Clerk

AGENDA for ALMELEY PARISH COUNCIL, 22nd July 2026

PLEASE NOTE THE 8PM START TIME

Agenda – Almeley Parish Council – 22 July 2026

ALMELEY PARISH COUNCIL

To members of the Council:

You are summoned to attend a meeting of Almeley Parish Council to be held on Wednesday 22nd July 2026 at 8 p.m. at Almeley Village Hall, Almeley, Herefordshire, to consider the business set out below.

Dr David Thame

Clerk to the Council

16th July 2026

AGENDA

2026/21. Apologies for absence

2026/22. Declarations of Interest/Requests for Dispensations

2026/23. Minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 20th May 2026 (copies previously circulated).

DRAFT MINUTES – Almeley Parish Council – 20 May 2026

2026/24. Chairman’s Announcements

2026/25. Public Session (15 minutes)

To receive a report from the Herefordshire Ward Councillor, and to hear the views of local residents on parish matters.

2026/26. Planning Re-consultation – 250205 – Land North of Spearmarsh House, Almeley, Herefordshire

To consider the reconsultation.

2026./27 Planning Consultation – 253588 – Station Farm, C1079 From Questmoor Farm To Meadows Farm Via Almeley, Almeley, Herefordshire, HR3 6LJ

To consider the reconsultation.

2026/28. Public Rights of Way

To consider maintenance of public rights of way and an application to the Herefordshire Council Public Rights of Way Fund.

2026/29. Lengthsman

To consider tasks for the lengthsman, including grass cutting.

2026/30. Traffic Regulation Order: Woonton A480

To consider speed data and the appropriate action.

2026/31. Bus Shelter

To consider the provision of a bus shelter.

2026/32. Financial Report

To consider the report of the Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer (attached).

Financial Report – 22 July 2026

Almeley Parish Council – Cash Book 1 April 2026 to 30th June 2026

To consider authorising a transfer to the current account from the deposit account.

To consider agreeing, following HMRC guidance, to a contract variations uprate the mileage allowance from the NJC rate of £0.45p per mile, to £0.55 per mile, backdated to 1 April 2026.

To consider the following invoices for payment:

 

PV98 GWG Tree & Garden Care

(grass, commons and war memorial) £240.00

PV99 GWG Tree & Garden Care £650.00

(drainage/ditching £250, grass £200)

PV100 Kington Building Supplies £15.11

PV103 HLAC (Internal audit) £330.00

PV104 GWG Tree & Garden Care

(grass, commons and war memorial) £240.00

PV105 Eyelid Productions (website) £100.00

PV106 Autela Payroll Services £57.37

PV108 Salary (tax month 4) £502.81

PV109 Admin expenses £32.40

PV110 Travel expenses £59.40

 

 

To confirm the following payments made since the last meeting under delegated powers or earlier resolutions:

PV102 Salary (tax month 3) £502.61

To note the following payment made via direct debit:

PV107 HMRC (tax month 4) £157.31

 

 

 

AGENDA for Almeley Parish Council, 20th May 2026

PLEASE NOTE THE START TIME

Agenda – Almeley Parish Council – 20 May 2026

 

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 20th May 2026 at 8 p.m. at Almeley Village Hall, Almeley, Herefordshire, to consider the business set out below.

Dr David Thame

Clerk to the Council

14th May 2026

AGENDA

2026/1. Election of the Chairman

To elect a Chairman for the 2026/27 municipal year: the Chairman to make the required declaration of acceptance of office.

2026/2. Election of the Vice Chairman

2026/3. Apologies for absence

2026/4. Declarations of Interest/Requests for Dispensations

2026/5. Minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 18th March 2026 (copies previously circulated).

DRAFT Minuites – Almeley Parish Council – 18 March 2026

2026/6. Chairman’s Announcements

2026/7. Standing Orders

To consider the re-adoption of standing orders.

2026/8. Financial Regulations

To consider re-adoption of the Financial Regulations

2026/9. Code of Conduct

To re-adopt the code of conduct.

