2025 Minutes (Full Council)

October 27th 2025 Minutes

Minutes of the Heckington Parish Council meeting held on Monday 27 October 2025 at 7.30pm in the Parish Council Chambers, St Andrews Street, Heckington

1. Chair’s Welcome (25/133)

The Chair, Councillor Spencer (hereafter referred to as the Chair) delivered the usual health and safety announcements and asked those present to silence their mobile devices. There were four members of the public present and District Councillor Collard.

The Chair reminded those present that the Remembrance Event will take place on Sunday 9 November 2025. Volunteers are still required to assist with road closures. Councillors Gower, O'Connor and Garlick are laying wreaths on behalf of the Parish Council.

The Chair expressed his thanks on behalf of the Parish Council for the generous donations totalling £450.00 for the purchase of Tommy Statues; he individually thanked County Councillor East, Mr Derek Wintrip MBE and Mrs Sally Wintrip, Johanna and Nige Bowley, Mike Hudson and Pauline McBeath, Faye Tilley, Mr & Mrs Schofield, Colin Spencer, Paul Cocks, Lorna Gower, Kirsty Malone and Heidi Wilson. Councillor Wright also expressed her thanks to the Bannister family for the donation of the Tommy silhouette.

The Chair said that there was some concern that the Guides would not need to make their poppies for lamp posts this year as the Parish Council has purchased some from the RBL but there are many lamp posts in the village, and this would be encouraged.

The Chair expressed his thanks to the Bees Knees for sponsoring the defibrillator on the Village Green. The annual maintenance package has been set up and should offset costs of new pads and batteries.

The Chair reminded the meeting that food waste recycling is due to be rolled out in the Spring 2026.

The Chair informed the meeting that the pond off Welchman Way has been added to North Kesteven District Council’s maintenance programme thanks to District Councillor Collard.

The Chair went on to say that the Parish Council had hosted the first of many consultations in relation to the budget for 2026/27 and members of the public are encouraged to attend future events.

The Chair issued a reminder about the bi-monthly coffee mornings which are held on the third Saturday of every other month in the Parish Council Chambers; the next will be held on Saturday 15 November 2025 from 11am.

The Chair expressed his thanks to those who had volunteered at the recent bulb planting event at the cemetery.

The Chair issued a reminder to Councillors about their Register of Interests Forms which need to be updated annually.

2. Public Forum (25/134)

A member of the public asked whether there was any update in relation to the investigation into the mismanagement of Parish Council finances relating to the purchase of the field at Star Fen. The Chair offered no updates or explanation.

3. Councillors present (25/135)

Councillor Spencer, Chair

Councillor Atkinson

Councillor Cocks

Councillor Davison

Councillor Gower

Councillor Malone

Councillor O’Connor

Councillor Wright

4. Apologies (25/136)

Apologies have been received from Councillors Garlick and Stanley. The reasons for their absence were noted and accepted.

Apologies were not received from Councillor Thorpe. His absence was therefore not accepted.

County Councillor East and District Councillor Tarry also tendered their apologies.

5. To receive any reports of member’s interest, pecuniary or otherwise in relation to the agenda and any dispensations in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 (25/137)

None

6. Report from the County and District Councillors (25/138)

Councillor Collard reported that North Kesteven District Council have refused permission for a planned solar array affecting land on either side of Mareham Lane, bordering Heckington Rural Ward (23/1419/FUL). The company, Mareham Lane Solar Ltd, have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and there will be an enquiry on 3 February 2026 which will be held in meeting room 2 at NKDC’s Council Offices. Anyone wanting to make comment should make themselves known to the Inspector on the day. To register your attendance please email planning@n-kesteven.gov.uk or telephone 01529 414155. Comments have already been sent to the Planning Inspectorate but additional comments can be made up to 18 November by accessing the Planning Inspectorate portal quoting reference APP/R2520/W/25/3373351 (23/1419/FUL).

