Minutes of the Meeting
Gt Blakenham Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 13th June 2024 in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham at 7.30pm.
- Present
- Cllr Steve Plume (Chairman), Cllr Debbie Kemp, Cllr Nick Leonard, Cllr Will Durrant, Karen Grimwood (Parish Clerk), District Cllr Adrienne Marriott, SCC Cllr Chris Chambers, GBVH Secretary and one member of the public.
1. Apologies for Absence
None
2. Declaration of Interests
- Councillor's declaration of interest appropriate to any item on the agenda. — None
- To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interest (if any)
- To grant any requests for dispensations as appropriate. — None
- Co-option of parish councillor(s) / to sign declaration of acceptance. — None
3. Public Forum
- To receive the report from the County Councillor Chris Chambers — See attached report. The SCC drainage and flooding team recently inspected the drains along Chalk Hill Lane and Stowmarket Road, finding them clear and unblocked. However, the flooding seems to be caused by heavy rainfall this year and a high water table in the area. With uncertain future rain levels, this may continue to be a problem. Unfortunately, properties on Stowmarket Road are situated below road level, so solutions to minimize flood damage may need to be explored.
- News has been received that the government has decided to withdraw funding for the planned construction and operation of a pyrolysis facility at the site southeast of Masons Landfill, Bramford Road, Great Blakenham SCC/0091/23MS. PC was recommended to consider applying for an ANPC device that has the capability to record the speed and registration numbers of vehicles that exceed the speed limit in the village.
- To receive the report from the District Councillor Adrienne Marriott — See attached report. To confirm the dates of when recycling reforms and waste collections will change.
- To receive questions from members of the public — Member of the public advised that the weir on the River Gipping off Mill Lane needs extensive works on the brickwork walls and chunks of concrete have come away and are in the river. The Gipping Trust have advised that this could cause damage further down the river. A letter has been sent to the Environment Agency advising of the issues. Agreed that this would be discussed fully in the next meeting.
- The GBVH secretary has informed that the Annual AGM will not be held next month, as the committee is working on legally updating the outdated deeds. The parish council will be notified once this process is completed.
4. Approval of Draft Minutes
To approve the Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 9th May 2024 - Approved
5. Clerk's Update
None
6. Planning
- To consider the following planning applications.
- DC/24/02130 Part Land Adjacent To Units 36 & 37, Claydon Business Park, Gipping Road, Great Blakenham IP6 ONL. Erection of B2 unit for use as a motor vehicle workshop / garage services and associated works. Response by 29th May 2024 but extension granted till 14th June 2024. No Objection
- DC/24/02320 3 Old Bell Lane, Great Blakenham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 OFN. Erection of a single storey rear extension and insertion of sun tunnels to existing roof slope. No Objection
- To note any planning determinations.
7. Growth, Highways, and Infrastructure
- Update on flooding — See Q3a
- Update on Parishes Liaison Port One Gipping Meadows — The Agreements have now been completed and the Port One planning issued and the S106 Agreement is:
- The District Council has an option to purchase (freehold and without encumbrance) the Gipping Meadow land for £1 at any time. Unless and until that option is exercised Port One will manage the land in accordance with a Management Plan that will be produced by the District Council. That Management Plan will look to ensure the site ecological value is maintained and enhanced. The Council has the requirement to review that Plan every five years but also has an option to do so annually. The Council will be working on producing that plan from now and that is where we will ask you to re-join us in that endeavour. Port One will manage the site at its own cost in accordance with the Council's Management Plan. If and when the Council exercises its option it can require Port One to pay a one-off commuted maintenance sum (that sum to be agreed) or choose to require Port One to maintain it at Port One's cost in line with the Council's management plan. In this way the Council will, one way or another, be able to control the site for the benefit of wildlife and the public (where this does not conflict with ecological objectives) but with an option that the cost does not impact the public purse. If Port One is required to pay the commuted management sum that will only be for a period of 25 years after which the public purse will have to pay for maintenance.
