Horningsham Parish Council

9 Beech Grove, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 0AB Tel: 01985 213436

Chairman: Mr. Tim Hill Clerk Mrs. Sarah Jeffries MILCM

Minutes of the meeting of Horningsham Parish Council held at the village hall Horningsham on Thursday 25th October 2018 at 7.30pm.

Present: Councillors, Tim Hill, Stephen Crossman, Ken Windess, Michael Trollope, Fran Chris, Simon Millar, Matt Simpson, Dermot Fitzgerald, Gerard Brierley and John Radley.

In attendance: The Parish Clerk Mrs. Sarah Jeffries MILCM.

Public Question Time Public Bodies (admissions to meetings) Act 1960 s 1 extended by the LG Act 972 s 100.

No pubic present were present.

18/082 Acceptance of apologies for absence

Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a record to be kept of the members present and that this record form part of the minutes of the meeting. Members who cannot attend a meeting should tender apologies to the Parish Clerk as it is usual for the grounds upon which apologies are tendered also to be recorded. Under Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act1972, members present must decide whether the reason(s) for a member's absence are accepted.

Resolved: noted none received.

18/083 Chairmans announcements

Resolved: noted none to give.

18/084 Dispensations

Council is asked to discuss any written requests for dispensation the Clerk may have received from Councillors.

Resolved: noted none received.

18/085 Declarations of interest, members to declare any interest they may have in agenda items that accord with the requirements of the relevant authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulation 2012 (SI 2012/1464) (NB this does not preclude any later declarations)

Resolved: noted none received.

18/086 Exclusion of the Press and Public Standing Order #1c The Parish Council may exercise their right to exclude the public and press by resolution from a closed meeting due to the confidential nature to be discussed pursuant to section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.

Resolved: not required.

18/087 To receive and sign the minutes of the Full Council meeting held on the 21st June 2018. (Previously circulated) LGA 1972 Sch 12 para 41(1)

Resolved: That the minutes were a true record of the decisions made. Proposed Councillor Gerard Brierley Seconded Councillor Simon Millar.

18/088 Co-option

Resolved: noted that the new Councillor to be was unable to be present at this meeting but will attend the December meeting whereby Council can witness the signing of the new Councillors Co-option papers.

18/089 Planning

Planning Applications

Resolved: noted that at the time of producing this Agenda no planning Applications had been highlighted for comment.

(In planning matters the Council acts as a consultee of the principal authority. The Principal authority being the deciding body for planning applications)

18/090 Planning Decisions

Resolved: noted the below decisions made by Wiltshire Council.

Application Ref: 18/05101/TCAApplication for Work to Trees in a Cons AreaProposal: - 1no Goat Willow,1no Norway maple,1no Apple,1no Cherry. Prune all to give approx. 1.5m clearance.At: 52 Rowes Hill, Horningsham, BA12 7LQ

Decision: Supported

Application Ref: 18/05098/TCAApplication for Work to Trees in a Cons AreaProposal: - 1no Apple. Prune to give 1m clearance. 1no Purple Leaved Plum. Prune to give 1m clearance.At: Royal Oak House, Church Lane, Horningsham, BA12 7LN

Decision: Supported

Application Ref: 18/05077/TCAApplication for Work to Trees in a Cons AreaProposal: - Goat willow pollard. - Re-pollard.At: 44-45 Prospect House, Newbury, Horningsham, BA12 7LG

Decision: Supported

Application Ref: 18/04736/TCAApplication for Work to Trees in a Cons AreaProposal: - Beech tree - reduce branches to give 2m clearanceAt: 38 Newbury, Horningsham, BA12 7LG

Decision: Supported

Application Ref: 18/04734/TCAApplication for Work to Trees in a Cons AreaProposal: - Lawson Cypress, 2 x Hawthorn, Cotinus - reduce or remove branches to give 0.5-1m clearance of buildingAt: 40 Newbury, Horningsham, BA12 7LG

Decision: Supported

Application Ref: 18/04364/LBCApplication for Listed Building ConsentProposal:- Internal alterations to include overlaying of stair treads and risers, covering over part stair 'panelling', removal of ceilings at first floor, replacement ceilings at ground floor. At: 212 Pottle Street, Horningsham, Wilts, BA12 7LX

Decision: Supported

(In planning matters the Council acts as a consultee of the principal authority. The Principal authority being the deciding body for planning applications)

18/091 Parish Steward

Resolved: it was felt that a thank you should be passed onto the Parish Steward as he had actioned a really good job at the bottom of Church Lane on the gullies. The Clerk was instructed to pass on the Councils thanks to the Parish Steward.

18/092 Highways Grass Cutting & Chapel Grounds Maintenance

Resolved: Councillor Steve Crossman recommended that a log sheet be provided for next years contract for the contractor to complete. The Clerk was instructed obtain quotations for next years grounds maintenance contract.