2026/10. Policy Review: Data, Information and Accessibility

To consider re-adopting the suite of policies on data protection, freedom of information/publication scheme, reviewing and re-affirming the website accessibility and confirming tests of accessibility, re-adopting the privacy policy, re-adopting the information technology, to confirm the Council’s adherence to the Transparency Code, and to confirm the clerk as data controller and data protection officer.

2026/11. Public Session (15 minutes)

To receive a report from the Herefordshire Ward Councillor, and to hear the views of local residents on parish matters.

2026/12. Insurance

To consider the report of the clerk on insurance renewal, the adequacy of cover and to review the risks insured, and to consider agreeing that in view of the expiry of the existing policy on 1st June 2026.

2026/15. Public Rights of Way

To consider maintenance of public rights of way and an application to the Herefordshire Council Public Rights of Way Fund.

2026/16. Lengthsman

To consider tasks for the lengthsman.

2026/17. Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2025/26

To receive the cash book and bank reconciliation for 2025/26.

Almeley PC – Bank Reconciliation YE 31-03-26

Almeley Parish Council – Cash Book 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 FINAL

To receive and note the Annual Internal Audit (copy attached).

Almeley PC FY25-26 Internal Review Apr26 FINAL

Almeley AGAR 2025-26 Internal Auditors Report

To consider and approve the Annual Governance Statement (Section 1)(Following Approval the Chair and Clerk of the meeting sign the Annual Governance Statement)

To consider and approve The Accounting Statement (Section 2) (Previously signed by the RFO) is approved. (Once approved the Chair signs the Accounting Statement).A copy of the cash book 2025/26 is attached.

Almeley AGAR 2025-26 – Sect 2 – Annual Accounting Statement

To confirm the Responsible Financial Officer’s recommendation on the commencement date for the exercise of public rights, and to agree publication of the notice.

2026/18. Financial Report

To consider the report of the Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer (attached).

Financial Report – 20 May 2026

To consider an internal transfer to the deposit account.

To consider the independence of the internal auditor and to consider seeking assurances before an appointment.

To consider a resolution on regular payments.

To review and consider the continued use of BACS electronic payments.

To review the efficiency and safety of banking arrangements, and signatories and the mandate.

To consider the following invoices for payment:

PV89 Autela Payroll Services £105.60

PV90 GWG Tree & Garden Services £324.00

PV91 D H Thame (printer ink) £27.91

PV92 Clear Councils Insurance £770.95

PV93 Almeley Village Hall

(litter pick catering) £58.00

PV94 Corporate Togs

(litter pick hi-vis) £53.64

PV95 Kington Building Supplies

(cutter screws) £26.99

To confirm the following payments made since the last meeting under delegated powers or earlier resolutions:

PV88 D H Thame (Salary tax month 1) £502.81

To note the following forthcoming direct debit payment:

PV83 HMRC £157.31

PV87 HMRC £157.31

2026/19. Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act, 1960

To consider excluding the press and public for the consideration of item 2026/20 because publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be discussed.

2026/20. Banking

 

Annual Parish Meeting – Wednesday 20th May 2026

calling notice almeley 20 May 2026

PARISH OF ALMELEY

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

I hereby give notice that, further to Part III of Schedule 12 of the Local Government

Act 1972 the Annual Parish Meeting of the Parish of Almeley will be held on Wednesday 20th May 2026 at 7 p.m.. Almeley Village Hall, Herefordshire, to transact the business on the agenda below, and that all electors in the Parish are entitled to attend and vote.

(Signed)

Councillor Michael Handley

Chairman, Almeley Parish Council

17th April 2026

AGENDA

1. Welcome and introduction

2. Minutes of previous meeting (if relevant)

3. Brief report from the Parish Council

4. Brief reports from other Parish organisations

5. Open session: an opportunity for electors to raise matters of parish concern

AGENDA for Almeley Parish Council, 18th March 2026

Agenda – Almeley Parish Council – 18 March 2026

 

ALMELEY PARISH COUNCIL

To members of the Council:

You are summoned to a meeting of Almeley Parish Council to be held on Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 7 p.m. at Almeley Village Hall, Almeley, Herefordshire, to consider the business set out below.