- Speed indication devices have been installed and are working. - Noted and hope to download data from devices in the next couple of months
8. Governance
- Notice of election received for 4th July 2024 - Noted
- Note Nest pension contributions are delayed due to Nest still processing direct debit mandate. Noted
- Note internal audit will be taking place the week of 10th June 2024 by SALC. Noted
- Cemetery policies and fees have been updated and approved. Noted
- Review of standing orders — Postponed to next meeting
- Review of risk assessments — Finance, litter picking, allotments & cemetery. Approved
- Review of IT agreement for councillors completed. Approved
9. Allotments
- Notice given for plot 14 as moving out of the area. Noted
- Allocations and clearance of plots still ongoing. Noted
10. Village Maintenance
No updates
11. Churchyard and Cemetery
- Soil stack has been postponed twice due to weather conditions. Noted
12. Training and Development for Councillors and Clerk
None
13. Finance
- To consider approving and making the following payments:
Payee Description Amount Authority Shades Hacknes Corner as per tender Inv 2480 £2135.00 LGA 1972 s111 Shades Street Cleaning as per tender Inv 2478 £21316.67 LGA 1972 s111 Shades Grounds maintenance as per tender Inv 2479 £507.50 LGA 1972 s111 Paroll Month end in 31.05.2024 £958.04 LGA 1972 s111 K Grimwood Reimbursement for EE wifi hub and phone £26.00 LGA 1972 s111 Rialtas Renewal subscription for software and support £230.40 LGA 1972 s111 SALC Cemetery training - Inv 28897 £84.00 LGA 1972 s111 - Payments outside of meeting
- Income received
- Cleansing Grant Q4 2023/24 £1354.60
- Bank Balance @ 31.05.2024
- Unity Trust Current Account = £214,556.18
- Unity Trust Saver Account =
14. Reports
To receive reports from Councillors assigned to the following:
- Village Hall — Cllr D Kemp. Village hall now has an online booking system. Had issues with renewing insurance cover via a broker but should be rectified shortly. Working through some issues with existing club not adhering to village hall policies. Bookings have increased and the bar takings are very good. Meeting has been booked with National lottery for funding for hall. All trustees working very hard to ensure that the hall is running smoothly but always will welcome new members and volunteers. Cllr Kemp has been asked to give advice on funding going forward.
15. Correspondence
- Compliment email received in regards to removal of rubbish and graffiti in Mill Lane — Noted
- Resident has complained about Wildflower cutting on Bramford Road dual carriageway — This should have not happened and has been identified as a human error
16. Future Meetings
- To note invitation for items to be considered in the next meeting.
- To note the date of the next scheduled Meeting on 11th July 2024 and any items for the agenda.
Karen Grimwood
Clerk to Great Blakenham Parish Council
Email: pcagreatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk
Phone: 07508830777
Parish Council website: www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud
Date: 07.06.2024
District Councillor's Report June 2024
Upcoming elections and referendums
As you all know, the date for the General Election is Thursday 4 July. More details about the UK general election, as well as all other elections and referendums being held on the same day, can be found at https://midsuffolk.gov.uk/elections
'Find a grant' and 'apply for a grant' services: session for councils — next week
The Cabinet Office is hosting a listen and learn session for councils from 1:00 — 2:00 pm on 29 May about the Find a grant and apply for a grant services: https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/
The online session will explain how grant administrators can use these services to host grant adverts and applications for general grants. Councils interested in finding out more about the 'Find a grant' and apply for a grant services can sign up for the session on Eventbrite. 'Find a grant' is a digital service that allows users to search government grants, a single place for eligible individuals and organisations to find and apply for government grants.
Renters (Reform) Bill update — reminder
The Renters Reform Bill https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/55325/documents/4782 has now completed its passage through the House of Commons and was introduced in the House of Lords on 1 May. The Second Reading in the House of Lords was held on 15 May. The Bill includes a number of measures to improve the system for renters including abolishing Section 21 'no fault' evictions, introducing a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman and creating a Privately Rented Property Portal.
Key updates include:
- Establishing an initial six-month period for tenants
- Protecting the balance of longer and shorter term lets in local areas
- Expanding homelessness prevention duties
- An independent review of the implementation of tenancy measures
Simpler recycling reforms — reminder
On 9th May, the government announced the next steps of the Simpler Recycling reforms, saying that reforms to business bin collections and a crackdown on unscrupulous waste carriers will boost recycling rates and protect the environment. A simpler common-sense approach to recycling: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consistency-in-household-and-business-recycling-in-england/outcome/government-response means people across England will be able to recycle the same materials, whether at home, work or school, putting an end to confusion over what can and can't be recycled in different parts of the country.