Council noted that the Grounds Maintenance Contractor reported the below to the Clerk, and that the Clerk had directed the contractor to the Church Warden.

While cutting the grass at the church today, as I was working around one of the large gravestones my leg disappeared down a large hole. There is now a hole of about 10-12 inches which I believe is safety risk. I was hoping that you would know who needs to be informed about this. The hole is at the back corner of the church on the side facing towards the main road.

18/093 Community Emergency Plan update

Resolved: noted that Councillor Matt Simpson has been updating of the Community Emergency Plan before the winter months. He has picked up 400kg of salt grit along with some salt shakers for distribution. It was agreed that the Horningsham News would advertise that salt grit sacks of 25kg would be available for parishioners. Councillor Tim Hill would action this.

Councillor John Radley entered the meeting at 7.37pm

18/094 Asset Maintenance Programme Bus Stop

Resolved: It was reported that the local Bus Contractor had caused the damage to the bus stop. It was noted that the Police have visited the site. The Clerk confirmed that the Insurance Company had been informed of the incident and gave their recommendations to Council. Council noted the 250.00 excess on the insurance policy.

The Clerk reported to Council that the Bus Company had not reported the incident and that this was an issue re moving forward. It was noted that the Bus Stop is at present at Mill Farm.

The Clerk was instructed to send a letter of thanks to Longleat for moving it and the loan of the Harris fencing. It was recommended that an open Bus Stop is produced in its place. It was agreed that Councillor Steve Crossman to investigate with those who witnessed the incident and email the Chairman and Clerk his findings.

Asset maintenance position to date

Seats started

Bus stop started

School noticeboard needs attention

Contractor will need to be sought

19/095 Health & Safety Report

Resolved: Councillor Michael Trollope reported that obviously the Bus Stop was safe as it has been removed and that he had no other issues to report with the reset of the Assets. The Clerk was given a copy of the reporting form.

18/096 WWI Commemorations

Resolved: it was noted that there were just 3 more names to contact with invites. Council discussed the process planned for on the day.

Normal 10.45am start with the same service papers as normal Di Britten is to give the 15 minute Service. After the 2 minute silence the bugle player will play then the Church Bells will be tolled 26 times, each ring in memory of the dead.

The congregation will then depart for the Village Hall at 11.20am. It was agreed that the Chairmans Allowance would be used to cover the purchase of the refreshments. Tea, coffee and biscuits would be provided by Councillor Fran Chris, Councillor Gerard Brierley and Councillor Simon Millar would between themselves purchase the items agreed and set up the hall ready. The equipment in the Village Hall kitchen would be used.

The Chairman reported that he would arrange for a photographer to record the event for posterity. It was asked if the beech hedge could be cut back ready for the event. It was agreed that Councillor Matt Simpson would contact the person responsible for the hedging. Councillor Fran Chris would clean around the Memorial area before the event.

Councillor Simon Millar updated Council on the completion of the Memorial Lettering project in conjunction with Co-operative Funeral Services. It was agreed that it looked amazing. It was noted that a grant form has been completed and a thank you has been actioned. The replacement gate was discussed and it was decided to place this item on the next budget discussions. Councillor Steve Crossman will follow up about the bench seat.

18/097 Village Hall Committee

Resolved: Heating all up and working in both the Hall and the Jubilee Room. A new cooker is in place the Luncheon Club were very pleased with it and everyone has mentioned that the Halls refurbished wooden floor looks splendid.

18/098 Defibrillator

Resolved: it was reported that no electrical certificate had been gained for the installation of the defibrillator. Councillor Ken Windess reported that he would seek a certificate. It was delegated to the Clerk that the 22nd November 2018 or 29th November 2018 were not available, the Clerk would email round Councillors to find a more suitable date. The Clerk was instructed to email Councillor Ken Windess the link to report checks have been actioned.

18/099 Play Area

Resolved: noted the update from the Chairman and the advice from the Clerk re moving the project forward. A copy of the project plan was distributed to Councillors. It was agreed that Councillor Dermot FitzGerald would arrange to meet with Contractors on site for questions etc. it was agreed that Council would decide whom the three Councillors would be to run the project at a specially called Council meeting to discuss the quotations received, so that the project was fast tracked.

18/100 Rural Police report

Resolved: noted the Rural Police Report, the Clerk had emailed out to Councillors earlier in the week.

18/101 Parish Plan

Resolved: Councillor Stephen Crossman reported that there was no progression with the Parish Plan to report. It was noted that the meetings with the Headmistress and the Church Warden are still to take place.

18/102 GDPR Update

Resolved: noted that the Clerk will continue to implement the requirements for GDPR over the coming months.