7. Minutes (25/139)

a) Councillor Davison proposed that the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 29

September 2025 are accepted as a true and accurate record of that meeting. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Gower and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council. The Chair and Councillor Atkinson abstained from the vote as they were not present at that meeting.

8. General (25/140)

a) Committees

i) Councillor Davison proposed the appointment of Councillor Cocks to the Finance Committee. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

ii) Members noted that Councillor Davison is standing down from the Allotment Management Committee. The Chair proposed that Councillor Gower is appointed to the Committee. The proposal was seconded by Councillor O’Connor and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

iii) Members noted that Councillor Davison is standing down from the Cemetery Committee. Councillor Wright proposed that Councillor Cocks is appointed to the Committee. The proposal was seconded by the Chair and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

b) Policies

Councillor Spencer proposed the adoption of the following policies:

i) Vexatious policy

ii) Volunteer policy

III) Complaint’s policy

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Cocks and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

Action: Clerk to add the documents to the policy portfolio on the website.

c) War Memorial

Councillor Spencer proposed expenditure up to a total of £50.00 for the purchase of black paint to refresh the War Memorial railings. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

Action: Clerk to liaise with NK planning as the War Memorial sits within the conservation area.

d) Heckington Manor Access

The Chair informed the meeting that Mr Pinchbeck has asked for permission to install a single, locked gate providing pedestrian access from the Pavilion hardstanding to the Manor grounds to facilitate access for open days. Several Councillors expressed concern about the creation of a right of way. Councillor Davison proposed that permission is granted but the Parish Council are the key-holders. The proposal was not seconded. Councillor Davison withdrew his proposal.

Action: Clerk to communicate with Mr Pinchbeck.

e) Burton Road Green

The Chair proposed the ratification of a decision to level off Burton Road Green. Heckington in Bloom have added their support to this proposal. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council

f) Gas Meter, Pavilion

The Clerk informed the meeting that the gas meter has now been removed from the Pavilion.

EDF are calculating an adjustment to the outstanding invoice which is for standing charges of £2,154.55 as of 8 September 2025. The Clerk said that there will still be a significant sum to pay; this is a costly error on the part of the duly designated person responsible for oversight of the removal of gas supply to the Pavilion at that time.

g) Trees

i) Cherry Tree, Arboretum

Councillor Wright proposed the re-siting of the Cherry Tree 21 on the arboretum, further to a conversation with Trees for Heckington, due to overcrowding. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Malone and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

Action: Clerk to instruct the Locum Caretaker.

ii) Replacement memorial tree on Godson Green

The Clerk explained that a memorial tree on Godson Green planted in memory of the late Mr Alun Israel, a former Councillor, has died. A replacement specimen, a Alnus Cordata, can be purchased at a cost of £231.00 plus £50.00 delivery fees. The current specimen Alnus Glutinosa was deemed to be unsuitable for the ground conditions on the Godson Green by Tim Grigg from Trees for Heckington.

Action: Clerk to try to obtain donations towards the cost of a new specimen. Clerk to add to the November agenda.

iii) Walnut Tree on Hall Close (TPO)

Councillor Davison proposed that works are carried out on the Walnut Tree on Hall Close to include a crown lift and reduction of the western canopy to clear the adjacent dwelling the work is carried out at a cost of £565.00. The proposal was seconded by Councillor O’Connor and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

Action: Clerk to submit the application for Tree Works to NK.

iv) Felling of a Cherry Tree, Arboretum

The Chair proposed that the Cherry Tree on the arboretum that is causing a nuisance to a neighbouring property in Autumn should remain in situ as it has been examined by Terra Firma and is deemed to be a healthy specimen. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Malone and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

Action: Clerk to liaise with the complainant.

v) Horse Chestnut Tree, Godson Green.

The Chair proposed that Terra Firma are asked to approve the siting of a Horse Chestnut tree by Heckington in Bloom on the Godson Green. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Cocks and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

Action: Clerk to liaise with Heckington in Bloom and Terra Firma.