The government is proposing new exemptions to make sure that waste collectors will be able to collect dry recyclables together, in the same bin or bag, and collect organic waste together, to reduce the number of bins required. The new plans for simpler recycling will make sure that households will not need an excessive number of bins. The reforms will bring in a more convenient and practical system while making sure all local authorities collect the required recyclable waste streams: glass; metal; plastic; paper and card; food waste; and garden waste. This means manufacturers can design packaging and know it can be recycled across the nation, ensuring there is more recycled material in the products we buy and allowing the UK recycling industry to grow.
Public health updates
UKHSA and ONS release latest Winter COVID-19 Infection Study Data
On 30th May, the UK Health Security Agency and the Office for National Statistics published the latest data from the Winter COVID-19 Infection Study (WCIS). This publication describes the infection hospitalisation risk and infection fatality risk of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in England. In England, between 14 November 2023 and 3 March 2024, the risk of hospitalisation given a SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1 in 226. The infection hospitalisation risk was highest in those aged 75 and over. The risk of an individual aged 75 years and over being hospitalised given a SARS-CoV-2 infection was 3.28%. This corresponds to a 1 in 30 chance of those infected being hospitalised. In England, the infection hospitalisation risk was lowest in those aged between 6 to 17 years.
Overall there was a 1 in 200 chance of mortality, increasing to 1 in 138 for the 75s and over. For children between 3 and 17 the risk was down to 1 in 900,000.
COVID-19 vaccination: Spring 2024 campaign resources — reminder
People aged 75 years and over, those in care homes, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system can now make an online booking for a spring dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Bookings for the spring booster vaccination are now open until June, with those at highest risk being called in first. The Department of Health and Social Care is keen to encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward. A leaflet has been produced in a number of languages designed to increase awareness of the COVID-19 spring booster offer among eligible cohorts: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-spring-booster-resources. Councils are encouraged to share with wider networks where relevant.
Bluetongue disease control framework published
On 23rd May the government set out how they will work with the farming industry to manage an outbreak of bluetongue virus in England this year. There have been seven cases in sheep across Kent, Norfolk and Suffolk as described in one of my previous councillor reports. The Bluetongue Serotype 3 Disease Control Framework sets out how disease control efforts will focus on movement control of susceptible animals and their germinal products (semen, eggs, ova and embryos) https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-disease-control-framework-set-out
Bluetongue virus is primarily transmitted by biting midges and affects cattle, sheep, and other ruminants such as goats and deer, and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. The virus does not affect people or food safety. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has produced a partner pack which contains comms materials, including posters, flyers and animations, aimed at livestock keepers, with information on bluetongue virus. More information about bluetongue is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue. Councils are encouraged to share this information as appropriate.
CIFCO and other Council investments
CIFCO, as the councils' commercial property arm, is set up specifically to generate revenue for the councils. CIFCO Capital Ltd has now generated a net income of more than £12m for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, since being established jointly by councils in 2017. During previous administrations, the councils borrowed a total of £99.2m to invest in its commercial property portfolio. This now comprises of 22 properties with 83 tenants, based mainly in the eastern region, strategically split across industrial, retail and office sectors in order to balance risk. The cost of the loan repayments to the councils is then covered by income received from CIFCO, with further net income on top making a regular and significant contribution to the councils' finances.
A report going before the councils' joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee later this month, shows how high inflation and interest rate rises have hit commercial property values nationwide. As a result, the value of the CIFCO portfolio has decreased 2.58% since March 2023. However, the report also details how CIFCO is outperforming the rest of the market — with rental arrears consistently below 5% and empty properties representing just 3.4% of the portfolio compared to a market benchmark of 8.3%. CIFCO is also investing in the reducing the environmental impact of its portfolio, with 50% of its properties now holding an EPC rating of C or above — and it is on track to meet its target of ensuring all properties have a C rating or above by 2027.
Both Babergh and Mid Suffolk also invest directly in property within the districts, to help regenerate towns and communities and to provide social housing. Previous acquisitions in Mid Suffolk have included vacant units in Stowmarket town centre, including the former Aldi unit, which is now PureGym, and the former NatWest, now leased to the John Peel Centre. It has also invested in Gateway 14 in Stowmarket and the redevelopment of its former council offices in Needham Market delivering affordable and market homes. The councils have also built or acquired 624 new council houses in the districts over the last eight years.