18/103 External Audit

Resolved: noted the correspondence below. The Responsible Finance Officer reported the action taken.

First email question:

Thank you for submitting your AGAR Part 3 and supporting documentation for Horningsham Parish Council for our review. I have started reviewing the information and have the following queries:

All boxes on the AIAR submitted are blank. Please could you send us a new copy?

Section 2, Box 7: the total reserves figure is more than twice Box 2, please provide a breakdown of reserves held at the year end, including any earmarked/ring-fenced amounts

For both the 16/17 and 17/18 years, please could you confirm whether you were on a receipts and payments or an income and expenditure accounting basis. For those which are on income and expenditure, please could you confirm whether the figures in boxes 1 to 7 are stated net of VAT or not.

I would be grateful if you could respond to the queries by Wednesday 26th September in order for us to complete our work on the file. The file will be closed after this time.

Second email question:

Thank you for your email and for providing the additional information requested. Just one further query:

Were the accounts for the 16/17 year ran on an income and expenditure basis with no debtors and creditors or was it ran on receipts and payments basis?

Council noted that the completed documentation had been uploaded to the Website to be compliant to the Transparency Act. Council approved the payment of the fee of 200 for the External Audit.

18/104 Provision of Internal Audit Services for 2018/2019 Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, reg 5.

Resolved: instructed the Clerk to obtain 3 quotations for the Internal Audit for 2018/2019 and to request a one year and a three year quotation to bring to the next meeting.

18/105 Advertise for Grant Applications

Resolved: the Clerk was instructed to create an article for the Horningsham News regarding the Grant Applications process Groups and Clubs needed to take. It was agreed that this would assist in setting a budget for next year

18/106 Budget Preparations

Resolved: that the War Memorial Gate replacement is considered, Tennis Court Fencing replacement and the large Noticeboard outside the school is replaced.

18/107 Second Precept Payment

Resolved: noted that the second part of the Precept payment had been received.

18/108 Unity Trust Bank

Resolved: noted that Unity Trust Bank have sent correspondence informing it of the change in charges. As the Councils turnover is less than 100k per annum and it is on a 6.00 monthly charge there is no change unless it pays in more than 1500 cash or 15 cheques in a month.

Council also noted that the Responsible Finance Officer had registered Horningsham with the FSCS as it come under the eligibility, as its annual budget is less than 442,649.77 (equivalent to EUR 500,000) as at 3 July 2018.

18/108 HMRC VAT

Resolved: noted that the Responsible Finance Officer had received correspondence from HMRC informing her that from now on the online VAT refund service is to be used. Council noted that the Responsible Finance Officer will action the quarterly VAT reclaim next month.

18/109 Approval and signing of Parish Accounts for the month of July, August and September 2018. Internal Audit Accounts & Audit Regulations 2003 reg 2

Resolved: approved and signed the accounts. The Responsible Finance Officer reported that the balance for the Account at month end 30th September 2018 was 43459.42.

18/110 Payments LGA 1972 s150 (5)

Resolved: reviewed and approved the items of expenditure listed below:

Invoices

Wages 12th July 2018 LGA 1972 s111 252.20

Wages 12th August 2018 LGA 1972 s111 252.20

Wages 12th September 2018 LGA 1972 s111 252.20

Wages 12th October 2018 LGA 1972 s111 252.20

Wages 12th November 2018 LGA 1972 s111 252.20

Heat, Light etc. x 4 LGA 1972 s111 26.68

Kenneth Windess Reimbursement of Materials Bus Stop LGA 1972 s111 9.75

Postage Reimbursement LGA 1972 s111 7.98

Maiden Bradley IT Usage Contribution June LGA 1972 s111 8.00

Maiden Bradley IT Usage Contribution July LGA 1972 s111 8.00

Maiden Bradley IT Usage Contribution August LGA 1972 s111 8.00

Maiden Bradley IT Usage Contribution September LGA 1972 s111 8.00

Maiden Bradley IT Usage Contribution October LGA 1972 s111 8.00

Maiden Bradley IT Usage Contribution November LGA 1972 s111 8.00

Website Horningsham.org 1 & 1 website LGA 1972 s111 SO 20.39

Website Horningsham.org 1 & 1 website LGA 1972 s111 SO 20.39

Wellsteads 4 of 6 payments 2018 Grounds Maintenance Public Health Act 1875 1432.00

Wellsteads 5 of 6 payments 2018 Grounds Maintenance Public Health Act 1875 1432.00

Wellsteads 6 of 6 payments 2018 Grounds Maintenance Public Health Act 1875 1432.00

Parish Online GeoXphere Subscription LGA 1972 s111 42.00

Unity Trust Bank Service Charge June LGA 1972 s111 18.00

Unity Trust Bank Service Charge Sept LGA 1972 s111 18.00

PKF Little John External Audit Fee LGA 1972 s111 240.00

Receipts to note receipt of income

Wiltshire Council Precept Second Payment 6932.70

Re-Payment of 1 & 1 Website duplicated SO and payments 40.78

18/111 Meetings for Councillors to consider attending

Resolved: noted the below meeting.

