COOKHAM   PARISH   COUNCIL

Minutes of a Meeting of the

 FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

PRESENT:            Cllr M. Wellman (Chairman)

Cllrs: M. Barnes, P. Brockwell, M.Coker, G. Harris, A. Prichard and

H.J. Woodbridge.

1.            APOLOGIES AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Apologies were received from Cllrs Fairlie and Stretton. Cllr Brar later sent in apologies from Cllr Hay. Cllr Coker recorded a personal interest in item 3 on the agenda.

2.         TO AMEND DRAFT BUDGET FOR 06-07 FINANCIAL YEAR – GENERAL PURPOSES ONLY: The figures were circulated at the meeting. The main increase was to the PAYE/NI sum up by £1,900 over the next year and insurance up by £300 to cover the increased fidelity insurance. The overall expenditure budget on the General Account would increase next year from £40,160 to £45,360. This would be offset by an increase in the income on the General Account by £1500 to leave an increase of  £3,700.  It was AGREED to look at the donations allowance at the next meeting when we may have received some more requests for financial assistance.

3.         TO REVIEW FEES PAID BY COOKHAM RISE PRIMARY SCHOOL AND COOKHAM DEAN FOOTBALL CLUB FOR 2006: It was noted that under the terms of the contract, we should be reviewed the lease of the playing field to the school twice in the last six years. The next review is due in 2006 and the increase should be done at the retail price index. It was also AGREED to review Cookham Dean Football Club’s lease of the pitches on the Alfred Major in August 2006. The Clerk was asked to write to the Football Club to complete the changes in the new contract.

4.         TO DISCUSS VARIOUS REQUESTS FOR DONATIONS: Cookham Parish Council has had written requests in from the Thames Valley & Chilterns Air Ambulance and Age Concern plus a verbal request from the Patients Participation Group. With only £750 to spend it was AGREED to defer this item to the next financial meeting in December when we may have some more requests to consider.

5.         TO DISCUSS THE GROUND LEASE RENTAL AT SUTTON ALLOTMENT PROPOSED BY VODAFONE: This item would be deferred until further news of other possible sites for the mast.

The Chairman then proposed that Standing Order no 66 be moved in order to discuss item 6 on the agenda. This was seconded by Cllr Woodbridge and AGREED unanimously.

The meeting ended at 10.15pm.

Copies to all other Councillors for information.