Non-confidential information

23.8.1 Casual vacancy and Declaration of acceptance of office of new councillor
Mrs Drummond had applied in writing, prior to the deadline, expressing interest in one of the two existing casual vacancies on the parish council. She duly completed the declaration of acceptance of office before the proper officer, Mrs Hampson.

Another parishioner later attended but had not completed her expression of interest, to the proper officer, prior to the deadline date. She was advised to complete her submission.

Resolved: the clerk to prepare another casual vacancy notice for the one remaining vacancy.

23.8.2 Register of interest document of new councillor
Mrs Drummond had completed her register of interest document.

23.8.3 Apologies and declaration of interest of councillors related to the agenda
There was no need, by any member present, to declare an interest in the items on the published agenda. Members signed the attendance register.

23.8.4 Minutes of the previous meeting.
These were accepted as a true record of proceedings and signed, in the meeting, by the Chair Person,
Mrs D Noble.

23.8.5 Public speaking
There were no members of the public in attendance. However, a parishioner had approached Mrs Robertson regarding a blocked drain on School Road, outside the old post office. This issue results in water going down his drive. A further drain is blocked near The Mires.

Resolved: The clerk to report the blocked drain issues to Highways and if necessary, STWA.

It was also reported that a recent vintage tractor rally had taken place and the tractors had actually driven down the Manifold Valley track which is a pedestrian track, resulting in a gate being ripped off and the fence being pulled away from the post. The two ‘No vehicular access’ signs had also been removed. There is now no prevention against children falling into the river or getting on to the adjoining road. The gates are now missing from both ends of the track. Tourists will now have no reason to suspect that the track is not meant for vehicles. There have also been a number of campers at this location using the river as a toilet which is an environmental hazard. The clerk suggested that the PCSO be contacted immediately, due to the potential traffic problems here.

Resolved: Mrs Noble to contact the PCSO regarding the above highway issues.
Resolved: The clerk to report the matter on the Staffordshire County Council (SCC) highway reporting system but the response time is slow.

23.8.6 Planning applications, appeals; decision notices
There were no new planning applications to discuss. It was reported that there is an advertisement for a campsite with Elsan disposal facilities at Yew Tree Farm. A wall has been taken down to widen the entrance access; however, this is directly opposite a car park which, when full, would not allow a car and caravan to safely exit/enter. Members were not aware that there is official planning permission for touring caravan/camping at Yew Tree Farm.

Resolved: the clerk to contact Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) about 28-day caravan/camping sites with permission in Wetton and to also enquire about proposals at Yew Tree Farm.

23.8.7 Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023
The new clerk and responsible finance officer had spent a number of hours preparing the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2022 and 31st March 2023 following the resignation of the previous clerk without completion of these accounts.

Resolved: to accept the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023.

23.8.8 Internal audit
The internal audit of the accounts had taken place. The report had been received and the action points discussed. A second internal audit is recommended for December 2023.

23.8.9 Annual return accounting statement
Resolved: to accept this as an accurate record and for both the clerk/RFO and the Chairman to sign this document. The clerk/RFO to submit the Certificate of Exemption to the external auditors.

23.8.10 Certificate of exemption for the annual return
Resolved: to accept the certificate of exemption and for both the clerk/RFO and the Chairman to sign the document.
Resolved: All parts of the annual return were accepted as an accurate record and signed by both the clerk/RFO and the Chairman.

23.8.11 Website and Transparency document
The clerk had obtained a quote for a basic website from a trusted provider, to include the domain name, annual hosting, support and maintenance and unlimited updates in the sum of £98.46 plus VAT.

The previous clerk had submitted a personal invoice for payment for the existing website but without supporting evidence from the website provider. Members discussed the payment of this invoice as there had been no authority from the parish council to pay an invoice to the website provider from a person no longer connected to the parish council.

Resolved: the clerk to contact the previous clerk to request the supply of contact details of the existing website provider to enable this website to be taken down, as it does not function properly.
Resolved: Members agreed to proceed with the provision of a new website based on the quote above. The clerk to contact the new website provider to establish availability of the chosen domain name.

23.8.12 Bank account and signatories
Resolved: to pursue the achievement of the new councillors as signatories; change of address for statements and cheque books to the clerk.