2026 Minutes

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF WIGTOFT PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 11th May 2026.

Present: Cllr I Mills; Cllr B Leggott; Cllr K Redhead; Cllr S Collingwood; Cllr S Brigham: Cllr S Baxter and the clerk. Also County Councillor P Lock and one member of the public.

01/26    To elect the Chairperson for the coming year.

Cllr Brigham proposed Cllr Ian Mills as Chairperson and seconded by Cllr Leggott. It was unanimously resolved to appoint Cllr Ian Mills as Chairperson.

02/26    To arrange to receive the Acceptance of Office form from the Chairperson and to hand

over the sealed envelope containing passwords relating to the operation of the administration of

the Parish Council.

Cllr Mills signed the Acceptance of Office form which was co-signed by the clerk. The clerk retained

the acceptance of office form for filing. The existing sealed

envelope was returned to the clerk who handed over a current sealed envelope to Cllr Mills for safe

keeping.

03/26    To elect the Vice Chairperson for the coming year

Cllr Leggott proposed Cllr Steve Baxter as Vice Chairperson and was seconded by Cllr Brigham. It was unanimously resolved to appoint Cllr Steve Baxter as Vice Chairperson.

04/26    To arrange to receive the Acceptance of Office form from the Vice Chairperson.

Cllr Baxter signed the Acceptance of Office form which was co-signed by the clerk.

The clerk retained Acceptance of Office forms for filing.

05/26    To resolve to close the meeting to hold the 15 minute Public Forum and to reopen the meeting once the Public Forum is complete

As there was no public forum , the Chairperson opened the meeting.

06/26    Chairpersons remarks.

Cllr Mills thanked all Councillors for their enthusiasm and for re-electing him as Chairperson for another year.

07/26    Apologies for absence and reasons given – none.

08/26    To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest not previously recorded on the Member’s Register of Interest.

Cllr Brigham declared an interest in agenda item 21.

09/26    Notes of the last meeting held on the 13.4.26 to be confirmed and signed as minutes by the Chairperson.

The above notes were agreed and signed as minutes by the Chair, Cllr Mills. It was resolved to accept the notes as minutes.

10/26    To review the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations (no update since the last version adopted). As part of the review of the Financial regulations, to discuss adding a delegation to the clerk to allow the clerk to make the monthly payments in advance of the monthly meeting where appropriate (payments made second Tuesday of each month).

The clerk had reviewed the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations before sending them to the Councillors prior to the meeting. There were no changes to be made other than the clerk suggested adding a delegation to the clerk in the Financial Regulations to allow the clerk to make the monthly payments in advance of the monthly meeting where appropriate (payments made second Tuesday of each month). It was resolved to adopt the Standing Orders, add the delegation as above and adopt the Financial Regulations.

011/26     To review the renewal received for the insurance policy for all insurable risks, year 2 of a three year fixed price agreement of £552.50. Payment due on by 1.6.26.

The clerk had reviewed the policy before sending it out to Councillors prior to the meeting. The cost for the annual policy remained unchanged but the administration cost had increased by £5. It was resolved to renew the policy at a cost of £552.50 and for the clerk to make the payment prior to the renewal date of 1.6.26.

012/26     To appoint a lead safeguarding officer or member (appointed annually in line with the requirements of our Safeguarding Policy).

It was resolved that Cllr Mills would remain a lead safeguarding officer and Cllr Redhead would replace ex Cllr Smith as the Deputy Child Protection lead. It was resolved to re-adopt the Child and Vulnerable Adult Welfare and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.

013/26    To review the Council’s bank mandate and to resolve to add another signatory due to a Councillor resignation.

It was resolved that Cllr Brigham be added as a signatory and ex Cllr Smith be removed. Clerk to make the arrangements. It was resolved that four signatories were sufficient for the time being.

014/26    To confirm regular payments from the Council’s bank account.

1. Clerk salary and PAYE.
2. £11.24 per month ex vat HP Instant Ink.
3. £18 per month, Abbey Payroll Service.
4. £6 per month. Smarty Mobile monthly plan
5. £4.25 per month, Lloyds Bank charges
6. £35 per month, Clerk use as home as office.

If was resolved to continue to make these regular payments from the Council’s bank account.

015/26  To review and readopt the Risk Management document.