Dr David Thame

Clerk to the Council

12 March 2026

AGENDA

2025/86. To Receive Apologies for Absence

2025/87. To Receive any Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations

2025/88. Minutes

To approve the Minutes of the the meeting of the Council held on 21st January 2026 (copies previously circulated).

2025/88. Public Session

To receive report from Herefordshire Ward Councillor, Castle Ward, from the local police, and representations from the public on matters of parish concern.

2025/89. Planning Consultation – – 253624 – Barn at Spearmarsh House,

Spearmarsh Common, Almeley, Herefordshire, HR3 6LQ

To consider the planning consultation for the conversion of an existing barn to a dwelling house.

2025/90. Lengthsman

To consider the work of the lengthsmen (GWG Tree & Garden Services) including a report on progress on the Local Drainage Fund, where a sum of £1,565.83 has been awarded by Herefordshire Council, and agreeing the 2026/27 Lengthsman’s contract with Herefordshire Council, which reduces funding by half to £1665.

2025/91. Grass cutting contract

To consider responses to the Council’s invitation to price the grass cutting contract (report follows).

2025/92. Footpaths

To consider public rights of way, including AM6, AM7, AM8/9, funding for the costs of fitting new gates and stiles, the insurance implications particularly of bridge work, and a bid for Herefordshire funding to improve access at AM10 (The Batch), the replacement of bridges and other maintenance issues.

2025/93. Election Expenses

To consider Herefordshire Council’s response to the Council’s dispute regarding PV46 Herefordshire Council (By-election) £4157.86.

2025/94. Litter Pick

To consider the application for support.

2025/95. Hedging

To consider intrusive hedges.

2025/96. Finance

To consider the Clerk’s Financial Report and cash book (report attached).

Financial Report – 18 March 2026

Almeley Parish Council – Cash Book 1 April 2025 to 12 March 2026

Councillor Skyrme to report on the quarterly verification of bank reconciliation to 31st December 2025.

To resolve that the Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman, is authorised to settle all invoices relating to the Lengthsman’s scheme and Local Drainage Fund so that payment can be made before 31st March 2026, and to make the relevant claims to Herefordshire Council for reimbursement before 10th April 2026.

To consider variations to the bank mandate, and the process of authorisation.

To consider the following invoices to be paid, and to indicate approval two Councillors to initial

and date:

PV73 Society of Local Council Clerks £79.00

PV75 Herefordshire Association of Local Councils £771.58

PV76 GWG Tree & Garden Care (grips) £220.80

PV79 GWG Tree & Garden Care (woonton) £220.80

PV80 Kington Building Supplies (PRO) £68.41

PV81 Admin expenses £23.65

PV82 Travel £19.80

To confirm payment of the following invoices settled under Financial Regulations or existing delegated powers:

PV78 Clerk’s salary (tax month 11) £502.81

PV74 Kington Building Supplies (PRO) £120.75

To note the following payment made by direct debit:

PV59 PV66 HMRC £342.84

To confirm the following payments due to be made by direct debit:

PV77 PV71 HMRC £314.62

2025/97. Annual Governance and Accountability Return, Assertion 10

To consider resolving, for the avoidance of doubt, that the Clerk is data protection officer, that the Clerk has had training on data protection and privacy and that it be offered to councillors, that the Council continue to provide transparency data quarterly and all spending published before each meeting of the council, and that the Council has reviewed the security of data.

2025/98. Asset Register

To consider the draft revised asset register (copy to follow).

2025/99. Annual Review of Effectiveness: Internal Controls and Risk Register

To consider the annual review of effectiveness and internal controls and to adopt a revised risk register (copy to follow)

AGENDA for Almeley Parish Council, 21 January 2026

ALMELEY PARISH COUNCIL

To members of the Council:

You are summoned to a meeting of Almeley Parish Council to be held on Wednesday 21st January 2026 at 7 p.m. at Almeley Village Hall, Almeley, Herefordshire, to consider the business set out below.