Adrienne Marriott
Blakenham District Councillor
04/06/24
Cllr Chris Chambers Gipping Valley Division June 2024 Report
East of England local authorities collaborate to appeal for more foster families to work with their council
Eleven local authorities across the East of England have joined forces in a bid to collectively recruit more foster carers to look after some of the region's most vulnerable children. Suffolk is taking part in a new initiative for fostering under the banner Foster East. There is an urgent need for foster carers in the East of England with more than 7,000 vulnerable children already in the care of their local authority, and a further 150 children coming into care every month. The Foster East initiative which is funded by the Department of Education and launched today Wednesday 29 May 2024, is a new, collaborative approach to foster carer recruitment and support. Councils will work together to provide more comprehensive training, support and best practice. Each applicant will be nurtured through their fostering journey with their local council and via a buddy network. Foster East advisors will help people find out how fostering can become part of their life.
In Suffolk there are more than 900 children and young people ranging from babies to 18-year-olds who need safe, loving and nurturing homes where they can thrive and develop. Every local authority aims to keep children and young people local to their support networks, but a shortage of foster families in our area means this is not always possible. Fostering is a flexible role with options for short term care from a weekend a month to longer term opportunities, all providing life-changing support for local children. Foster carers working for independent fostering agencies are also invited to transfer to their local council via Foster East. They will benefit from local training, and a linked foster carers support network which will offer support for foster families needing a short break. Foster East will give people considering fostering the opportunity to speak to an advisor from 8am to 8pm daily, and the chance to talk to an experienced foster carer to find out more about what the role involves and ask any questions they may have. More information can be found on the Foster East website.
Chris Chambers
County Councillor for the Gipping Valley Division
E-mail: chris.chambers@suffolk.gov.uk
Mob: 07595310290
New Cabinet Changes Announced
As Council Leader sets out plans for next year
In the Annual General Meeting, Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, announced changes to his Cabinet at Suffolk County Council with immediate effect. The new Cabinet and Deputies will now consist of:
- Richard Smith — Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Economic Development and Skills
- Beccy Hopfensperger — Cabinet Member for Adult Care
- Paul West — Cabinet Member for Ipswich, Operational Highways and Flooding
- Andrew Reid — Cabinet Member for Education and SEND
- Bobby Bennett — Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services
- Philip Faircloth-Mutton — Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality
- Chris Chambers — Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste
- Steve Wiles — Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection
- Alexander Nicoll — Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy
- David Roach — Deputy Cabinet Member for Fostering and Adoption
- Nadia Cenci — Deputy Cabinet Member for Property and County Farms
- Debbie Richards — Deputy Cabinet Member for SEND
- Heike Sowa — Deputy Cabinet Member for Transformation
- Richard Rout — Deputy Cabinet Member for NSIPs
- Judy Cloke — Deputy Cabinet Member for Flooding
Craig R Wee, former Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, has resigned his position as county councillor for the Pakefield Division. Richard Rout has also stepped back from his Cabinet position. As is customary for the Annual General Meeting, Councillor Hicks, who begins his seventh year as Leader of Suffolk County Council, set out his plans for the year. You can read the speech from the meeting.
Suffolk Business Board named
A new Suffolk Business Board has been established to represent the local business community, help steer Suffolk's economic strategy and create a stronger, higher-skilled local economy. The Business Board takes over the role of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in providing a voice for business in Suffolk. It will start meeting later this month. Mark Pendlington, local business leader and former High Sheriff of Suffolk, will serve as interim chair for the first year. Cllr Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, will serve as deputy chair.
Representatives from business, education and local government will join them on the Board and bring experience in key Suffolk sectors including agri-food, retail, technology, ports and logistics, and the visitor economy. The other board members are:
- Doug Field, East of England Co-op
- Oliver Paul, Suffolk Food Hall
- Lisa Perkins, TechEast
- Peter Brady, Orbital Global
- Kelly Boosey, Oxford Innovation
- Leanne Gittins, LME Recruitment
- John Dugmore, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
- Tom Ball, Ipswich Town Football Club
- Hannah Reid, Community Action Suffolk
- Paul Ager, Associated British Ports
- Gurpreet Jagpal, University of Suffolk
- Nikos Savvas, Eastern Education Group
- Cllr Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council
- Cllr Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council
- Cllr Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council
The Board will be supported by Suffolk County Council's Economic Development team. One of its key objectives in the first six months will be to define a refreshed economic strategy for Suffolk. The Suffolk Business Board has been established following the government's decision to bring the function of Local Enterprise Partnerships into local authorities from April 2024.
Chris Chambers
County Councillor for the Gipping Valley Division
E-mail: chris.chambers@suffolk.gov.uk
Mob: 07595310290