*Please note: this is the annual meeting of the Parish Council and is not to be confused with the Annual Parish Meeting which takes place at 6 p.m.*
Agenda – Almeley Parish Council – 21 May 2025
ALMELEY PARISH COUNCIL
To members of the Council:
You are summoned to attend the annual meeting of Almeley Parish Council to be held on Wednesday 21st May 2025 at 7 p.m. at Almeley Village Hall, Almeley, Herefordshire, to consider the business set out below.
Dr David Thame
Clerk to the Council
14th May 2025
AGENDA
2025/1. To elect a Chairman for the 2025/26 Municipal Year
The Chairman to sign the declaration of acceptance of office.
2025/2. To Receive Apologies for Absence
2025/3. To Receive any Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations
2025/4. To elect a Vice Chair for the 2025/26 Municipal Year
2025/5. Standing Orders
To consider adopting amendments to conform to the 2025 NALC model standing orders, and to consider an amendment to make more explicit the process for paper ballots on appointments (Clerk’s report to follow).
2025/6. Financial Regulations
To consider amending the Financial regulations to meet the 2025 NALC model (clerk’s report to follow).
2025/7. Code of Conduct
To re-adopt the code of conduct.
2025/8. Open Session
To receive report from Herefordshire Ward Councillor, Castle Ward
To receive representations from the public
2025/9. Minutes
To approve the minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 19th March 2025 and 26th March 2025 (copy attached).
Almeley Parish Council – Minutes – 26th March 2025 – Draft
Almeley Parish Council – Minutes – 19th March 2025 – Draft
2025/10. To confirm working Group memberships and responsibilities
Environmental Working Group, Finance Working Group, Planning Working Group, Lengthsman Co-ordinator, NDP Review Group, Community Plan Working Group
2025/11. To review Almeley Parish Council Policies and (re)adopt
To consider reviewing the Risk Schedule Assessment and Finance Controls, Risk Management Policy, Asset Register and Reserves Policy at the next meeting, in conjunction with the Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2024/25.
2025/12. Finance
To consider the Clerk’s report (herewith)
Almeley Parish Council – Financial Report – 21 May 2025
To consider the following invoices for payment:
PV8 HMRC £52.50
PV9 Clerk’s salary (Tax month 1) £209.74
PV10 HALC (Clerk recruitment) £300.00
PV11 Clear Councils Insurance £758.95
PV12 Almeley Village Hall £100.00
PV13 Steve Davies D2 fluid/travel £75.00
PV14 DC Gardening Services £336.00
To confirm the appointment of the Clerk as account administrator (view and submit, access to account information), the delete former account administrators and review signatories of the Unity Trust Bank Account.
To review clerks delegated authority to make payments between meetings as necessary.
2025/13. Insurance
To review the parish council insurance policy, and to consider the Clear Councils renewal offer at a cost of £758.95.
2025/14. Planning Consultation – 251024 – Brook Cottage, Almeley, Hereford, Herefordshire HR3 6PX
To consider the application for a single storey porch, log store and two storey rear extension.
2025/15. Planning enforcement
To consider issues to raise with planning enforcement officers.
2025/16. Parish Maintenance
To consider tasks for the Lengthsman, the Legnthsman’s Agreement with Herefordshire Council, arrangements with contractors, and applications to the PROW Fund and Local Drainage Fund. The Lengthsman’s schedule of works for April 2025 is attached.
Almeley Parish Council – Schedule of Works (April 2025-March 2026)
2025/17. Footpaths
To consider a report from the Parish Footpaths Officer.
2025/18. Environment
To receive an update from the Environmental Working Group and consider action
2025/19. Biodiversity Duty
To consider the report of the Clerk (to follow)
2025/20. Community Group Updates
To receive reports and consider appropriate action.
2025/21. Safer Signage
To consider progress and locations.
2025/22. Herefordshire Local Plan/NDP Review
To consider the latest policy position and how the Council might respond.
2025/23. Common Land
To consider including the prospect of acquiring common land as part of the 2026/27 budgetary process.
2025/24. Herefordshire Local Transport Plan
To consider responding to the consultation.
2025/25. Dates of Ordinary Meetings
To consider meeting on Wednesday 23 July 2025, Wednesday 17 September 2025, Wednesday 19 November 2025, Wednesday 21 January 2026, Wednesday 18 March 2026 and Wednesday 20 May 2026.