Dr David Thame

Clerk to the Council

15th January 2026

AGENDA

2025/75. To Receive Apologies for Absence

2025/76. To Receive any Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations

2025/77. Minutes

To approve the Minutes of the the meeting of the Council held on 19th November 2025 (copies previously circulated).

DRAFT Minutes – Almeley Parish Council – 19 November 2025

2025/78. Public Session

To receive report from Herefordshire Ward Councillor, Castle Ward, from the local police, and representations from the public on matters of parish concern.

2025/79. Planning Consultation – 253588 – Station Farm, C1079 From Questmoor

Farm To Meadows Farm Via Almeley, Almeley, Herefordshire, HR3 6LJ

To consider a response to the planning consultation for the demolition of agricultural buildings and erection of four new-build dwellings (in lieu of the existing Class Q permission) and associated works

2025/80. Lengthsman

To consider the work of the lengthsmen (GWG Tree & Garden Services) and the grass/mowing contractor (DC Gardening Services), including a report on progress of the Local Drainage Fund, where a sum of £1,565.83 has been awarded by Herefordshire Council.

2025/81. Footpaths

To consider public rights of way, including AM6, AM7, AM8/9, and a bid for Herefordshire funding to improve access at AM10 (The Batch)

2025/82. Parish Policing Priorities

To consider parish policing priorities.

2025/83. Election Expenses

To consider the response to the Council’s dispute regarding PV46 Herefordshire Council (By-election) £4157.86.

2025/84. Finance

To consider the Clerk’s Financial Report and cash book (report attached).

Financial Report – 21 January 2026

Almeley Parish Council – Cash Book 1 April 2025 to 31 December 2025

To consider the following invoices to be paid, and to indicate approval two Councillors to initial

and date:

PV67 GWG Tree & Garden Care £110.40

(drainage to Kinnersley boundary)

PV68 Almeley Village Hall £108.00

PV69 GWG Tree & Garden Care £220.80

(drains and grips in village)

PV70 GWG Tree & Garden Care £220.80

(new grips, clearing drains and pipes)

PV72 Salary tax month 10 £502.81

To confirm payment of the following invoices settled under Financial Regulations or existing delegated powers:

PV63 Autela Payroll Services £87.00

PV64 Storage boxes for archives £22.00

PV65 Salary tax month 9 £668.01

To confirm the following payments due to be made by direct debit 22 January 2026:

PV59 HMRC Tax month 8 £113.14*

PV66 HMRC Tax month 9 £229.70

*this is a balancing sum, previous credits had already paid £29.86 of an original £143.00 P32 demand

To confirm the following payments due to be made by direct debit:

PV71 HMRC Tax month 10 £157.31

2025/85. Speed Indicator Device

To further consider locations for and management of speed indicator devices.

AGENDA for ALMELEY PARISH COUNCIL 19th November 2025

Agenda – Almeley Parish Council – 19 November 2025

 

ALMELEY PARISH COUNCIL

To members of the Council:

You are summoned to a meeting of Almeley Parish Council to be held on Wednesday 19th November 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

13th November 2025

AGENDA

2025/55. To Receive Apologies for Absence

2025/56. To Receive any Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations

2025/57. Minutes

To approve the Minutes of the the meeting of the Council held on 17th September 2025 (copies previously circulated).

MINUTES – Almeley Parish Council – 17 September 2025 – DRAFT

2025/58. Public Session

To receive report from Herefordshire Ward Councillor, Castle Ward, from the local police, and representations from the public on matters of parish concern.

2025/59. Neighbourhood Development Plan

To consider the process of reviewing the Almeley NDP 2019, in the light of Herefordshire Council guidance (attached).

faqs-nppf-parish-and-town-councils-november-2025-final

2025/60. Environmental and Sustainability Policy

To review the policy adopted in June 2023. A copy can be found at: https://almeleyparishcouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Almeley-Parish-Council-Environment-and-Sustainability-Policy-Draft-for-website.pdf

In the light of the review, to consider resolving that:

(1) the Council will be observe uts statutory biodiversity obligation and be guided in all decisions by the biodiversity policy it has adopted;

(2) that the Clerk report to the Council on the Council’s biodiversity obligation as part of the regular decision-making process with particular reference to commons, public rights of way, drainage, highways and lengthsman’s work, and that the reference to the Environmental Working Group in Minute 2025/19 is therefore superseded;

(3) that on planning matters the Council will promote NDP Policies ALM1-7 and will seek to extend the force and scope of those policies through engagement with Herefordshire’s Local Plan process due for adopted in 2028/29, and in its review of the Almeley Neighbourhood Development Plan.

