Community

Present:  Councillors Maciag, Hargrave, Bolton and Hodson, and the Clerk. Also County Councillor Gardener and 2 members of the public.

Agenda of the Annual Parish Council Meeting

1. To elect Parish Council Chairman
2. To elect Parish Council Vice Chairman
3. Completion of Acceptance of Office forms and Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests forms

There were no other nominations for Chairperson or Vice Chairperson.  Cllrs Hodson and Bolton proposed and seconded the following:

Cllr Maciag as Chairperson

Cllr Hargrave as Vice Chairperson

0001.25 Cllr Maciag, as Chairperson, welcomed those present to the meeting

0002.25 Apologies and reasons for absence:

               District Cllr Alban – at another meeting    

0003.25 There were no Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda

0004.25  2 x members of the public were present to find out more about Parish Council, with a view to becoming a Councillor.

0005.25 Minutes of the meeting held on 15^th April 2025 were confirmed as a correct record by   Councillors Maciag and Hargrave

0006.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.

               County Councillor Gardener:

 He advised that the County Council was now Liberal Democrat controlled.

 He had been re- elected and was now assigned to Highways/Planning/Staffing and Appeals and Fire Authority committees

The Local Government re-organisation is ongoing with the potential that all will be completed by 2028, with new unitary authorities in place by 2027.  It is not known how boundaries will be redefined or if any changes will be made to election dates. 

In response to the resident’s question regarding footpaths (at the Annual Parish Meeting), he will liaise with the Clerk and the Footpath Officer (Dan Wiggs) and Highways Officer (Sarah Budd) to assess these matters.

Councillor Gardener left to attend another meeting.

Cllr Hargrave:

The recent coffee morning had raised £476 for Dementia UK

Any items for the next newsletter are required by 27^th May.

Cllr Hodson:

Soil improver for the allotments, delivered by Hunts DC, had been used within 48 hours and allotment holders are keen to receive a further supply.  Clerk confirmed that she had made the request to Hunts DC, currently there is none available for delivery.

Clerk:

Notification of the resignation of Cllr Moody had been received, an email of thanks has been sent.

0007.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank

• Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 2/5/2025 £12572.23 (includes £500 bequest)
  • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 2/5/2025  £            21676.65
  • Defibrillator account – balance as at 2/5/2025  – £102.59

b) PAYMENTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following

Who	What for	TOTAL	Invoice includes this VAT amount	Authorised	Authorised
Staff costs	Wages for March (27 hours)	Xxx	NIL	JRT
Ecclesiastical Insurance	Parish Council insurance ***	842.38	NIL
Viking	Office supplies and telephone/answer machine	161.96	26.99

*** Clerk had checked with insurers and has been advised that there is no cover for Data Protection and this type of cover is not available.

• Clerk’s working hours for April, a total of  27, were approved by Cllrs Maciag and Hargrave
• The Precept for 2025/26 of £11837 has been paid into the bank account
• VAT refund paperwork completed and refund received – £158.91
• AGAR (annual audit) paperwork had been shared prior to the meeting.

   DECISION TO approve the AGAR documents for the 2024/25 financial year

   Proposed and seconded by Cllrs Hargrave and Bolton.  

• AGAR signed by Parish Council Chairman and the Clerk.
• Independent internal auditor to be appointed – Clerk had emailed CANALBS, but no response.  She hopes to resolve this in the next few days.

0008.25  PLANNING applications and  matters:

Application 25/00749 HHFUL The Mill, Mill Road, Great Gidding – render outbuilding, internal alterations and replacement windows and doors.

There were no objections to the changes proposed (Listed building and Conservation  Area)

School site – Parish Council’s response to the Section 77 notice was sent on 17^th April 2025.  Nothing further has been heard.

CIL funding – Huntingdonshire District Council are inviting applications for funding.      Clerk is uncertain of the process and will make enquiries with Planning Department.

0009.25  Recreation Ground – Cllr Hodson proposed that a gate be inserted at the opposite corner to the entrance gate, to enable safer walking to Kings Wood on Winwick Road.

0010.25 Village Maintenance – Cllr Hargrave and Clerk compiled a grant application  in respect of a replacement noticeboard – a grant of £2500 has been awarded. Quotes will be obtained.

 0011.25 Donations to Charities – Cllr Moody had written a policy document and submitted for consideration.  Questions arose, the Clerk will check out details.

0012.25 Correspondence received since 15^th April 2025 :

              a) NALC newsletters – dated                         Chief Executives Bulletin                   NALC events,

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads (3 in Huntingdonshire during May), Highways events planned – none locally, Resurfacing of Bullock Road at Elton mid June.