The clerk had reviewed the document before sending it out to Councillors prior to the meeting. The clerk suggested giving 2 Councillors “read only access” to the Scribe accounting system and “on line banking” in case the clerk was not available for an unplanned period of time. It was resolved that all signatories should be given read-only access to the bank account and the Scribe accounting system. This action is to be added to the Risk Management document and the access as above set up by the clerk. It was resolved to re-adopt the Risk Management document with the amendments as detailed above.

016/26     To review and readopt the Publication Scheme.

The clerk had reviewed the document before sending it out to Councillors prior to the meeting. It was resolved to re-adopt the Publication Scheme without amendment.

017/26     To review and confirm the Fixed Asset Register.

The clerk had reviewed the document before sending it out to Councillors prior to the meeting. It was resolved to accept the details on the Fixed Asset register as at 31.3.26

018/26    To approve the use of BACS/CHAPS/INTERNET BANKING to make payments from the Parish Council’s bank account (as required by our Financial Regulations).

It was resolved to approve to continue to use BACS/CHAPS/INTERNET banking to make payments.

019/26    To review the Council’s expenditure incurred under s.137 of the Local Government Act 1972 or the general power of competence.

The clerk advised Council that no payments had been made in the financial year 1.4.25 to 31.3.26 using this power.

020/26    To review and re-adopt a Subject Access Request procedure.

The clerk had reviewed the document before sending it out to Councillors prior to the meeting. It was resolved to re-adopt this document.

021/26    Financial matters:  a) To resolve to accept the accounts for payment for April 2026, to be checked and signed by 2 Councillors at this meeting. b) To review the budget figures for the year to date.  Bank balance £17653.12 as at 4.5.26. c)  To receive the bank reconciliation for 1.1.26 to 31.3.26 from Cllr Leggott. To confirm the donations agreed at the budget planning on 19.1.26.

a)The accounts for payment were checked against the invoices to the lists, confirmed as correct and signed by Cllrs Redhead and Brigham.  It was resolved to agree the payments. b)The clerk had circulated the budget figures up to date for the current financial year to the Councillors prior to the meeting. The clerk advised that there was nothing  to comment on or explain for the current year to date except for the overspend against budget for the internal audit due to having to change Internal Auditor unexpectedly at the year end. It was resolved to accept the budget figures year to date as an accurate copy of the Parish Council’s receipts and payments  together with the balance of the bank account at £17653.12 as at 4.5.26. c) It was resolved to accept the checked bank reconciliation for 1.1.26 to 31.3.26 from Cllr Leggott. To confirm the donations agreed at the budget planning on 19.1.26:

Wigtoft Parochial Church Council - £300

Wigtoft Newsletter - £200

Citizens Advice Bureau - £35

Wigtoft Village Hall - part donation, part payment for use of the Village Hall for meetings, £300.

It was resolved to confirm these payments which were originally agreed as part of the budget planning in January 26.

022/26    Planning: B/26/0175. Proposed single storey rear extension at Borralin, Asperton Road, Wigtoft, PE21 2PJ.

Cllr Brigham left the room at 20:00. Following a discussion, it was resolved that there were no comments to make. Clerk to advise planning department at Boston Borough Council.Cllr Brigham returned to the room at 20:05.

023/26     Correspondence received since the April meeting.

10.4.26  Two Traffic restriction orders from LCC         Posted on website, Facebook and forwarded to Councillors

9.4.26                   LALC training bulleting                                                                                  No action required

15.4.26                 Poster re Grimsby to Walpole pylons update                                             Add to Noticeboard.

24.4.26                 LALC fortnightly e news                                                                                No action required

24.4.26                 Highways notice of A17 work to replace street light columns                  Forwarded to Councillors. Added to website and FB.

29.4.26                 LCC Town & Parish Council Newsletter                                                       Forwarded to Councillors. Added to website.

** Cllrs is short for Councillors.  **NALC is short for National Association of Local Councils.    **LALC is short for Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils. **BBC is short for Boston Borough Council    ** LCC is short for Lincolnshire County Council **FB is short for Facebook

024/26  Reports from Parish Councillors.

Cllr Brigham – motorised scooters being ridden in the park and riders are being abusive to others. Suggest fliers to be sent out with newsletter. Cllr Collingwood confirmed he has reported this as anti-social behaviour. Clerk to contact Community Safety Officer. Cllr Brigham asked for an update on the overgrown trees on Church Road. The clerk reminded Council that this has been referred to the County Council who are taking legal action. The clerk has asked LCC for an update. County Cllr Lock asked for the reference number so that he can obtain an update. The clerk provided the reference number during the meeting. Cllr Redhead – A17 will be soon closed for repairs overnight. More vehicles including heavy goods vehicles are likely to use the route through the village as a rat run. Cllr Baxter – there have been quite a few large machinery thefts recently.  Cllr Mills – I reported 2 fly tips down Fishmere End Road and Asperton Road. They were taken away quickly. The potholes have been repaired on Asperton Road. The gullies need clearing. Cllr Mills will report on Fix my Street.

