A couple of comments on the first tier of British government – Stubton Parish Council.
See item: 9. FINANCE a) Motion: To Resolve to approve payment for provision of Pimms & lemonade for the Parish Meeting in May 2025.
Firstly, the retrospective alcohol payment would normally be agreed before the event, (this is a major governance mistake and the clerk should have prevented this. This could be construed as a minor error, but if this process was to continue would be extremely bad practice especially for a council with a small precept. Imagine spending £1000 or more and then claiming retrospective permission). Secondly, the alcohol should not have been served and consumed during the Annual Parish Meeting, only after. Notwithstanding, everyone enjoyed the Pimms.
Thirdly, the Annual Parish Council Meeting should not have taken place after the councillors had consumed alcohol (I remember this was laughed off at the time – but you cannot be selective with rules). You obey all rules or none at all, why publish Standing Orders and Codes of Conduct if you break them when you feel the need? If the clerk advises the council of the rules, then I can’t see this retrospective payment being approved. How can permission be sought AFTER the event??? 🙂
Lastly, there is no mention of the retrospective amount being discussed or any mention quoted on the annual budget for 2025/26. Follow this link.
10. VILLAGE BBQ Motion: To consider & Resolve to make a donation towards the annual village BBQ.
Nothing wrong with helping the village BBQ, but the organisers should apply to the Parish Council using a grant proforma, rather than the council distribute money adhoc where the Clerk or Chair feels fit. Furthermore, this donation exceeds the budget drafted for 2025/26. Follow this link. NB: Does the SPC have a grant policy? If they did, then whoever manages the Defibrillator could ask for money and it would be voted through from a fund set aside for such purposes.