   Cambridge Flood and Water – advice on flooding and use of water.

c)Huntingdonshire District Council –

LOCAL PLAN – Additional Sites Land Availability Assessments will be available for you to view and comment between the following dates:

Start date: 23/04/25 10:00

End date: 04/06/25 23:59

Please select the following link to view this event:

https://consult.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/kse/event/38343

Town and Parish Council newsletter forwarded to Parish Councillors , update on waste minimisation, electrical recycling points

Communities Service team notice, 

Press release about CIL funded projects

Advance notice of the Town and Parish Council Forum on 19^th June at Burgess Hall, St Ives, a reminder has been sent to book tickets

Survey about play areas in Huntingdonshire completed

d) CAPALC – nothing received

e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for  May

f)  CPRE spring newsletter available

g)  Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge  Partnership – nothing due to election

h) Huntingdonshire Community Policing meetings – invitations to join online meetings on 24/9 and 15/12, both at 7pm.

i) The Pensions Regulator requested an updated renewal of the PAYE scheme – this was completed on 25^th April 2025

j) Clear Councils Insurance (now known as Ecclesiastical) newsletter – articles about tree roots and terrorism

013.25 Items for next meeting:

              Co-option of Parish Councillors

              Budget update for 2025/26

              Means by which the Parish Council’s share information.   

              Update on findings regarding CIL payments

              Spreadsheet of issues regarding Highways, Byways and Footpaths

              Update on “Donations to Charities” policy wording             

 The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 17^th June 2025  in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding. 

Village Hall payments were approved by Cllrs Bolton and Maciag

The meeting closed at 21.28

PRESENT:  Cllrs Maciag, Bolton, Downer, Nankivell, Hargrave and Hodson, County Councillor Gardener and 1 member of the public

0028.25 Cllr Maciag, as Chairperson, welcomed those present to the meeting

0029.25 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:

   District Councillor Alban – at another meeting, he has sent a report                     

0030.25  Declarations of Disclosable Interests received from Cllr Nankivell for 0037.25

0031.25  Member of the public present in respect of 0037.25

0032.25  Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th June 2025 were confirmed as a correct record by all Cllrs.

0033.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.

County Councillor Gardener advised that the Combined Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor will take on extra responsibilities, possibly from March 2026.

Community Right to Buy, in respect of Community Assets, will be implemented at the time of the Council re-organisation – further details to follow.

County Council voted for an 11% increase in Councillor allowances at a recent meeting.

Cllr Downer thanked County Cllr Gardener and his colleague Dan Wiggs for attending and advising on footpath issues in the Parish.

County Cllr Gardener left the meeting at 20.09 and will next attend in October.

Clerk read out District Councillor Alban’s report re Anaerobic Digester planning application, Hunts DC parking enforcement, Local Government re-organisation, proposed date of 10^th September for Districtwide Parish Council meeting with a Highways Officer in attendance.

Cllr Nankivell had reported (via telephone) damage to Black Bridge leading to the Gallops – it has not been repaired yet.  Clerk advised that the reporting page on the CambsCC website has recently been completely changed – she intends to check that all outstanding issues are still recorded correctly and will add a report for the bridge if this is not listed.

Cllr Bolton asked if an Adobe Acrobat subscription could be purchased as agenda and documents are not appearing in the correct order, when sent on by the Clerk – Clerk will try and find another means of sending the agenda and documents prior to a meeting.

Cllr Hargrave gave a report of recent Village Hall Committee events and actions –

a recent pop-up café was very successful. 

The front door of the Village Hall was difficult to close in very hot weather – will be checked out. 

25 people have booked for the upcoming Games Night. 

Investigating a hearing loop or similar system, and the working of the PA system

Cllr Hodson thanked the Village Hall committee for their activities.

Cllr Hodson  declared an interest as an allotment holder  – he advised that Gidding Charity, as owner of the allotment site, had been in dispute with Anglian Water/WAVE regarding invoices for water usage.  A formal complaint has been raised, but the outcome is awaited.  If it is proved that the invoices are correct due to a considerable increase in water use, it may be that rental fee of the allotments to the Parish Council will increase. 

Cllr Maciag – Neighbourhood Plan interim report was ready to share with residents, prior to its next submission to the District Council, and it was agreed that this should be shared via the village website and 3 copies printed.  A printed copy will be available to view in Great Gidding, Winwick and Hamerton and arrangements made to view it.