2025/61. Declaration of Climate Emergency

To review the policy adopted in March 2022. A copy can be found at: https://almeleyparishcouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CEE-Declaration-March-2022.pdf

2025/62. Reserves Policy

To consider and review the Reserves Policy re-adopted in 2023 and to consider the appropriate actions and timescales for the 2026-27 financial year.

The policy can be found at: https://almeleyparishcouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Reserves-Policy-May-2023.pdf

2025/63. Budget 2026-27

To consider the draft budget prepared by the Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer and the Finance Working Group (attached).

Budget 2026-27 – DRAFT – 19 November 2025 – Almeley Parish Council

2025/64. Precept 2026-27

To consider the precept required in 2026-27.

2025/65. Lengthsman

To consider the work of the lengthsmen (GWG Tree & Garden Services) and the grass/mowing contractor (DC Gardening Services), including a report on progress of the Local Drainage Fund.

2025/66. Footpaths

To consider public rights of way, and a bid for Herefordshire funding to improve access at AM10 (The Batch)

2025/67. Finance

To consider the Clerk’s Financial Report and cash book (report attached).

Financial Report – 19th November 2025

Almeley Parish Council – Cash Book 1 April 2025 to 12 November 2025

To review banking arrangements and signatories.

To appoint a Councillor to complete the verification of accounts to 31 December 2025.

To consider tasking the Finance Working Group with preparing, in conjunction with the Clerk, a risk assessment and to consider the internal and external auditors’ reports, and to report in the New Year.

To consider the following invoices to be paid, and to indicate approval two Councillors to initial

and date:

PV46 Herefordshire Council (By-election) £4157.86

PV51 J & G Glynn Jones (sandbahs) £60.47

PV52 D C Gardening Services (June 2025) £672.00

PV53 D C Gardening Services (September 2025) £672.00

PV54 D C Gardening Services (October 2025) £336.00

PV56 GWG Tree & Garden Care (Lengthsman) £41.40

PV57 GWG Tree & Garden Care (Lengthsman) £386.40

PV58 Herefordshire Association of Local Councils

(website hosting and domain) £270.00

PV60 Clerk’s salary (Tax month 8) £470.25

PV61 Clerk’s Travel (Oct-Nov) £48.60

PV62 Clerk’s Printing costs £8.00

To confirm payment of the following invoices settled under Financial Regulations or existing delegated powers:

PV48 Autela Payroll (Dec 24-March 25) £102.33

PV49 Clerk’s salary (Tax month 7) £558.77

To confirm the following payments made by direct debit:

PV47 Information Commissioner £47.00 (due 1st December)

PV50 HMRC (Tax month 7) £181.80

PV59 HMRC (Tax month 8) £143.00

2025/68. Solar Panels (See Minute 2025/48).

To consider an arrangement with the Trustees of Almeley Village Hall to share the costs of (out-of-warranty) maintenance for the solar panels recently installed on the hall’s roof.

2025/69. Almeley Village Hall

To consider the report of the Clerk on the renewal of the lease and a request from the Trustees of Almeley Village Hall to commence negotiations on the basis that the Parish Council remains custodian trustee.

2025/70. Speed Indicator Device

To consider locations for and management of speed indicator devices.

2025/71. Sandbag scheme

To consider the scheme (see also PV51, above).