9. Health & Safety (25/141)

a) Members agreed to defer any updates in relation to Legionella remedials and testing.

Action: Clerk to add to the November agenda.

10. Committees (25/142)

The Committees have not formally met since the last meeting of the Parish Council.

a) Events Working Group

Councillor O’Connor informed the meeting that the Events Working Group had met informally to plan the Christmas light switch On, on Thursday 27 November 2025. Priestley’s have kindly offered the use of a trailer to raise the choir off the ground, there will be a mobile bar - the Wriggly Tin, hot food will be served on site and local businesses are encouraged to open their doors. Last but not least, the choir led by Chesley Banford will herald the arrival of Santa Clause.

The Chair suggested that the closing date for the colouring competition is extended for another two weeks.

i) PA system

The Chair proposed that the decision to purchase a PA system at £699.00 and mics at £55.19 both inclusive of VAT is ratified. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Gower and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

c) Pavilion Committee

Members noted that there had been a road traffic incident on the Pavilion driveway involving a member of the public and street furniture. The Parish Council’s insurers are dealing with the matter. Members of the public are reminded that the speed limit for the driveway is 5mph.

d) AMC

i) Anglian Water/Wave

Members noted that there is a higher than average water bill from Wave for the allotments at £679.42 attributed to increased usage due to the dry conditions this year.

11. Planning Matters (25/143)

a) Members noted the new/amended or registered planning applications between 23 September and 17 October 2025.

Application	25/1195/TCA
Proposal	T1 – Pine – Fell and remove. T2 – Pine – Fell and remove.
Location	41 Cameron Street, Heckington
Application	25/1045/TCA
Proposal	T1- Bay Laurel – remove limb in contact with conservatory and reduce remainder by up to 2m.
Location	57 High Street, Heckington
Application	25/1061/HOUS
Location	The Barn, Littleworth Drove, Heckington Fen
Proposal	Installation of an off-grid energy system including solar panels, battery storage and associated infrastructure for sustainable self-sufficiency.
Application	25/1251/TCA
Proposal	T1 – Wild Cherry – reduce to no more than 3.5m in length and 80mm diameter. T2 – Ash & Elder – fell and remove.
Location	62 Station Road, Heckington
Application	25/1252/TCA
Proposal	T1 – Conifer – Crown lift to 25ft above ground.
Location	37 Church Street, Heckington
Application	25/1109/FUL
Proposal	Change of use from agricultural grass land to form a Motocross Track (for personal use only) (retrospective)
Location	Garwick Farm, Boston Road, Heckington

b) Members noted the following decisions received since the last meeting on 29 September 2025.

Application	24/1383/FUL
Proposal	Extension of hard standing to perimeter of existing farm building including extending associated farm track (retrospective) along with the erection of a new farm shed.
Location	Land off Side Bar Lane, Heckington
Decision	Approved, 2 October 2025
Application	25/1017/TPO
Proposal	T1 – Red Maple – Remove the branches touching the house roof (no more than 2m in length and/or 50mm in diameter) and removed deadwood which is exempt from application but included for completeness.
Location	39 A Hale Road, Heckington
Decision	TPO works approved, 8 October 2025

c) Members noted the following planning applications where decisions are awaited.

Application	25/0280/FTPATH
Proposal	Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 - Diversion of footpath
Location	No 9 Land off Burton Road, Heckington
Application	25/0165/OUT AMENDED
Proposal	Application for outline planning permission with some matters reserved (access to be considered) for the erection of 47 dwellings. AMENDED – Additional and amended documents/plans consist of revised transport statement, site access junction levels plan, proposed site access arrangement and agents response.
Location	Land to the South of Sleaford Road, Heckington
Application	25/0774/HOUS
Proposal	Alterations to roof, replacement windows, proposed insertion of a new side door and replacement gate and render.
Location	95-97 Hight Street, Heckington
Application	25/0930(31)/LBC
Proposal	Part removal and reconstruction of a Grade II listed boundary wall.
Location	Heckington Hall, Eastgate, Heckington
Application	25/1148/TCA
Proposal	T1 Sorbus – remove the right-hand limb (approximately 75mm diameter). Reduce the canopy to the previous reductions points (approximately 1.5m and 50mm diameter).
Location	1 Cowgate, Heckington

