Full Council Minutes 2026

Full Council Minutes - July 2026

 

Minutes of the Full Council Meeting of Cherry Willingham Parish Council 

held at 19.00 on 20th July 2026 held at The Vine, Cherry Willingham.

 

Present; Cllr A Burge - Chairman, Cllr S Bates - Vice-Chair, Cllr Mrs Burge, Cllrs B Robinson, Cllr J Robinson, Cllr G Shaw, Cllr J Trahearn, Cllr P Moore, Cllr J Betts

Mrs L Clinkscales - Clerk Acting RFO

 

District Cllr M Palmer and County and District Cllr T Bridgwood

 

  1. To note and record apologies and absences

Cllr R Houghton, Cllr P Bucke, Cllr K Mellor.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 

and consider any requests for dispensations in relation to Disposable Pecuniary Interests or other interests as outlined in the Council’s Code of Conduct.

Mrs L Clinkscales (Clerk) is related to the Cleaner instructed by the Village improvements 

Committee

 

  1. To receive the notes of the Council meeting held on 15th June 2026 and agree for 

them to be signed as a true record.

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the minutes from the meeting held on the 15th June 2026 as a true record.

 

  1. To receive any reports from outside bodies, including the Police, District and 

County Councillors (if any) and agree actions as required.

District Councillor M. Palmer provided an update on several upcoming changes and developments:Planning: Effective 31st October 2026, the approval of planning applications will transfer from the WLDC Planning Committee to planning officers.Recycling: A new initiative for the collection of vapes and batteries is currently being planned, with a proposed start date of April 2027. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): Lincolnshire is moving toward a new unitary council structure, with the transition timetable commencing in April 2028. By May 2028, a single point of contact will be established for the Cherry Willingham and Bardney Ward. While the new structure—comprising 70 councillors across two units—may devolve more powers to Parish Councils, concerns were noted regarding the transition of county-level services, potential initial operational disruption, future rural funding, and debt obligations. Future Planning: The scope and influence of Neighborhood Plans may be limited in the future. General: A WLDC fund with a £4 million budget was highlighted, for assisting with projects. The current WLDC structure is expected to cease operations by 31st March 2028.

 

  1. To receive a report from the Chair.

Cllr A Burge thanked all members and volunteers who helped with the Cherry Fields Event.

 

  1. To receive a Clerk report.

An update was provided on the integration of the RFO role into the Clerk role, which will improve role flexibility and operational fluidity.

 

  1. To review and approve any co-option applications. 

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the co-option application from Susan Glover. Susan is already part of the BHP Path, and the litter picking groups.

 

  1. To discuss and resolve any necessary action regarding the merge of the Village 

  2. Improvement Committee and the Leisure Amenities Committee

RESOLVED unanimously for The Clerk is to prepare the Terms of Reference for the new Village Amenities Committee (VAC) to be presented to the Full Council. The present committees to continue as normal until a motion is ratified at the next meeting.

 

  1. Financial Matters

    1. To resolve to accept the Receipts and Payments since the June 2026 meeting

Copies of the document can be obtained by emailing the Clerk at clerk@cherrywillingham-pc.gov.uk.

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the receipts and payments since the June 2026 meeting.

  1. To approve the purchase of a PC ipad for the use of as a council (speedwatch, events, general admin)

RESOLVED unanimously to spend up to £500 on a PC tablet

 

  1. To receive reports and recommendations (if any) concerning the business of the 

Council and its Committees, Sub-committees etc, and agree to any actions accordingly: (Note: queries from minutes, please see the individual chairs or members outside of the full council meeting to expedite the meeting).

 

  1. Cherry Fields Committee (CFC) – Chair: Cllr J Robinson

To receive a report from the meeting on the 26th June  2026 and approve any action taken. 

The Committee noted the successful Oasis tool disposal day held at the end of June. The event raised £908.00, with an additional £85.00 on the associated celebratory activities; positive feedback was received from residents. Nigel Hooper received a £20 donation for their work and planning at the CF site. The storage container has been delivered and installed, and materials for its base have been ordered, with installation scheduled for 18th August 2026. The structure is located on higher ground than originally discussed.