2025/72. Meetings in 2026

To consider the dates of meetings in 2026:

Monday 19th January 2026

Monday 16th March 2026

Monday 18th May 2026 (Annual Meeting)

Monday 20th July 2026

Monday 21st September 2026

Monday 16 November 2026

2025/73. Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act, 1960

To resolve to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the consideration

of item 2025/104 (employment matter) because publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

2025/74. Employment Matter

AGENDA for Almeley Parish Council, 17th September 2025

Agenda – Almeley Parish Council – 17 September 2025

 

ALMELEY PARISH COUNCIL

To members of the Council:

You are summoned to a meeting of Almeley Parish Council to be held on Wednesday 17th September 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

11th September 2025

AGENDA

2025/37. To Receive Apologies for Absence

2025/38. To Receive any Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations

2025/39. Minutes

To approve the Minutes of the the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 18th June2025 (copies previously circulated).

Almeley Parish Council – Minutes – 18 June 2025 – DRAFT

2025/40. Public Session

To receive report from Herefordshire Ward Councillor, Castle Ward, from the local police, and representations from the public on matters of parish concern.

2025/41. Planning Consultation – 252456 – The Ginger Bread House, Little Upcott, Almeley, Hereford, Herefordshire HR3 6PR

To consider a response to the planning consultation.

2025/42. Planning Consultation – 240419 – Camp Cottage, Camp Lane, Woonton, Hereford, Herefordshire HR3 6QN

To consider a response to the planning consultation.

2025/43. Lengthsman

To consider the work of the lengthsmen (DC Gardening Services and GWG Tree & Garden Services) and to agree future tasks, including a bid to the Local Drainage Fund. A schedule of works from DC Gardening Services is attached: the Clerk will report orally on other work.

Almeley Parish Council – Schedule of Works (April 2025-March 2026)

2025/44. Footpaths

To consider public rights of way, gates, stiles, bridges and access.

2025/45. Finance

To consider the Clerk’s Financial Report and cash book (report attached).

Financial Report – 17 September 2025

Almeley Parish Council – Cash Book 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 – 11 September 2025

To review banking arrangements and signatories.

To appoint a Councillor to complete the verification of accounts to 30th September 2025.

To appoint members to a Finance Working Group.

To consider tasking the Finance Working Group with preparing, in conjunction with the Clerk, a draft budget for consideration at the meeting on 19th November 2025; to consider a risk assessment and to consider the internal and external auditors’ reports.

To consider the following invoices to be paid, and to indicate approval two Councillors to initial

and date:

PV20 Almeley Village Hall (Makers markets,

July, August, September) £150.00

PV33 DC Gardening Services (July) £696.00

PV34 Autela Payroll Services £105.60

PV35 GWG Tree & Garden Care

(Lengthsman, Bell Orchard) £55.20

PV36 Almeley Village Hall

(room hire, 17th September 2025) £24.00

PV39 DC Gardening Services (August) £870.00

PV40 GWG Tree & Garden Care

(Lengthsman, drainage investigations) £124.20

PV41 Administrative expenses June-September £45.95

PV42 Clerk’s travel June-September £41.40

To confirm payment of the following invoices settled under Financial Regulations or existing delegated powers:

PV26 Clerk’s salary (Tax month 3) £453.94

PV27 HMRC (Tax month 3) £136.18

PV28 Herefordshire Council (License for

village hall solar panels) £750.00

PV29 Eyelid Productions (website) £100.00

PV31 Clerk’s salary (Tax month 4) £846.94

PV37 Clerk’s salary (Tax month 5) £567.54

2025/46. External Auditors Report

To consider the External Auditors report, if it has been received, and to consider payment of the External Auditors’ invoice.

2025/47. Training

To consider agreeing a programme of whole-council training.

2025/48. Solar Panels

The consider resolving, for the avoidance of doubt, that the solar panels installed on the Village Hall roof as the result of funding in 2024-25 was expenditure permitted by section 133 of the Local Government Act 1972, and that the panels are the property of the Trustees of the Village Hall.

Section 133 reads: “A parish or community council may acquire or provide and furnish buildings to be used for public meetings and assemblies or contribute towards the expenses incurred by any other parish or community council or any other person in acquiring or providing and furnishing such a building.”

2025/49. Community Plan

In view of the foregoing, to consider the Community Plan, particularly whether to fund further Makers Markets.

2025/50. Commons Management

To consider the management of common land.