12. FINANCE (25/144)

a) Members noted the bank balances as 13 October 2025

Current Account	11,316.59
Bank Account S106	28,586.33
Bank Account Deposit	99,015.01
AMC Account	4,792.41
TOTAL	143,710.34

b) Members noted the income received between 22 September 2025 and 13 October 2025.

Account	Description	Amount
Current	Donations Tommy Statues/Lavendar (£10 pending)	440.00
	Donation Defibrillator Maintenance, Bees Knees Garden Services	135.00
	Sale of redundant equipment including watering cans, sprayer, jet washer	58.00
	Burial Fees	55.00
	Memorial Fees (£25.00 to be refunded as payment was duplicated)	165.00
	HAVCS Gazebo	95.50
AMC	Rents	831.50
	Insurance for AA	140.00
S106	Interest, October	14.09
Deposit	Interest, October	37.96
	NKDC Litter Picking Grant	1129.33
	NKDC Precept (2of 2)	55,372.00
	TOTAL	58,473.38

c) Councillor Davison proposed that the following expenditure is approved, including expenditure to be ratified, from 22 September and 13 October 2025. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

The following is an extract from the cashbook (edited for confidentiality).

Company	Description	NET	VAT	GROSS
Fentec Electrical	Emergency light installation, motion detector and remedials	579.00	0.00	579.00
Quantum Electrical	Electrical work at the workshop	385.00	77.00	462.00
Heidi Wilson	Reimbursement for petrol (caretaking)	25.08	0.00	25.08
Andrew Garlick	Glue to install sign on Welchman Way	11.95	0.00	11.95
NEST	Pension Contribution, 1 October 2025
Wright's Garden Services	Locum Caretaking to 27 Sept 2025	510.00	0.00	510.00
LCC	Installation of posts for CSW/SID	400.00	0.00	400.00
Lincs Memorials	Memorial Repairs	230.00	0.00	230.00
Arion Training	Fire Warden Training	150.00	30.00	180.00
Everwell Occupational Health
Chattertons Solicitors	Legal advice re tenancy to 30 Sept 2025	1535.00	307.00	1842.00
Pygott and Crone	Valuation for Chambers	450.00	90.00	540.00
Pygott and Crone	Valuation for Pavilion	450.00	90.00	540.00
Fentec Electrical	Replacement light, Chambers (kitchen)	189.70	0.00	189.70
Andrew Ward	Salary - Week 26 (2 October 25)
Scott Trailers LTD	Trailer	1401.70	287.10	1688.80
Royal British Legion	Tommy Statues (covered by donations, Section 137 Remembrance	350.00	0.00	350.00
Cockapoo & Co Ltd	Cleaning, Chambers	180.00	0.00	180.00
RAM Tracking	Monthly subscription fee, trackers	48.00	9.60	57.60
NEST	Pension Contribution, 7 October 2025
Wright's Garden Services	Locum Caretaking to 4 October 2025	669.90	0.00	669.90
Elancity	Warranty SID ref-00-418-401#22/18-0053 (solar)	82.87	16.57	99.44
Chris Sellars Groundcare	Replacement fan and belt for mower	49.74	9.95	59.69
Wilson Alarm System	Annual Subscription - Intruder alarm monitoring	209.00	41.80	250.80
Personnel Advice & Solutions		100.00	20.00	120.00
Andrew Ward	Salary - Week 27 (9 October 2025)
Cathedral Leasing Limited	Supply of Hygiene Services	42.00	8.40	50.40
Lloyds Bank	Service Charges	8.50	0.00	8.50
Andrew Ward	Salary - Week 28 (16 October 2025)
Screwfix	Bitumen Sealer (x3 cans)	57.47	11.50	68.97
Dejex Supplies Ltd	Grazon (Burton Road Green)	60.96	12.19	73.15
Arion Training	Fire Alarm Service and signage	203.00	40.60	243.60
Wright's Garden Svcs	Locum Caretaking to 10 Oct 2025	600.00	0.00	600.00
Amazon	Foam Glo Sticks, Section 137 Christmas	36.06	7.22	43.28
SRP Hire Solutions	Portaloo Hire to 8 October 2025	100.00	20.00	120.00
Andrew Ward	Salary - Week 29 (23 October 2025)
Heidi Wilson	Salary - October 2025
		159754.49	14307.45	174061.94