Warminster Area Board Meeting

Council noted that the Clerk would attend as its Representative. Chapmanslade Village Hall 1st November 2018 7.00pm. Refreshments will be served from 6.30pm.

18/112 Correspondence received

Horningsham School Governors Report

Resolved: noted the emailed report below from the Chair of Governors Dr Bob Grove.

1) The refurbishment of kitting out of remainder of School House (formerly occupied by the Nursery) is now complete and adds much needed high quality group working space to the school. Many thanks to Longleat, Wilts CC and Crey's Charity for all their help and support in this.

2) Sunflowers Nurseryhas sadly closed in Horningsham due to insufficient take up. The idea that families let down by First Steps would magically reappear was always optimistic and although the school would welcome good quality nursery provision in the village, the relationship with the owner and staff of Sunflowers was not easy, so it was something of a relief not to have themon site. The old prefabricated classroom which is unfit to be used for childrens' education, is being let to the school on a one year lease by Longleat for much needed storage space for sporting equipment, pending a decision on its future.

3) Following the departure of Mr Edwards and his family back to Australia wehave been very pleased to appoint Mrs Lapham as Assistant Head and Miss Young as class teacher for the older children. Both Mrs Lapham and Miss Young are trained in Outdoor Education and preparations are underway for our outdoor classroom within the school grounds to be ready for use in the summer.

4) We hope that everyone in the village and the local community will support the school by becoming Friends of Horningsham School. Information about the Friends will go round with the Horningsham News

Longleat Tree Supervisor

Resolved: noted that the Longleat Tree Supervisor had emailed the Clerk notifying her that he had resigned. Council noted that the Clerk is yet to be informed of whom the replacement Tree Supervisor is.

Local Government Boundary Commission

Resolved: noted that the Electoral Review had requested the Councils views on future division of the boundaries for the Council.

Do you have suggestions about where your electoral Boundaries should be?

Where do people in your area go to access local facilities, such as shops and leisure activites?

Which areas do you identify as your local community?

Are the questions. To access the review www.lgbce.org.uk. See attached.

You will have previously been circulated Wiltshire Councillor Briefing Note no.366 outlining the minded to decision of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) that Wiltshire Council remain at 98 councillors from the next elections in 2021.

The briefing note contains details of the decision and links to all the information and guidance necessary for any parish, organisation or member of the public to make a representation on the future pattern of divisions to the LGBCE, as well as a request for any interested party to let Wiltshire Council know, before the end of September, of any comments they may have, so that these may be taken into account by the Electoral Review Committee when Wiltshire Council prepares its own submission.

We have been requested by the Chairman of the Electoral Review Committee to emphasise to all parishes that although the number of councillors will not change, there will nevertheless be significant changes to electoral divisions in order to achieve the electoral equality required by the LGBCE.

In particular, parishes are requested to consider the data in the briefing note, including the need for new divisions to be as close as possible to the electorate figure of 4291 (electorate data can also be found links within the briefing note), and to consider any possible impacts in terms of the incorporation of parishes within specific area board definitions it remains possible that some divisions can only be formed if some parishes are moved from one area board to another. The LGBCE have made clear that they will not be restricted by existing Area Board geography alone.

The Council welcomes any comments that any parish or individual may have on these matters. If you have any questions please email committee@wiltshire.gov.uk Democratic Services

Wiltshire Council Local Plan Review Update

Resolved: noted the correspondence below:

WILTSHIRE LOCAL PLAN REVIEW UPDATE

Invitation to consultation events

The Local Planning Authority has a duty to maintain an up-to-date local plan, which provides for the homes, jobs and infrastructure needed to support its growing communities consistent with Government policy.

Last autumn we began a review of the Wiltshire Local Plan in the form of a consultation on the issues to be considered to plan for the period to 2036. The consultation was in accordance with the Wiltshire Local Development Scheme (Councillors Briefing Note 331) and based on national guidance contained in the National Planning Policy Framework 2012.

Since then, in July 2018, the Government published a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (Councillors Briefing Note 367 refers). The Wiltshire Local Plan will now be prepared in accordance with this latest policy and the introduction of a standard methodology for calculating how many new homes to plan for.

Consultation

You are invited to join representatives from town and parish councils and neighbourhood plan groups to take part in a discussion about how we could respond to the Government agenda to deliver homes where they are needed.