2025/51. Speed Indicator Device

To consider locations for and management of speed indicator devices.

2025/52. Information Technology Policy

To consider the draft policy proposed by the Herefordshire Association of Local Councils. Audit regulations require clear IT policy in the coming financial year (copy attached)

Almeley PC – Information Technology Policy – DRAFT

2025/53 Grievance and Discipline Policies

To consider the draft grievance and discipline policies prepared by ACAS and the National Association of Local Councils (copies attached)

Almeley PC – Grievance-Policy

Almeley PC – Disciplinary-Policy –

2025/54. Risk Management Policy

To consider a review of the Risk Management Policy (copy attached)

Almeley-Parish-Council-Risk-Management-Policy-

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Notice of Election -Almeley

NOTICE OF ELECTION
ALMELEY PARISH COUNCIL

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Election of Parish Councillors for the under mentioned Parish

Parish

No. of Councillors to

be elected

Almeley

2

  1. Nomination papers may be obtained from the offices of the Returning Officer at Electoral Services Office, Blueschool House, Blueschool Street, Hereford, HR1 2LX, from your Parish Clerk or they can be requested at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/forthcomingelections. The Returning Officer will, at the request of an elector for any electoral area, prepare a nomination paper for signature.

  2. Nomination papers must be hand-delivered to the Returning Officer at The Electoral Services Office, Blueschool House, Blueschool Street, Hereford, HR1 2LX between 10am and 4pm on any working day after the date of publication of this notice (excluding bank holidays) but no later than 4pm on Friday, 18th July 2025.

  3. If the election is contested, the poll will take place on Thursday, 14th August 2025.

  4. Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Electoral Services Office, Blueschool House, Blueschool Street, Hereford, HR1 2LX by 12 midnight on Tuesday, 29th July 2025. Applications can be made online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

  5. Applications, amendments or cancellation of postal and postal proxy votes, and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes at this election, must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Electoral Services Office, Blueschool House, Blueschool Street, Hereford, HR1 2LX by 5pm on Wednesday, 30th July 2025. Applications can be made online: www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

  6. Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or an Anonymous Elector’s Document valid for this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Electoral Services Office, Blueschool House, Blueschool Street, Hereford, HR1 2LX by 5pm on Wednesday, 6th August 2025. Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate can be made online: www.gov.uk/applyforphotoidtovote

  7. New applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Electoral Services Office, Blueschool House, Blueschool Street, Hereford, HR1 2LX by 5pm on Wednesday, 6th August 2025. Some applications can be made online: www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote

  8. Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election on the grounds of physical incapacity, or for work/service reasons must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Electoral Services Office, Blueschool House, Blueschool Street, Hereford, HR1 2LX by 5pm on Thursday, 14th August 2025. The physical incapacity must have occurred after 5pm on Wednesday, 6th August 2025. To apply on the grounds of work/service, the person must have become aware that they cannot go to the polling station in person after 5pm on Wednesday, 6th August 2025.

Paul Walker

Returning Officer

Dated: Thursday, 10th July 2025

AGENDA for Almeley Parish Council, 18th June 2025

Agenda – Almeley Parish Council – 18 June 2025

ALMELEY PARISH COUNCIL

To members of the Council:

You are summoned to an extraordinary meeting of Almeley Parish Council called by the Chairman under the provisions of Standing Order 6(a) to be held on Wednesday 18th June 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

11th June 2025

AGENDA

2025/26. To Receive Apologies for Absence

2025/27. To Receive any Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations

2025/28. Minutes

To approve the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 21st May 2025 (copies previously circulated).

2025/29 Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2024/25

AGAR 2024-25 Almeley PC – Section 2 Accounting Statements – signed by RFO

AGAR 2024-25 Almeley PC – signed internal auditor report

Almeley Parish Council – Cash Book 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Almeley PC – Bank reconciliation for 2024-25

Almeley PC FY24-25 Internal Review Jun25 FINAL

a. To receive and note the Annual Internal Audit Report (copy herewith)
b. To consider, approve and sign the Annual Governance Statement (copy herewith)
c. To consider, approve and sign the Accounting Statement (copy herewith)
d. To set the dates of the Period for the Exercise of Public Rights

The Internal Auditor, Mrs Lindsay Allen, will be present to give her report and answer questions.