d) Bank Reconciliation, October 2025.

The Chair proposed that the bank reconciliation is accepted. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. The Clerk confirmed that the accounts had been verified by Councillors Garlick and Malone.

e) Transfers

The Chair proposed that the following transfers are ratified. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

Date	Amount
29 September 2025	£10,000.00
2 October 2025	£10,000.00
7 October 2025	£28.50

f) Potential Grants

 Bicker Windfarm Trust

Councillor Davison confirmed that the Parish Council can apply for up to £5k from this fund but applications are made retrospective of the spending. The next round of applications takes place in April 2026.

 Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant

Councillor Gower said that the Parish Council can borrow up to £5k with £5k match funding. The fund can be used for sport and wellbeing. The Chair suggested that this fund is explored further in relation to the MUGA. The next deadlines for application are 10 December 2025 and 8 April 2026.

 Find a Funder, Councillor O’Connor.

Councillor O’Connor informed the meeting that the National Lottery Community Fund offers grants to improve places and spaces that matter to communities and grants are available from £300 to £20k. Councillor O’Connor said that this fund would not be suitable for the MUGA.

 Active Lincolnshire

Action: Councillor Wright to research funding through Active Lincolnshire.

 Football Foundation

Action: Councillor Spencer to research the Football Foundation for funding.

The Clerk reminded members that application for the Section 106 money is dependent on the outcome of the planning application for the MUGA which has been invalidated by the Planning Department.

g) Budget 2025/26

i) Recommendations

The Clerk recommended the transfer of £1100.00 to the Section 137 budget head from Events and to suspend the ring fencing of any money for the coronation this financial year. This will take the Section 137 budget head to 88% spent against the budget rather than 120%.

The Chambers budget head is 107% spent against the budget and although it might be unpopular, the Clerk recommended moving £1,000.00 from the cemetery budget head to bring this to 95% spent against the budget.

All other budget heads are higher than is desirable but the Clerk made no further recommendations at this time.

Councillor Davison proposed that the Clerk’s recommendations are accepted. The proposal was seconded by the Chair and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

g) Budget 2026/27

This is the draft budget document which is subject to change. This document will not be resolved upon until the precept meeting in January 2026.

GENERAL	2024/25	2025/26 (as amended)	2026/27 Draft Proposals
Insurances including motor fleet	6300.00	7500.00	8500.00
Annual Subscriptions	400.00	2500.00	4250.00
Village Hall Hire	200.00	120.00	200.00
Election Costs	15,155.00	7000.00	3500.00
Speedwatch	500.00	0.00	300.00
SID	500.00	500.00	500.00
Defibrillator	600.00	500.00	1000.00
Training Courses/Subs	800.00	2000.00	1250.00
Legal Fees	9098.72	3500.00	5000.00
PWLB	3900.00
Banking Fees	200.00	100.00	150.00
Computer Maintenance	1000.00	540.00	630.00
Stationery & postage	200.00	250.00	600.00
Office Equipment	790.00	200.00	750.00
Printer Ink		485.00	750.00
Telephone	1000.00	120.00	200.00
Broadband	500.00	360.00	400.00
Sundries/Hospitality	350.00
Refunds	0.00	150.00	150.00
Land Purchase	0.00
Payroll	1200.00	500.00	500.00
Library/Hub			10.00
Chair’s Allowance	780.00
Internal Audit	1100.00	500.00	525.00
External Audit		1000.00	1000.00
Printing (external)		500.00
Councillor’s expenses	150.00	0.00	500.00
Delivery fees (newsletter)		1956.00
Portaloo	0.00	1500.00	1260.00
Office equipment (ring-fenced)
Drainage Rates (Star Fen)	0.00	57.00
TOTAL	44723.72	31,838.00	31925.00

