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

26.1.2 Minutes of the previous meeting.
These were accepted as a true record of proceedings and signed, in the meeting, by the Chair Person,
Mrs J Melville.

26.1.3 Public speaking procedures document, public attendance sheet and public speaking (total 10 minutes)
There were no members of the public in attendance.

26.1.4 Casual vacancies (2 places) and possible co-option
Fortunately, there had been an expression of interest from two valid people but both were unable to attend tonight’s meeting. One had completed the required documentation; one may have difficulties with the regular meeting day. A further expression had been received but unfortunately, this person had not been in residence for the required period of time.

26.1.5 Playing field, pavilion, and grants
The clerk had contacted Mrs Powis regarding restoring the playing field to a good condition. She advised this would be undertaken as soon as weather permits. Mr Heaney had undertaken some liaison with a play equipment supplier. This person would also be able to provide some information regarding grant funding. A site meeting had been arranged for early February with plans to follow.

Resolved: to include a precept budget item for the playing field and pavilion for 2026-27.

26.1.6 Domains .gov.uk, .org
Some investigations had been undertaken by Mrs Melville.
The clerk had contacted the parish council’s present website provider regarding alternative domains and lengthy advice had been received providing a number of options including advice that whilst it would be best practice to change to a secure email address, it is not mandatory. The parish council continues to work towards the achievement of an alternative email address to comply with Assertion 10 and external audit requirements. .gov.uk domain names cannot be purchased on the open market.

26.1.7 Precept 2026-2027
The members carefully considered budget requirements, including the playing field area and other parish requirements. Members also considered the impact on any increase in the precept amount; however, the tax base which provides the figure for Band D properties had changed for this year from 99 to 104.

Resolved: to precept for £12,000 for 2026-2027. This is a £1,000 increase from the previous year but would only increase the Band D property figure by £3.85 for the year.

26.1.8 Village hall support
The clerk had contacted the Staffordshire Parish Councils Association (SPCA) regarding possible financial support for the village hall which is a benefit to the Wetton area and its inhabitants. SPCA advised that the parish council can donate to the village hall via Section 137 which is £11.10 per elector. Mrs Noble provided information about some positive progress with the village hall.

Resolved: the clerk to ask the parish council’s website provider regarding the possibility of a website for the village hall.
Resolved: the clerk to contact a member of the village hall committee regarding the website.

26.1.9 Planning applications, appeals and enforcement)
Tree surgery work was reported at Meadowhurst.