Press release January 2012
PRESS REPORT CHEVELEY PARISH COUNCIL
A meeting of Cheveley Parish Council was held on Tuesday 10th January 2012 and the Parish Council takes this opportunity to wish all residents of Cheveley and surrounding areas a ‘Happy and Healthy New Year’. Due to limited time only the most time sensitive and pressing matters from an overly full Agenda, caused by the inability of council to convene since September 2011, were tabled for discussion at the meeting.
The budget and precept request for 2012-13 caused much discussion between councillors. The drafts may still be viewed at www.cheveley-pc.org.uk or by making request for hard copy from the Clerk or at Cheveley village post office shop. Parishioners will note that the precept request represents a £9.98 per elector per year increase.
Some councillors felt that in the current economic climate such an increase when compared to previous years was too high and the amount requested should be capped at a significantly lower and arbitrary level.
The proposed increases were considered by other council members to be a reflection of the true costs necessary to fulfil the Council's obligations related to the provision of services and facilities for parishioners. The proposed budget aims to create a part time grounds person/caretaking role and maintenance contract within the Village (at the pavilion, recreation ground and cemetery) together with the instigation of a proactive maintenance programme to avoid large future repair costs for those current assets and liabilities owned by Cheveley parish council.
It should be noted that the budget proposal has taken the opportunity to cap those costs which it feels unsustainable and unsupportable and these include capping capital and revenue expenditure at the pavilion and recreation ground at the 2010-11 level.
Following on from the annual parish meeting and the creation of a number of voluntary groups the proposed draft budget aims to reflect the needs of these willing helpers who engage with and promote community living. After a very vocal and lively discussion it was agreed that an extra-ordinary meeting (EOM) be called in January to further debate these issues with a view to resolving and agreeing final figures.
Readers will be pleased to know that the procedural difficulties in bringing current minutes and agenda to the website was resolved at the meeting and it is anticipated that over the coming weeks this area will be re-populated with these documents.
The next meeting, outside the EOM (tbc), of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 13th February 2012 in the Community Room at Cheveley School at 7.30 pm.