Councillor Davison suggested the following:

• The election budget sub-heading to be reduced to £3500.00 (this fund would feed into reserves for the 2027 Parish Council elections should they be contested).

• The SID budget sub-heading to be reduced to £500.00 to exclude the purchase of a new SID in 2026/27.

• The training budget head to be reduced to £1250.00.

• The printing (external) and delivery fees (newsletter) are removed from the budget entirely.

Councillor Wright said she thinks a newsletter is a good idea and she suggested that Parish Councillors deliver the newsletters by hand, to do away with delivery fees. The Chair explained that the Parish Council are not able to reach the wider population via social media, the website and noticeboards as evidenced by the poor response to the colouring competition. Councillor Wright suggested placing notices with local shops and the GP surgery to attempt to reach a wider audience. Councillor Davison argued that a sponsor be sought for the newsletter. The Chair proposed that the ink and stationery budget heads are increased to £750.00 and £600.00 to allow for in-house printing. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Malone and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council. Councillor Davison voted against the proposal.

STAFFING	2024/25	2025/26 (as amended)	2026/27 Draft Proposals
Salaries inc PAYE and NIC	52,000.00	69,953.00	80,000.00
Locum Cover	0.00	0.00	10,000.00
Pensions	4500.00	3000.00	7,000.00
Staff Travel	125.00	540.00	0.00
TOTAL	56,625.00	73493.00	97,000.00

Councillor Davison suggested that salaries including NIC and PAYE is increased to £80,000.00 to cover increases to salaries and NIC.

The Clerk explained that the Staffing Committee had examined the Staffing budget head in detail and had agreed that there needs to be an allowance for locum cover. In the last two years, locums have been required to cover the Clerk and Caretaker but this has not been budgeted for.

CARETAKER & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE	2024/25	2025/26 (as amended)	2026/27 Draft Proposals
Business Rates (Village Green)	610.00	550.00	565.00
Village Maintenance	3700.00	3500.00
Village Green Electricity			500.00
Caretaker Equipment, Repairs and Servicing	6000.00	3000.00	6000.00
Caretaker Supplies	2130.00	500.00	1000.00
Diesel	1250.00	1500.00	1250.00
Petrol	250.00	500.00	1000.00
Trees/Hedges General	4000.00	1500.00	5585.00
Other/Registered Waste Removal		500.00	100.00
TOTAL	17,940.00	11,550.00	16,000.00

The Chair expressed concern that the £500.00 allocated to the Village Green electricity budget sub-heading might not be sufficient but this is a best guess at present. The Clerk explained that she is still waiting for a MPAN number from National Grid to progress the meter installation.