We will also continue to engage and consult with infrastructure providers, neighbouring authorities and statutory bodies (e.g. Environment Agency, Natural England, Heritage England and Highways England) to get their thoughts about potential scales and distribution of growth within Wiltshire.

The methodology for calculating housing need at a local authority level currently suggests Wiltshire should be planning to deliver a minimum of 44,450 homes for the period 2016-2036. While the figure may still change because of Government consultation anticipated later this year, it is similar to the figure of 44,000 homes for Wiltshire identified within the Swindon and Wiltshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment for the period 2016-2036.

The workshops will focus on housing, as follows:

A. How can approximately 44,450 homes be distributed across Wiltshire, with a focus on Wiltshires market towns and principal settlements, to maintain the role and function of those places and promote sustainable development?

B. How can policies within the Local Plan support proportionate housing growth outside named market towns and principal settlements and support the role of neighbourhood plans in the rural area?

Plan making is about much more than building houses and the events will therefore explore the relationship between homes, infrastructure and jobs in the context of these questions.

The dates and times of the events are set out in the attached schedule (Appendix 1).

Not all events will follow the same agenda. Instead they will be tailored to the issues facing different parts of the county. The town focused events will consider the issues raised by question A (above) (for example, what potential is there for housing on brownfield sites in our principal settlements and market towns?). The rural area events will relate to question B (for example, does the existing rural exceptions policy provide the type of local housing our rural communities want?).

To manage the events effectively, attendance is limited and by invitation only.

The parish and town councils have been invited to send two representatives to the event most relevant to their town or parish. Rural parishes immediately adjacent to a principal settlement or market town can attend more than one event. It is expected that parish and town councils will invite a representative from their neighbourhood plan steering group also, for which an additional place is available.

To confirm your attendance and to speak to someone about which event may be best for you please:

email spatialplanningpolicy@wiltshire.gov.uk or phone 01225 713223.

You may wish to attend more than one event depending on the geography of your division.

Local Plan Review Timetable

This period of informal consultation is a change from the programme included in the Local Development Scheme. The delay is partly due to the introduction of the revised NPPF.

Wiltshire Council has a duty to cooperate with neighbouring authorities and we are in discussion with Swindon Borough Council to consider a revised programme for our respective Local Plan reviews. A provisional programme is set out below. It is anticipated that a formal update to the Local Development Scheme will be considered by cabinet in early 2019.

Targeted consultation on scale of growth

Quarter 4, 2018

Targeted consultation on sites

Quarter 1, 2019

Start of Regulation 19 Pre-submission consultation on draft Local Plan

Quarter 4, 2019

Submission to Secretary of State to commence examination

Quarter 3, 2020

Next steps

The outcome of the meetings will be reported to cabinet in December. This will inform the direction of travel in terms of the scale and distribution of growth across Wiltshire before further consultation takes place on specific sites.

Reports of the parish briefings that took place in November 2017 as part of the issues consultation on the Local Plan review, will be published on the councils website by end October via this link.

Green Paper; A New Deal; for Social Housing, Rough Sleeping strategy and Consultation on use of Right to buy receipts

A New deal for Social Housing

Resolved: noted the below consultation.

On 14 August government published a social housing green paper A new deal for social housing. It sets out a proposed strategy for reforming social housing. Consultation responses are required by the 6 November 2018.

It is based around five core themes:

ensuring homes are safe and decent

Effective resolution of complaints

empowering residents and strengthening the regulator

tackling stigma and celebrating thriving communities

expanding supply and supporting home ownership

Ensuring homes are safe and decent

The government proposes:

implementing the recommendations from Hackitt Review of building regulations and fire safety, legislating to fundamentally reform the current system.

establishing a pilot with a group of social landlords who would trial options to improve communication and engagement with residents on safety issues.

reviewing the decent homes standard. This might include adding new requirements around energy efficiency and fire safety to mirror those recently introduced in the private sector

Complaint resolution - The government proposes:

a number of possible options to improve the way that complaints about social landlords are handled, including: looking at ways to speed up landlords internal complaint processes, for example by asking the regulator to set out some suggested timings in a code of practice.

Exploring ways to improve the use of mediation in landlord/tenant disputes

Looking at ways to raise awareness among tenants of their rights and the options available to them to make a complaint about their landlord.

Reforming or removing the requirement that complainants go through a designated person (an MP, councillor or tenant panel) or wait eight weeks before they can contact the Ombudsman with a complaint.

Empowering residents and strengthening the regulator

The government proposes:

Requiring all landlords to provide data on a number of key performance indicators to the regulator for regular publication. The regulator would then publish these in the form of league tables to enable comparison between landlords. Performance could then be taken into account when government funding is being allocated to individual landlords, for example to support the development of new homes.