 

Regarding future projects, it was noted that Helen has conducted research into the Lottery Grant; evidence must now be collated to support an application. Cllr Mrs Burge highlighted the potential for a 'family space' and the requirement for electricity to the container. Additionally, the Committee discussed the scope for expanding site facilities. The Clerk is to obtain quotes for water and electricity at Cherry Fields, as well as quotes for toilets and a septic tank. Finally, the Committee agreed to seek resident feedback on future village project ideas via 'Cherry News'.

 

The Behind the Hedge Path (BHP) has opened as scheduled and was completed under budget. A volunteer group of nine residents has been established via a WhatsApp group to conduct regular inspections, ensuring the path remains in good working order. Feedback from the community has been consistently positive, and the project is proceeding well.

 

RESOLVED unanimously to grant permission to the Environment Agency to undertake site surveys on Parish Council land as part of their upcoming flood management project.

 

  1. Events & Fundraising Committee - Chair: Cllr S Bates

To receive a report from the meeting on the 9th July  2026 and approve any action taken. 

56 pitches and axe throwing are confirmed for the Gala. Lane marking will be completed the night before the event, and all stallholders will receive information via email beforehand.

  1. To discuss and approve any necessary action regarding the light switch on

The Council discussed the requirement for batteries for the lights and agreed to invite local school choirs to perform at the event.

RESOLVED unanimously to move the light switch-on to Friday, 27th November 2026, provided there are no clashes with school schedules or venue availability."

 

  1. Finance & General Purposes Committee – Chair: Cllr Andrew Burge

To receive a report from the meeting on the 08th July 2026 and approve any action taken 

i. To approve the first quarterly bank reconciliation for 2026/27.

Bank Reconciliation – Quarter 1 (2026/27)

Reconciliation Date: 1 July 2026

The RFO presented the bank reconciliation for the period 1 April 2026 to 1 July 2026.

Cash Position at Start of Period (01/04/2026): £153,092.70 Add: Total Receipts (01/04/2026 – 01/07/2026): £119,113.09 Less: Total Payments (01/04/2026 – 01/07/2026): £49,610.48

Cash in Hand per Cash Book at 01/07/2026: £222,595.31

The following balances were noted from bank statements dated 30 June 2026:

  • Petty Cash: £27.38

  • HSBC Current Account: £4,847.94

  • HSBC Savings Account: £111,113.99

  • Nationwide Savings Account: £85,000.01

  • Unity Trust Savings Account: £21,514.79

Total Cash in Hand per Bank Statements: £222,504.11

Adjustments:

  • Less unpresented payments: £58.80

  • Add unpresented receipts: £150.00

Adjusted Bank Balance: £222,595.31

The reconciliation was reviewed and it was confirmed that the Cash Book balance and the Adjusted Bank Balance match (A = B).

  1. To note the expenditure vs budget.

Quarter 1 Budget Forecast – Summary (2026/27)

Report Date: 2 July 2026

The acting RFO presented the Quarter 1 forecast for all cost centres. Overall, the council remains in a strong financial position, with most areas showing favourable variances due to early‑year phasing and planned use of earmarked reserves.

Key Points

  • Cherry Fields: Spending remains low overall, with a small overspend on the Behind the Hedge Path.

  • Earmarked Reserves: Planned project spending has taken place, particularly for CIL and Oasis.

  • Events: Income of £890 received; expenditure remains within budget.

  • Governance & Admin: Regular costs such as subscriptions, audit, insurance and PWLB repayments progressing as expected.

  • Human Resources: Salary and training costs are within expected early‑year levels.

  • Income: £108,697.50 received to date, largely from the precept.

  • Leisure & Amenities: Play equipment project is the main area of spend; other costs remain low.

  • Office Costs: Expenditure remains modest across utilities and supplies.

  • Village Improvements: Low expenditure to date; allotment income remains below budget.

