EP956
Essington Parish Council Full Council Meeting held on Monday 27th October 2025 at 7pm in the Council Chamber.
Exclusion of the press and public: The Chairman to inform any members of the Public or Press that in view of confidential business to be transacted at item 12 that they are excluded in accordance with the Public Bodies (admission to meetings) Act 1960 Section 1 (2).
Public and Press Participation Maximum of 15 minutes- Any Elector of the Parish of Essington may raise a question by prior request in writing to the clerk within the period of publication of the agenda and the meeting itself, on any issue relating to Official Parish Council Business as set out on the agenda.
Present: Councillors Gill Kelly, Hilary Southern, James Parker, Joy Markievicz, Ken Moseley and Warren Fisher.
Also Present: Kate Roberts – RFO.
Minutes
1. Apologies – Councillors Annie Phillips and Chris Steel.
2. Declarations of Interests – James Parker 6.3 Bank Reconciliation and Hilary Southern non-pecuniary interest Item 12 Medical Centre Update.
3. Approval of the Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 29th September 2025. Proposed by Ken, seconded by Hilary, all in favour that the minutes were a true and accurate record.
4. Matters arising from the previous minutes – None
5. District Councillors Report – Local Government Reorganisation was the main focus, and a virtual Locality Forum Event had been held the previous week. A housing association meeting would be arranged, and Essington would be used as a pilot scheme. Following a Community Governance Review there would be no changes to the Parish Council borders. Councillors were waiting for an update on the solar farm planning application.
6. Finance
6.1 Schedule of Payments – October 2025 was approved. Proposed by Warren, seconded by Gill.
6.2 Income and Expenditure Report – September 2025. Most year-to-date figures compared to budget were as expected for this time of year. The second half of the precept had been received and planned works were still to be carried out. Repairs and maintenance costs for hires was over budget due to the installation of gas and water submeters. Approval proposed by Warren, seconded by Hilary.
6.3 Bank Reconciliation both Accounts – September 2025 were approved. Proposed by Warren, seconded by Gill.

EP957
7. Ratification of Savings Account Opening – It was agreed to open a 35 days notice savings account at Redwood Bank with an initial balance of £100,000 as recommended by the Finance Committee. Signatories for opening and operating the account would be Hilary, Ken, Louise and Kate. Proposed by James, seconded by Joy.
8. Ratification of Car Park Kerb Barriers – Agreed in principle subject to quotes being received. To be ratified at the next Management meeting. Proposed by Hilary, seconded by Joy.
9. Approval of Quote for Swan Park Play Equipment – It was resolved to approve the new quote received from Kompan. An award notice would be published on Contracts Finder to ensure compliance with Procurement Regulations 2024, Part 6. Proposed by Warren, seconded by Ken.
10. Monthly Invoicing – It was agreed that a letter would be sent to the 1911 Café Ltd advising that invoices would be invoiced monthly in advance with effect from the start of the next financial year, in line with the lease agreement. Proposed by Hilary, seconded by Joy
11. Chairman’s Report
Remembrance Sunday Service at 11:45am on 9th November 2025 at St John’s Church. Two wreaths had been ordered.
Community Thanksgiving Service to be held on 1st February 2026 – A meeting had been held with the Vicar, and the annotated order of service sent to the Clerk. It had been suggested that Councillors nominate a community group instead of an individual to be recognised at the service.
EZZ Fest meeting planned for Monday 3rd November 2025 at the Rugby Club.
12. Medical Centre Lease
a) Rent Arrears – Confidential Minute. No further update – stay on the agenda.
13. Date of the next meeting – 24th November 2025

14. Closure – 20.11

Signed by Kate Roberts 29th October 2025.