Considering a number of potential changes to the system of regulation for social landlords. A separate call for evidence has also been published on this subject. Potential changes include:

Enabling the regulator to take a more proactive approach to enforcing the consumer standards (covering tenant involvement and empowerment, homes, tenancies and neighbourhoods and communities).

Giving the regulator more powers to scrutinise the performance of local authority landlords.

Considering options to give tenants a voice on policy issues at a national level, including perhaps establishing a representative body

Looking at a variety of options to promote more community ownership, or community leadership of social landlords.

Tackling stigma

The government proposes:

Providing support for community events and initiatives

Encouraging greater levels of professionalism and a customer service culture within the social housing sector

Publishing further guidance on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to encourage new affordable homes to be designed to the same standard as other tenures and ensuring these are well-integrated with developments.

Expanding supply and supporting home ownership:

The government proposes: Not implementing plans to require councils to sell their most valuable homes as they become vacant, in order to fund extension of the right to buy all housing association tenants

Giving councils new flexibilities to spend the money raised from right to buy sales on new homes. A separate consultation has been launched to look at this issue

Not requiring councils to offer all new tenants a tenancy for a fixed term. Local authorities will still be able to use fixed term tenancies at their discretion.

Ensuring that where an existing secure/assured tenant needs to move as a result of domestic abuse, they are always able to retain their lifetime tenancy

Entering into deals with some housing associations to provide certainty over government funding over a longer period than is currently possible. This is intended to address the stop-start nature of governments current approach to allocating funding for five years at a time

Looking at ways to support the development of more community-led house building

Gathering further evidence on how the current approach to social housing allocations is working in practice in different parts of the county

Looking at ways to make it easier for new shared owners to increase their stake in their home in the future. This might include, for example, allowing them to buy much smaller increments than are usually possible.

Rough sleeping strategy -The Rough sleeping strategy was published on 13 August. It sets the vision to halve rough sleeping by 2022 and to end it by 2027. It builds on the Rough sleeping initiative of March 2018 through the three objectives of prevention, intervene and recover.

Prevention

3.2 million is to be made available over the next two years for pilots to help those leaving prison to secure stable accommodation and also to fund the provision of accommodation for care leavers who have complex needs.

There will be a review of legislation including the Vagrancy Act.

Understanding of data and links between areas such as modern slavery and rough sleeping will be improved.

Affordability in the private rented sector will be improved within the light of the end of the Local housing allowance freeze in 2020.

Intervention

The rough sleeping initiative will be extended.

Somewhere safe to stay pilots will be set up through 17 million of funding.

Funding will be made available for Rough sleeping navigators to help those rough sleeping into the most appropriate services.

Health funding will be made available to support those rough sleeping which will be informed by an audit.

There will be new training for front line staff so that they can better cope with issues such as working with rough sleepers who are under the influence of Spice.

5 million of funding will be made available to help non-UK nationals who are rough sleeping including a team to resolve immigration status.

New funding will be made available for Street link

Recovery

The Dormant assets fund of 135 million will be used to finance homes for those who have been rough sleeping

Move on funding of 50 million will be made available for schemes outside London for those who have rough slept or are ready to move on.

Investment of 9 million will be made available for schemes that help ex-rough sleepers maintain tenancies.

Local letting agencies will be supported via funding so that they can better help vulnerable people into private rented sector accommodation.

Housing first scheme pilots will be supported by 28 million in Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Liverpool.

Each Job centre plus is to have a housing expert. The young futures fund social impact bond to support young people who are not in education, employment or training.

Consultation on use of RTB receipts

The government has issued consultation paper on the use of Right to buy receipts on 14 August with consultation closing on the 9 October.

Government is consulting on changes to the use of Right to buy (RTB) capital receipts which were introduced in 2012 when the RTB was reinvigorated.

At present RTB receipts are held for three years and then returned to government with interest if not spent on replacement housing. It is proposed that this could be extended to a five-year period for some capital receipts.

RTB capital receipts can be used for a maximum of 30% of development costs. It is suggested that the maximum could be increased to 50% where there is a need for social rented housing in a locality.

It is suggested that RTB receipts could be used for acquisitions as well as new build but maximum acquisition amounts would be set and for the south west it would be set at 152,000.

It is suggested that RTB receipts could be used for shared ownership development as well as affordable rent.

At present the council cannot transfer capital receipts to a local housing company but it is suggested this could be permitted as long as the properties developed provided tenants with similar rights as that enjoyed if the property was developed in the housing revenue account such as home ownership opportunities.

It is asked if the replacement target where the intention was that for each property sold under the RTB a replacement should be provided funded partly by the capital receipt is revised so that all new build, acquisition is taken into account regardless of the Government policy to set against those properties which were sold under the RTB.