CEMETERY	2024/25	2025/26 (as amended)	2026/27 Draft Proposals
Water	200.00	150.00	155.00
Electricity	3000.00
General Maintenance	1000.00	3000.00	3,500.00
Project Forget Me Knot		0.00	7,500.00
Memorial Safety Checks	0.00	3500.00	7,500.00
Pest Control	0.00	500.00	600.00
Trees/Hedges	0.00	2500.00	2,500.00
Rates	610.00	625.00	750.00
Reserves	0.00	12515.11	20,000.00
Totals	4810.00	22,790.11	42,505.00

The Clerk suggested that memorial repairs and safety checks can be reduced to £7500.00 based on the capacity of the memorial mason carrying out the work. Councillor Davison proposed that this budget sub-heading is reduced in line with advice from the Clerk. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Cocks and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

WORKSHOP	2024/25	2025/26 (as amended)	2026/27 Draft Proposals
Equipment			1,000.00
Electricity	3000.00		1,000.00
General Maintenance			2,500.00
First Aid Supplies			50.00
Inspections & testing			500.00
Totals	3,000.00	5,500.00	5,050.00

SECTION 137/GRANTS

2024/25

2025/26

(as amended)

2026/27

Draft Proposals

TOTAL

2300.00

4,100.00

5,000.00

The Chair suggested that this budget head is reduced to £4,000.00 but the Clerk reminded members that this budget head covers spending for Remembrance as well as Christmas. Members agreed to leave this at £5,000.00.

CHAMBERS	2024/25	2025/26 (as amended)	2026/27 Draft Proposals
Water	400.00	0.00	500.00
Electricity	9000.00	4250.00	4,000.00
General Maintenance	7619.88	1000.00	3,500.00
Lift Servicing LOLER & Maintenance	3000.00	500.00	750.00
Window Cleaning		150.00	150.00
Cleaning		720.00	700.00
Supplies (cleaning/hygiene)		200.00	100.00
Chambers Equipment		200.00	750.00
Testing/Inspections	250.00	1820.00	7,000.00
Building Repairs (Emergency)		0.00	2,000.00
Rates	2,000.00	0.00	0.00
TOTALS	22,269.88	8,840.00	19,450.00

Members noted that a quote had been received today for the installation of a commercial fire alarm. The fire alarm system currently in place is for domestic purposes only and does not meet with British Standards. The Chair proposed an increase to the inspections budget sub-heading to £7,000.00. The proposal was seconded by Councillor O’Connor and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

PLAYGROUND	2024/25	2025/26 (as amended)	2026/27 Draft Proposals
Annual Inspections			273.00
Repairs			3677.00
Cleaning & general maintenance			50.00
TOTALS	400.00	3,000.00	3,000.000

ALLOTMENT PARISH COUNCIL	2024/25	2025/26 (as amended)	2026/27 Draft Proposals
Testing			300.00
Trees/Hedges	1,300.00	1,500.00	1,300.00
Dykes	0.00	0.00	200.00
Drainage Rates	0.00	110.00	150.00
Pest Control	0.00	450.00	550.00
TOTALS	1,300.00	2,060.00	2,500.00

ALLOTMENT AMC (RENTS)	2024/25	2025/26 (as amended)	2026/27 Draft Proposals
Water	750.00	455.00
Maintenance	0.00	2,500.00
General	0.00	0.00
TOTALS	750.00	2,955.00	2,500.00

The budget for 2026/27 for the Allotment AMC budget head is based on income received from rents.

EVENTS

2024/25

2025/26

(as amended)

2026/27

Draft Proposals

TOTALS

400.00

500.00

PAVILION	2024/25	2025/26 (as amended)	2026/27 Draft Proposals
Water
Electricity
Maintenance (Buildings)	1000.00		20,000.00
Maintenance general (to include pest control)			15,000.00
Inspections/testing	250.00
Special Projects	0.00
Other	0.00
TOTAL	1,250.00	50,000.00	35,000.00

FINETURF (CIL)

2024/25

2025/26

(as amended)

2026/27

Draft Proposals

TOTALS

5288.00

3888.00

8650.00

TOTALS EXPENDITURE	2026/27
Staffing	97,000.00
General Administration	31,925.00
Other land
Caretaker & Village Maintenance	16,000.00
Cemetery	42,505.00
Workshop	5,050.00
Pavilion	35,000.00
Allotment	2,500.00
Playground	3,000.00
Chambers	19,450.00
S137 and Grants	5,000.00
Events	500.00
TOTALS	257,930.00

INCOME SOURCES (excluding Precept)	2026/27
LCC Litter Picking Grant	1809.00
Cemetery Fees	2500.00
Library LCC	5167.00
Library Fines	80.00
Fair	300.00
Room Hire	100.00
Wayleave	174.60
Interest	800.00
TOTAL	10,930.60

The precept request for 2025/26 was £110,745.00.

