Tuesday 2nd June 2026

PRESENT:

Councillors: J Thomas (Chairman), D Little, C Rogers, T Schmeising-Barnes, H Williams.

Officers: S Saunders (Town Clerk), D While (RFO)

1. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN
   
   It was agreed that Councillor J Thomas be nominated as Chairman of the Finance Committee.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
   
   Apologies for absence were received from Councillor T Berry. Councillor Rogers was appointed as a substitute for Councillor Berry.
   
   
3. MINUTES
   

   It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on the 5^th May 2026 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
   
   There were no Declarations of Interest.
   
   
5. INTERNAL AUDITOR’S REPORT
   

   The Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) informed Members that she had met with the Internal Auditor on a couple of occasions to go through the annual accounts. One item that was raised was the qualification for the annual accounts in 2024/25 where temporary salaries had been put against permanent salaries whereas it should have been recorded separately. This had now been rectified in the 2025/26 accounts.

   Members were advised that in the latest Practitioners Guide, it mentioned the independence of the internal auditor. Following a discussion, Members felt that the Internal Auditor had carried out a thorough review and were happy to continue with him.

   In response to a Member question, it was confirmed that the “minor” items mentioned in the report included the Riverside Paddling Pool, Riverside Toilets, invoices and VAT, mileage on vehicles, debit card procedures, company vehicles and working balances.

   The RFO was thanked for her report and the information was agreed.

6. ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2025/26
   
   The RFO presented the Annual Governance Report and Members resolved that the Annual Governance Statement 2025/26 be approved.
   
   
7. ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2025/26
   

   The RFO provided Members with an update as follows:

   1. The accrued amounts for outstanding obligations represented items such as the lease on Civic Centre, Paddling Pool contingency, unforeseen expenditure, reserves and ring fenced grants.
   2. The accounts showed an overspend of £225.
      
      The following information was clarified following Members questions:
      
      
   3. With regard to the overspend, a deficit of £23k was shown against the precept of £527k.  The RFO explained this would be reported differently in the accounts next year.
   4. The cemetery figures were on target for the current financial year following concerns raised in 2025.
   5. The overspend in the Civic Centre amounted to 10K, it was confirmed that this was for the Civic Hall and not the Civic Centre.  This would be split for future reporting.
   6. The asset register had been restated to reflect current valuations and it was agreed that an up to date valuation would be carried out on the Civic Hall.
   7. The Civic Centre lease had been signed but the Town Clerk and RFO were looking into the invoices that had been presented for the last 10 years.  Statute limitations was mentioned and this had already been relaid to the Council’s solicitors.
   8. Current investments were held with Wyre Forest District Council and it was felt that these were safe investments at present.  As part of their policy, they would only invest with Category AAA companies.
      
      Members thanked the RFO for her report and the annual accounts were agreed.
      
      
8. TREASURY MANAGEMENT POLICY STATEMENT & INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2026/27
   

   The RFO informed Members she had reviewed the current document and a couple of amendments had been made i.e. the introduction section and CiPFA has been revised at the end of December 2021.  She was content that it was a secure document.

   In response to a Member query on the balance sheet, it was agreed to amend the wording on the second heading to read balances and not bank balances.

   The Treasury Management Policy Statement & Investment Strategy 2026/27 be agreed.

9. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS
   
   The RFO informed Members that the last Financial Regulations had been updated in 2023. The Council document needed updating to reflect changes to procurement, contract work and banking arrangements. The NALC model had been used. The document contained some items in bold which were statutory obligations. Members resolved that the updated Financial Regulations document be agreed.
   
   
10. UPDATE ON RIVERSIDE TOILETS, STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN
    
    The Town Clerk advised Members that following the Finance meeting on 5th May 2026, the toilet contractor had now changed his member of staff to clean the toilets and a vast improvement had been made. Following a meeting with the Town Clerk, RFO and the contractor, it was agreed that the two March 2026 invoices be amended to reflect 20 hours for the month and not the 155 invoiced for. Members noted the information.
    
    
11. UPDATED MILEAGE RATES FROM HMRC
    
    The Town Clerk informed Members that the Government had increased mileage allowances from 45p per mile to 55p per mile for the new tax year, i.e. 1st April 2026. Members resolved to the increase mileage amount paid to Members and Staff.
    
    
12. QUOTATIONS ON PURCHASE/LEASE OF VEHICLES
    

    Members were informed that the work van was in the garage once again having had the turbo replaced. A vehicle had been hired whilst the van was in the garage.

    A robust discussion took place on lease and purchase vehicles. The Town Clerk reminded members that if the choice was to lease, then it would go against current Council policy. It was agreed that a small petrol van be purchased this year and then look at the new budget year for the purchase of a larger van. It was resolved to delegate to officers to arrange this. The RFO advised that there was approximately £17,000 in the budget from various cost centres, which included vehicles reserves and non-recurring items.

13. RENEWAL OF THE LEASE FOR THE ELIZABETH MILLS DAY CENTRE, STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN
    
    The Town Clerk advised Members that following conversations with the trustees of the Elizabeth Mills Centre, it had been agreed that a new lease for 5 years be granted. The Town Clerk would contact the Town Council’s solicitor to draw up a new lease. She also advised that Town Council staff would assist the Elizabeth Mills Centre with regard to asbestos and fire inspections.
    
    
14. QUOTATION FROM MICHAELS CIVIC ROBES & REGALIA LTD ON MERCHANDISE FOR TOWN COUNCILLORS
    
    The Town Clerk advised she had received quotations for possible merchandise for town councillors. Following a discussion, it was agreed that a pin badge would be ordered for all councillors in an oval shape. The Town Clerk was asked to action.

The Meeting closed at 11.46am.

Chairman