025/26  Reports from Borough and County Councillors

County Cllr Lock – use Fix my Street as much as possible. I am going to a meeting about the road works on the A17. LCC are developing a new portal to keep County Councillors updated with information relevant to them. The number of gangs working on repairing potholes has been doubles from  20 to 40. A new type of pothole repairer has been trialled and has worked well. The County Councillor grant scheme is on its way. Details will be in the newsletter. Springwell Solar Panels – LCC have raised a judicial review into the decision made by the Secretary of State. I enjoyed the breakfast in the Village Hall, good to see such a thriving community. There will be more money in the pot for drain and culvert clearing. Any known issues, log on to Fix my Street.  

026/26  Clerk’s report

The precept sum of £9118.55 has been received into the bank account on 17.4.26. This is the net amount after payment of £382.04 plus vat £76.41 for the electricity used to power the footway lighting.

The refund of VAT, £119.06, has been received in the bank account on the15.4.26

Confirmation of who has the 3rd key to the Noticeboard (email sent to Sandra 4.5.26). It was confirmed that the clerk, Cllr Baxter and Cllr Brigham have a key to the noticeboard

027/26  To review and confirm acceptance of the Internal Auditors report

It was resolved to accept the Internal Auditors report. There were no actions from the report.

028/26  To sign the Certificate of Exemption relating to the Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2025/2026.

The Certificate of Exemption was signed by the chairperson, Cllr Mills. It was resolved to confirm its completion.

029/26 To complete, confirm and sign Section 1 (the Annual Governance Statement) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2025/2026.

The clerk read out each statement and an explanation to Councillors. Each statement was agreed as a “yes” response. The chair, Cllr Mills and the clerk signed the document. It was resolved to accept the completion in full of this document.

030/26  To confirm and sign Section 2 (the Accounting Statements) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2025/2026.

In accordance with requirements, the clerk had completed, dated and signed the Accounting Statement and sent it to Councillors prior to the meeting. It was resolved to accept the statement and the chair, Cllr Mills, countersigned and dated it.

031/26  To approve the Publication of the Exercise of Public Rights in respect of the Annual Audit.

It was resolved to approve the details on this document. The Clerk will post the notice on the noticeboard on the 2.6.26 and on the website in line with the audit requirements.

032/26 An update on progress on Co-opting a new Parish Councillor

The clerk advised Council that no applications had been received.

033/26  a)An update on trees and hedges in general which the Parish Council has responsibility for (requested from previous meeting). b)An update on the installation of the new “no dog fouling” sign and posts in the Wildlife Garden. c)To discuss installing the new sign for the gate in the playing field.

a) Cllrs Mills and Leggott met in the park and agreed, because of nesting birds, it was too late to start cutting back trees. Clerk to add to agenda for October. A hole in the wire fence was seen. Cllr Leggott will check to see if he has some suitable cable ties to repair it. b) Cllr Mills investigated hiring equipment to dig holes for the posts, without success. Cllr Leggott will confer with Cllr Collingwood re the next steps.  c) Cllr Collingwood volunteered to sort out putting up the sign on the gate. .

034/26  To review the playing field/play area inspection undertaken by Cllr Leggott in conjunction with the annual inspection report.

Cllr Leggott reported that the steelwork and painted stuff is grubby. The wetpour under the roundabout will need repairing soon. Agenda item for next meeting. The wooden benches need cleaning and painting. Clerk to obtain quote for cleaning and painting the benches. Cllr Brigham volunteered to spray areas/equipment with algae and/or mould as and when appropriate. Agenda item next meeting to discuss the wetpour.

035/26  To retrospectively resolve to agree the purchases as follows: a)a new “no dog fouling” sign for the Playing Field entrance hand gate £86.75 + vat £17.35; b)Internal Auditor cost for 25/26 £150; c)green mould and algae killer £31.62 + vat £6.32 in line with our Financial Regulation 6.8v.

It was resolved to retrospectively agree these purchases.

Meeting closed at 20:45. Next meeting at 19:30 on 6.7.26.