2025/30. Finance

To consider the Clerk’s Financial Report and cash book (report attached).

Financial Report – 18 June 2025

Almeley Parish Council – Financial Report – 18 June 2025 (typing error corrected)

Almeley Parish Council – Cash Book 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026

To review banking arrangements and signatories, as required by Financial Regulations, including appointing Councillor Cross a signatory, replacing Mrs Faulkner and Dr Argent, recently resigned, and deleting the name of Mrs Monica Jones.

To appoint an internal auditor for 2025/26.

To appoint a Councillor to complete the verification of accounts to 30th June 2025.

To consider the following invoices to be paid, and to indicate approval two Councillors to initial and date:

PV19 DC Gardening Services £336.00

PV20 Almeley Vilage Hall £150.00

(Makers’ Markets)

PV21 Almeley Village Hall £24.00

(18th June Council)

PV22 Almeley Village Hall £12.00*

PV23 Clerks’ travel expenses £74.70

PV24 Admin expenses £94.55

PV25 Internal Auditor’s fee £200.00

In respect of PV22, the Clerk to report a corresponding over-payment, as identified by the Internal Auditor.

To authorise the payment of the Clerk’s salary monthly, as contractually required, Autela Payroll payment details to be circulated in advance to Councillors.

2025/31. Budget 2025/26

Budget 2025-26 – Draft – June 2025 annotations

To note the report of the Clerk (see item 2025/30) and the Internal Auditor.

To consider a draft budget for the year ending 31st March 2026 (draft circulated with the agenda).

2025/32. Lengthsman’s Contract 2025/26

The Clerk to report that only one contractor pursued an expression of interest.

To consider the report of the Chairman and Councillor Cross on their meeting with Joel Durrell (GWG Tree & Garden Services) on Tuesday 6th June 2025, and to a agree a contract if appropriate.

2025/33. Local Drainage Fund

The Clerk to report that the deadline for applications is 28th September 2025.

To consider authorising the Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Councillor Cross, to draft a bid for funding for consideration at the Council’s meeting on 17th September 2025.

2025/34. Public Rights of Way Fund

The Clerk to report that the Herefordshire PROW Fund is now open to applications. There is no deadline for applications but works must be completed by 31st March 2025.

To consider authorising the Clerk in consultation with the Public Footpath Officers, the Chairman and Councillor Cross, to draft a bid for funding for consideration at a future meeting of the Council.

2025/35. Urgent decisions between meetings policy

To consider the current policy (Clerk’s report to follow).

2025/36. Working Groups

To consider working group membership and their terms of reference

Notice of Vacancy: Resignation of Vanessa Faulkner

Vanessa Faulkner has resigned from Almeley Parish Council. Formal notice of the vacancy is below. To requisition an election please see  www.herefordshire.gov.uk/casualvacancies

 

Notice of Vacancy

IN THE OFFICE OF PARISH COUNCILLOR for

 

Almeley Parish

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a casual vacancy is deemed to have occurred in the office of Councillor for the above Parish following the resignation of Vanessa Catherine Faulkner.

 

Rule 5 of the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006, provides that on a casual vacancy occurring in the office of parish councillor, an election to fill the vacancy shall be held if within fourteen days* after the date of this notice (i.e. no later than 17th June 2025.) has been given in accordance with section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972, notice in writing of a request for such an election has been given to the proper officer of the council of the district within which the parish is situate by TEN electors for the parish.

 

If a request for an election is not received by the above deadline then the parish council will co-opt a person to fill the vacancy as soon as practicable in accordance with the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) Rules 1986.

 

If there is an election, it will take place not later than 60 days (excluding dies non) after the date this notice is published.

 

The proper officer is Paul Walker, Herefordshire Council, Electoral Services, Blueschool House, Blueschool Street, Hereford, HR1 2LX

 

 

David Thame

Clerk to Almeley Parish Council

 

 

Dated: 28th May 2025