The Clerk asked members to consider monies that have been set aside in reserve. The concern being that there will be a deficit.

There was general discussion about the precept request.

Councillor Davison explained that the Parish Council finds itself in this situation for a number of reasons including the precept not being raised in line with inflation, neglect of facilities including the Cemetery, Pavilion and Parish Council Chambers by the previous administration as well as money wasted.

13. Correspondence (25/145)

Members note the following items of correspondence:

a) An emailed letter from a member of the public dated 16 September 2025 in relation to the window installation at the Pavilion and a follow up email dated 24 September 2025.

Members agreed that the matter has been resolved and will not been engaging further on this matter.

Action: Clerk to email the complainant.

b) Email from Heckington Lawn Tennis Club dated 14 September 2025 in relation to an enquiry about funding.

Members agreed that the Parish Council are not able to assist this year due to financial difficulties but they are welcome to apply from 1 April 2026.

c) Email from Joshua Daniels, Historian and Filmmaker dated 15 September 2025 in relation to a heritage and community project.

The Chair reminded members that Mr Daniels has made a video which can be found on YouTube about Heckington. He has asked whether the Parish Council would be prepared to engage on a heritage project. Members suggested that Mr Daniels advertises for support within the village. This is not something the Parish Council can support at this time.

Action: Clerk to submit a response to Mr Daniels.

d) Email from a member of the public in relation to the planting of 4ft Oak Tree sapling on land adjacent to Mayflower Drive.

Action: Clerk to arrange a site meeting.

14. Date and time of the next meeting/s (25/146)

Committees

Finance Committee Meeting, Thursday 30 October 2025

Allotment Management Committee Meeting, Thursday 6 November 2025 (Pavilion)

Staffing Committee Meeting TBC

Cemetery Committee Meeting, 13 November 2025 at 7.30pm

Pavilion Committee Meeting TBC

Parish Council

Monday 24 November 2025

Monday 12 January 2025 (Precept and Budget Setting Meeting)

Monday 26 January 2026

Monday 23 February 2026

Monday 30 March 2026

15. Questions from the public (25/147)

A member of the public asked why the Christmas lights are being turned on so early.

A member of the public asked whether there had been any progress in relation to a community noticeboard at the Coop.

Action: Clerk to progress.

The Chair proposed that the meeting is moved into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies Act 1960. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Malone and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

16. Closed session (25/148)

a) Pavilion Tenancy Agreement

Members noted that the lease dated 9 October 2025 had not been signed by the Tenant by the deadline imposed by the Parish Council’s legal team. The tenants have been presented with leases in December 2023, January 2024, April 2025, September 2025 and October 2025.

The Chair proposed that the letter drafted by Chattertons, further to a request from the Tenants to meet with the Parish Council dated 17 October 2025, is sent to the Tenants. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

i) Members resolved to ratify the final tenancy agreement and letter to tenants dated 9 October 2025.

ii) The Chair proposed that a decision to incur further legal fees with Chattertons is ratified. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Atkinson and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

b) Future financial model for the Pavilion

The Chair proposed that the Parish Council explore a CIO model for the future financial management of the Pavilion. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Atkinson and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the council.

c) Staffing Committee updates in relation to confidential staffing items

The Chair of the Staffing Committee informed the meeting that the Committee were actively managing the Caretaker’s absence from work and advice has been sought from Personnel Advice and Solutions and a Occupational Health Specialist.

The Chair closed the meeting at 9.40 pm.