0034.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank

a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank  (not received as at 11/7/2025 – website check)

• Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 11/7/2025 £9838.83 (includes £500 bequest)
  • Parish Council Deposit Account (Business Premium Account interest rate reduced to 1.2% from 12/8/2025)  – balance as at 20/6/2025  £21755.36
  • Defibrillator account – balance as at 2/6/2025  – £102.96

b) PAYMENTS – approved by Cllrs Hodson and Maciag

Who	What for	TOTAL	Invoice includes this VAT amount	Authorised	Authorised
Staff costs	Wages for MAY(36 hours)	Xxx	NIL	JRT
Catalyst	Website hosting	322.11	NIL
Bradgate Maintenance	Invoice no 3018	210.86	42.17
Milton Estates (Peterborough)	Invoice for access route to Rec. Field	1.00	NIL
Section 137 request	Payment at a future meeting

• Clerk’s working hours for JUNE  – a total of  32, approved by Cllrs Hargrave and Hodson.
• Review of Financial Regulations – it was agreed that no further amendments were required.
• Review of Standing Orders – it was agreed that no amendments were required.

0036.25  PLANNING applications and  matters:

              There are no new applications (as at 11/7/2025)

0037.25  Section 137 funding request in respect of softball team.

Member of the public confirmed that insurance was in place for the group, a            constitution was being devised and a bank account applied for. 25 regular attendees, most of those from the village.

   Cllr Hodson requested the constitution include a clause to state that all equipment and assets will be transferred to the Village Hall should the venture discontinue.  Also some of the items listed in the budget are day to day expenses and will not be included as part of the Section 137 grant. 

              Cllr Hargrave proposed that the group be supported in principle and seconded Cllr Hodson’s proposal to donate £800 to enable the group to set up.

   DECISION to grant £800 to softball team – proposed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Hargrave

0038.25 Village Maintenance –  Clerk and Councillor Downer met with Dan Wiggs, Footpath Officer for CambsCC and Cllr Ian Gardener – discussion of Footpath No 6 (Mill Road to Chapel End) and The Jitty.  The surface of the Jitty has since been swept since that meeting.  Mr Weekes is to supply a definitive border of what is Highways responsibility and neighbouring landowner responsibility in respect of the Jitty.  Clerk will write to landowners regarding specific issues and copy in Mr Weekes and Cllr Gardener.

              Cllr Downer submitted the following amendment to this agenda item, to be approved at the meeting held on 19^th August 2025:

            I believe that in respect of minute 0038.25 the following should be recorded:

• The CCC Fotpath Oficer has undertaken to contact the Landowner regarding the fallen tree blocking the pedestrian gate on Footpath 6.
• The CC Footpath Officer has undertaken to contact the Landowner regarding replacing the gate, at the Chapel End of Footpath 6,  with a more accessible one.
• Councilor Gardener has recommended that GGPC write to the Landowner of the small gate, at the Mill Road End of Footpath 6, and ask the they replace the rope used to secure the gate with a removable chain.
• Councilor Gardener has recommended that GGPC write to the Landowners of land on Footpath 6 seeking their permission for the overgrown vegetation impeding access, to be cut back.

Noticeboard – quotes are being sought for the board + installation.  Hunts DC have paid       the grant monies and have supplied a logo for inclusion on the board.

0039.25 A recent email from CAPALC outlined the requirement for changes to Parish Council IT provision – dedicated email addresses (.gov.uk) for Clerk, councillors, use of gov.uk website etc.  The email had been shared with Councillors prior to the meeting and, it was agreed that, until more is known about the reorganisation of Councils, it would be preferable to wait to see what requirements came from that exercise that may impact on parish councils, their IT requirements and not to incur additional expense etc.

0040.25  Hunts DC survey on reorganisation proposals – Cllr Hodson had completed the survey and felt that the questions were tailored for responses from individuals.  The Clerk has completed the form.

0041.25 Correspondence received since 17^th June 2025 :

              a) NALC newsletters – dated                         Chief Executives Bulletin                   NALC events,

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition for May, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads (5 in Huntingdonshire during last month), Highways events planned – none locally, various emails about Public Rights of Way hierarchy survey,

   Food Waste volunteer required for each Parish in advance of introduction of weekly food collection.

   Summer Holiday activities and food for children.

  c)Huntingdonshire District Council – offer their Pest Control Maintenance services, Town and Parish Council newsletter for June, Road Closures in July – various in Huntingdon, nothing locally, Water system management event on 10^th July,

PRESS RELEASES:

 Civil Parking enforcement starts 28^th July

Digital screens in local towns

Great Ouse valley Trust – study to explore landscape designation benefits

            Waste Education newsletter – includes information about workshops and visits

Redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke Park – plans approved

Update on Net Zero Villages – Great Staughton Village Hall project

d) CAPALC – nothing received, their website is still inactive

e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for June, invitation to Rural Housing event

f) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – new TIGER bus routes announced – around Cambridge and Newmarket

g) Huntingdonshire Community Policing meetings – invitations to join online meetings on 24/9 and 15/12, both at 7pm.

h) Parish Online monthly newsletter

0042.25  Items for next meeting:

Neighbourhood Plan revised document – feedback and comments          

 The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 19^th August 2025  in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding. 