Overall Position

  • Total income to date: £115,972.12

  • Total expenditure to date: £44,344.05

  • Net position: £95,085.95 favourable

  • Gross totals: Receipts £119,113.09; Payments £49,610.48

The council’s financial position at Quarter 1 is healthy, with strong reserves and controlled spending across all cost centres.

  1. Review Financial Policies and approve for policies listed b. - e. to be reviewed bi annually as    recommended by the Finance and General Purposes Committee:

  1. Risk Management Policy.

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the Risk Management Policy and the attached appendix

  1. Asset Management Policy. 

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the Asset Management Policy and the attached appendix

 

  1. Human Resources Committee – Chair: - Cllr J Betts

To receive a report from the meeting on the 10th July 2026 and approve any action taken.

The HR report will be discussed in closed session.

 

  1. Leisure & Amenities Committee (L&A) – Chair Cllr Mrs Burge

No meeting has been held

  1. To approve the repair of the music panel at Laburnum Play Park. 

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the replacement music panel for the sum of £600

  1. To approve the repair quote of the rumble path. 

RESOLVED unanimously approve the repair of the rumble path for the sum of up to £1000.

 

  1. Planning Matters 

No meeting has been held 

With only minimal and minor applications there has been no need for a meeting.

  1. Update on the progress of the neighbourhood plan.

The formal consultation period has been extended by six weeks due to a communication error. We are awaiting confirmation on whether any further amendments are required.

  1. Update on the Marina

Level needs to be brought in line, and then the builder will sign. Fox have offered a better contractor than  Anglian Water. The platform to level will take another 4 weeks. Fox came back cheaper but they were doing 100 loads to site. Anglian Water didn’t process quotes correctly. Lorries will be going through the village, there will be a requirement to build up after this. Building to start in October.

 

  1. Village Improvements Committee (VIC) – Chair: Cllr A Burge

To receive a report from the meeting on the 09th July 2026 and approve any action taken. Village Gates Highways to go and do a site survey. Memorial, Mrs J Atkins has found a company to design a memorial, Mrs J Atkins to arrange a site visit to discuss. 

  1. To approve the Millenium Hall Cleaning.

RESOLVED unanimously to approve up to £40 a month on cleaning of the Millennium Hall, on 

an ad hoc basis. 

  1. To approve the Bustop Cleaning.

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the cleaning of bus stops by monthly for the cost of up to 

£60

 

  1. To resolve to enter a closed session To resolve, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, that the press and public be excluded from the meeting due to the confidential nature.

RESOLVED unanimously to approve to move into closed session 20:41

 

Cllr S Bates to take the notes of the closed session

 

  1. Human Resources

    1. To receive feedback on the exit interview with the RFO. 

The Exit interview went well, although RFO expressed concern about times when she felt uncomfortable during conversations between councillors about other councillors. Cllr. Betts reminded all councillors to review the code of conduct and their responsibilities in upholding the principles of public office. The whole council should be working as a collective.

  1. To note the Clerk’s monthly catch‑up meeting with the line managers and to resolve any necessary action.

The Clerk/Acting RFO produced a large report, which included references. Very keen on openness and transparency. There will be monthly catch-up sessions with Chair, Vice-Chair and Line Managers. Any concerns or grievances must go through HR. Discussion around reverting to Chair and Vice Chair being line managers again. 

 

At 21:00 Standing orders were suspended by unanimous vote to allow the meeting to continue.

 

There should be support and coaching for the tasks councillors asked the clerk/acting RFO to undertake. She reported that Scribe was now up and running fully as it should be, and would be able to bring up any reports as requested, and would be able to do AGAR for us.

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the motion that the Line Managers for the Clerk/RFO should be the Chair and the Vice Chair.

  1. To discuss and resolve any necessary action relating to the Admin assistants on the completion of their FiLCA.

RESOLVED unanimously to congratulate the Admin Assistant on completing FILCA.

Also to organise a card for her.

 

 

  1. To confirm the date of the next meeting as 21th September 2026 at 19:00 

Date of next meeting confirmed as 21st September 2026, at 19:00 in The Vine.

(agenda items required no later than noon Thursday 17th September  2026.)

 

Meeting closed 21:17