted for at other authorities and to ascertain local authority cemetery fees.

Members were asked to start giving consideration to next years budget.

The Treasurer was thanked for his informative report.

15.  ENERGY COSTINGS

Following increases in utility prices, the Treasurer had carried out an exercise to ascertain if the Council could make savings for the future on gas and electric.  He had received a quotation from Valda Energy that could potentially save the Council money but after looking at reviews, it was decided to stay with the current suppliers.

It was also suggested that the Council look into the possibility of installing solar panels at Stourport Community Centre.  The Town Clerk and Councillor Thomas would follow this up.

16.     UPDATE FROM THE TOWN CLERK

  1. Paddling Pool Floor Replacement

    The Town Clerk advised that, should Council agree to keep the paddling pool open, the surface required replacing in time for Summer 2024.  A discussion took place and it was agreed that a recommendation be proposed to Council that the flooring be replaced at a cost of £35,165 plus VAT.  It was also agreed that a fund be set up for future maintenance.             

    Councillor Schmeising-Barnes left the meeting at this point, (11.45am)

  2. Civic Hall

    The Town Clerk advised that the new lease for the Civic Hall was with the Council solicitors and it would be sent to the Civic Trustees.

    Councillor Schmeising-Barnes came back to the meeting at this point, (11.51am).

17.     EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

Decision: "Under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of "exempt information" as defined in paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

18.     WRITE OFF OF AN IRRECOVERABLE DEBT

Following information provided by the Town Clerk, it be RESOLVED to write off an irrecoverable debt following all debt collection steps having been undertaken. 

Chairman

The Meeting closed at 11.59am.