Supported housing funding to be retained in welfare system

On 8 August 2018 the government announced that housing benefit will be kept in place for all those living in supported housing. Ministers have recognised that supported housing is a vital service for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Last year the government consulted on possible alternative funding options. In listening to views from providers, stakeholders and councils, the government has decided housing benefit will remain in place to fund this accommodation.

Wiltshire Association of Local Councils Employment Support Consultation

Introduction

Resolved: noted the below consultation received from WALC.

Queries relating to employment matters are a regular feature in the WALC office. Issues can be lengthy and complex, as well as distressing for those involved. Local Councils can often be different to other employers in that there are several employers (the council) and sometimes just one or two employees. Laws relating to meetings and procedures as well as the code of conduct can have an impact on how employment matters are dealt with. As councils take on more responsibilities and the professional role of clerks and other staff continues to build across all sizes of councils; it is likely that the number of queries on this subject will increase.

Very few local councils have direct support on employment matters and many councils have no provision for HR.

Whilst WALC can provide some general advice and NALC can provide legal advice this does not address the HR content of the issue raised. Many of the queries require professional advice from qualified HR advisers which WALC does not have.

Some council clerks are members of the Association of Local Council Clerks (ALCC) which is a union for local council employees. This provides support for the clerk as employee.

Some councils have a separate arrangement or contract for HR support services.

Having HR support can make everyone feel safer in this rapid changing environment which brings up issues which may be both complicated and controversial. Impartial advice is invaluable if dealing with an in-house employment issue.

Of course, it is hoped that issues wont arise but to trying to engage HR support at the point of need can be difficult and costly; WALC providing this service for member councils would be an additional benefit of membership at a potentially stressful time.

Proposal -Monahans Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers - http://www.monahans.co.uk/ provides employment support for businesses. A discussion with Monahans staff led to a proposal for support for WALC member councils.

This proposal will include the local, personal and professional support services including telephone support during office hours, review of HR related documents and HR updates relating to legislation, best practice and comment. It will also include practical advice and discussion and coaching through processes in line with council procedures.

There will also be support for recruitment, disciplinary, grievance, capability, appeal, redundancy, etc. Additional services and bespoke and visits to the council by Monahans staff will be at the expense of the council concerned.

It is difficult to determine the level of need for member councils as issues arise randomly, some are resolved quickly, whilst others may be longer-term, ongoing matters. We will only be able to determine the level of demand/use if we take up the offer for the first year.

Costs -Of course, the cost for this support package must be covered by WALC subscriptions. We are unable to separate councils wanting the service and those who dont because it would be too difficult to know how to spread the cost. For this reason, we need to know what our members think.

We want you to tell us if this is something you would like, or not.

The additional cost for the first year (2019-2020) would be an increase of 4% per council on the WALC aspect of the subscription fee ONLY. This does not include the NALC aspect of the subscription and it does not include any other increases which may arise as a result of budgeting.

The question - Please register your response at the end of this document. It is vital that all member councils respond to this question. We want to give our member councils the best service possible and therefore we need to know your view. We ask that as many councils as possible respond to this question and we will take all responses and comments on board.

This consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 30th November 2018. Please return responses to Katie Fielding at kfielding@communityfirst.org.uk

Unity Trust Bank

Resolved: noted the below correspondence received.

Important changes to make it easier for you to bank with us

As a valued customer, we want to let you know we are improving the way you change your Unity bank account details.

From October, you will be able to update the details of your bank accounts using our new online account management service. This includes changing signatories, setting up or changing your Internet Banking access and amending the details on your account. Why are we making this change?

The new service will make it easier for you to tell us about any changes to your account and will speed up the time it takes us to process them. It will also reduce the amount of paper you need to send to us, helping us to meet our environmental commitments. Will you still be able to manage your account via paper form?

We will accept paper forms up until Friday 19 October 2018. After that, all changes will need to be submitted online. We will be emailing you again once the account management service is live. This will contain details on how to access the service from our website and online tutorials to guide you through the processes step by step. In addition, there will be a section containing FAQs answering any queries you may have. If you have any questions, please contact us via one of the methods below.

Thank you for banking with Unity. Yours sincerely Lindsey Podalanski Chief Operating Officer Unity Trust Bank plc

Cranborne Chase AONB: Our Bid for Dark Sky Reserve Status

Resolved: noted the below correspondence.

I am writing to you with information about Cranborne Chase AONBs bid to be an International Dark Sky Reserve, which I would be very grateful if you could please pass on to your members. I have recently been appointed as Dark Sky Advisor for the AONB, in order to coordinate the bid I am really delighted to be working on this project.

We aim to submit the bid in the first part of 2019, but want to ensure we are engaging with local people, including parish councils as representatives of the AONBs communities. We know that the residents of villages and parishes within the AONB are keen to preserve the character and tranquillity of the area, including its night skies which are some of the darkest in the south of England by working together to prevent unnecessary light pollution. Achieving Dark Sky Reserve status would be of huge benefit in helping to maintain this for the future.

