Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting
Present: Councillors: Leo Kolassa (Chairman), Colin Appleton, Derek Baxter, Sandra Baxter, Paul Wiencke and Mike Weild
In Attendance: Mrs C Jenkins (Clerk) and 0 members of public
34.0 Apologies for Absence
It was resolved to approve apologies for absence for Cllr Riley.
35.0 Members Declaration of Interest
There were no interests declared.
36.0 Public Forum
The meeting was adjourned for this item.
There were no members of the public in attendance.
The meeting was reconvened.
37.0 Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 11 December 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
38.0 Matters of Report from Previous Meeting
Item 26 – it was reported that no formal community fund application has been received. The matter is now closed.
39.0 Chairman’s Report
The Chairman reported the sad news regarding the death of Mrs Pat Starkey, a former Little Altcar parish councillor, who served several times as Chairman. The Chairman will attend the funeral. It was agreed to purchase a wreath from the Chairmans’ allowance to send from the Parish Council.
40.0 Planning Applications
Cllrs noted the Sefton Council weekly lists.
40.1 Liverpool Road Site
Members voiced concern over the safety issues at the Liverpool Road crossing and another reported near miss occurring recently. It was noted that under the terms of the section106 agreement, the upgrade of the crossing should be done when the final two homes are built on the site. It was agreed to contact Sefton Council expressing our concern and request an update on when the improvements will take place.
41.0 To Discuss and Resolve the following:
41.1 To approve the budget for 2024-25.
It was resolved to approve the budget for 2024-25.
41.2 To approve the precept for 2024-25.
The Clerk reported that there are no council tax referendum principles for town and parish councils this year. However, as a guide, the principals for shire district councils is 3% or £5 per annum increase whichever is higher. Members discussed the budget and the income needed to fulfil the budget. It was noted that the anticipated rise in the tax base from the new housing at Liverpool Road has only resulted in an increase of 16.5: that is the number of dwellings recorded as band D equivalents less those properties receiving discounts; a collection rate adjustment; and last years housing growth forecast (a practice that has now been abandoned so is not included in this year’s figure). Members decided to increase the precept by £0.89 per annum per band D property.
It was resolved to approve a precept of £12.59 based on a band D property.
41.3 To receive a report from Boundary Commission Review.
Members noted the report from the Boundary Commission Review. The report says that they will not consider a merger of Formby and Little Altcar Parish Councils as this is a matter for Sefton Council. The Clerk will write to Sefton Council.
41.4 To approve an estimate of £700 plus vat and the cost of a day hire of a cherry picker to refurbish the old village sign.
It was resolved to approve the estimate and progress with the refurbishment of the village sign.
42.0 To Authorise Payments
It was resolved to approve the payments as listed:
Clerk services, Jan – March – £375.00
Information Commissioners Office – £35.00
Tree planting – £1280.75 plus vat
Floral tribute for past Chairman – £80
Total £1770.75
43.0 Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting of Little Altcar Parish Council is Monday 13 May 2024.
Members of the press and public are cordially invited to attend.