My main purpose in writing is therefore to let you know how you can find out more about the bid to become a Dark Sky Reserve, and two things you could do to help us.

I would be very happy to attend one of your council meetings, to give a short presentation about the Dark Skies bid and discuss any questions you may have, so do please get in touch if you would like to take that up. I realise that your agendas get very busy, however.

Another alternative is that I could write a short article for your local parish newsletter or website, so that your residents can find out more about the benefits of being a Dark Skies Reserve. You can also find out more on our website: www.chasingstars.org.uk.

We know we have support from many people for our bid, from the many comments we receive, but it would be really helpful if you could consider writing us a letter of support for becoming a Dark Sky Reserve from your Parish Council. It doesnt need to be long: a simple statement of support for preserving the quality of Cranborne Chase AONBs dark skies, and avoiding unnecessary light pollution, will be absolutely fine. Our bid can then refer to concrete evidence of support. If you are happy to write a supporting letter, it can be addressed to me to the contact details in my sign-off below.

People can also sign our Dark Skies Pledge (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NL375VD): it only takes a minute, but will be a real demonstration of local commitment to our wonderful dark skies. The more signatures, the stronger our bid becomes, so wed welcome any help you can give in spreading the word!

I am of course always happy to answer any questions you may have about the bid and Dark Sky Reserves. I am usually in the office on Mondays to Wednesdays, and you can contact me via email (amandascott@cranbornechase.org.uk) or telephone (01725 517417).

Booklets and Brochures on the below list were also received.

All the below email correspondence received by the Clerk has been emailed, or posted to Councillors.

Resolved: noted an interruption in August to September to the emails sent to Councillors.

18/113 Clerks Report

Clerks Sickness

Resolved: noted the doctors sick notes provided to the Staffing Committee during the Clerks hospitalization and recovery. Council were extremely pleased to have the Clerk back.

Clerks Appraisal

Resolved: noted that the Clerk still had to prepare her appraisal for the Staffing Committee ready for the budget preparations.

Community Governance Degree Course

Resolved: noted that the Clerk had received 68% and 64% in her Assignments for the first half of this years Degree Course. This was with the mitigating circumstances of ill health.

Council also noted that the Clerk had not been able to complete this years assignments due to the neurological surgery and has had to request an interruption to her studies. Council noted that the Clerk hopes to continue her studies and is waiting to hear if the university will grant an 18 month interruption.

18/114 Parish Clerks Delegated Powers. LGA 1972 s101

Resolved: noted the below planning.

Planning

18/08865/TCA 112 The Common Horningsham BA12 7LY

Proposal: Work to trees in conservation area.

Lime, Goat Willow (1) & two yew trees Fell

Goat Willow (2) Pollard at 3 m

Beech Trees (1) & (2) reduce to hedge height

Decision: Supported

18/08595/TCA The Barn 20 Gentle Street BA12 7LD

Proposal: Work to trees in conservation area.

H1 Beech/Leylandii hedge trim both sides & reduce in height beech & end conifer

H2 Leylandii Hedge reduce canopy height by approx. 5 m

T1 Beech Trim & shape canopy reduce by approx. 2m

T2 Walnut reduce canopy height by approx. 3.5m

Decision: Supported

18/08157/TCA Triangle between Maiden Bradley road and Chapel Street Horningsham.

Proposal: Work to trees in conservation area.

T1 Beech Tree crown reduce 2m 3m

Decision: Supported

18/115 Notice of items to be taken into consideration at the next meeting.

Resolved: Budget Report, Freedom of Information Charges reviewed, Update of the Risk Assessment, Quarterly VAT Return, Co-option of new Councillor and Precept draft budget. To add Trees to the Agenda as there was a need for the Beech Trees skirts to be lifted in Newbury on the green. The date for the litter pick to be set Councillor Fran Chris to recommend dates to the Clerk. The Balloon Fiesta event the parking management of it to be discussed

18/116 Items for Parish Newsletter & Notice Boards

Resolved: brief of the minutes in the Horningsham News, Facebook pages and a copy of the draft minutes is placed on the noticeboard.

18/117 Dates for the next Full Council Meeting

Resolved: noted that Thursday 6th December 2018 is the date of the next Parish Council Full Council meeting. It will start at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm.

Council are asked to note that in the exercise of their functions they must take note of the following: Equal opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability); Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights. Any person who may find difficulty in access to the meeting through disability is asked to advise the Clerk (07540 611906) or 01985 213436 email (horningsham@virginmedia.com at least 24 hours before the meeting so that every effort may be made to provide access.

Sarah Jeffries PSLCC Parish Clerk

6