Village Hall payments for co-authorisation were approved by all:

Who	What for	TOTAL	Authorised	Authorised
British Gas Lite To 23 May  2025	Electricity (paid by Direct Debit)	63.12	Direct Debit
A C Cleaning Services	Invoice no 1073 to 10th July	45.00
A B Hargrave	21.00 (TEN) 33.91 (flyers)	54.91
P Jarvis	repair stage flats/ boards	99.33
PPL/PRS	Annual licence	170.32

PRESENT:  Cllrs Maciag, Hargrave, Hodson, Bolton and the Clerk.  Also 2 members of the Public

0014.25 Cllr Maciag, as Chairperson, welcomed those present to the meeting

0015.25 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:

   District Councillor Alban – at another meeting

   County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting                         

0016.25 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda

0017.25 There was no Public & Press participation – members of the public were present to be considered for co-option as Parish Councillors

0018.25  Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th May 2025 were confirmed as a correct record by Cllrs Bolton and Hargrave.

0019.25  Completed Co-option forms had been received and accepted.  Cllr Hodson and Cllr Hargrave proposed and seconded Richard Downer and Melanie Nankivel as Parish Councillors.  Acceptance of Office forms were completed.

0020.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.

Clerk – email from HuntsDC outlining options for local Council reorganisation, 3 schemes are being considered, further details will be shared with Councillors over the coming weeks.

Clerk- our insurers no longer offer Data Protection cover, Clerk had confirmation from CAPALC on the day of the meeting that they could add DP cover to the annual subscription at a cost of £50 – it was agreed that this amount could be included with this month’s batch of payments.

There were no reports from Councillors                       

0021.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank

• Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 2/6/2025 £11045.30 (includes £500 bequest)
  • Parish Council Deposit Account (Business Premium Account interest rate reduced to 1.2% from 12/8/2025)  – balance as at 2/6/2025  £21755.36
  • Defibrillator account – balance as at 2/6/2025  – £102.96

b) PAYMENTS – approved by Cllrs Hodson and Maciag

Who	What for	TOTAL	Invoice includes this VAT amount	Authorised	Authorised
Staff costs	Wages for April (27 hours)	xxx	NIL	JRT
JRB Enterprises	Dog waste bags	110.52	18.42
Bradgate Grounds Maintenance	Invoice no 2852 + 2934	253.03 + 253.03 (506.06)	42.17 + 42.17 (84.34)
Milton Estates (Peterborough)	Invoice for access route to Rec. Field	1.00	NIL
LGS services	Internal Auditor report	126.00	21.00
CAPALC	Data Protection cover (added 17/6/2025)	50.00	NIL

• Clerk’s working hours for May, approved by Cllrs Hodson and Maciag as a total of  36. 
• Budget for 2025/26 – Cllr Hodson had shared a document prior to the meeting and explained the budget headings, proposed budget spending and allocated reserves.  All present agreed to the budget.
• Our Internal Auditor has been taken ill and LGS Services have been appointed to undertake this year’s internal audit.
• The AGAR was published on the village website and noticeboard at the Village Hall on  30^th May, in accordance with the requirement for Public Rights,  which extends to 14th July
• The Internal Auditor’s report and recommendations had been received.  There was an error on the AGAR paperwork due to oversight on a spreadsheet formula, this has been corrected and a revised Form 2 (page 3 of 6) had been completed and authorised at the meeting.  Other changes to procedure were recommended and will be implemented.

0022.25  PLANNING applications and  matters:

              Purpose built agricultural building installed at Gidding Grove Farm – Planning Dept have not consulted for comment.

CIL funding – Huntingdonshire District Council are inviting applications for funding.       Clerk has requested advice from “Implementation Team” at Hunts DC regarding CIL funds that might be due to our Parish in respect of recent developments.  The response from Hunts DC was shared at the meeting and at present there is no CIL due to the Parish.

0023.25  Review of Parish Council Asset Register – the document was shared at the meeting and            no changes were required.

0024.25 Village Maintenance –  Clerk to meet with Dan Wiggs, Footpath Officer for CambsCC and Cllr Ian Gardener and discuss and view the issues regarding footpaths in the parish.

              Cllr Downer asked to be present as he has concerns about Footpath No 6.  Cllr Hargrave mentioned The Jitty (Footpath No 5) surface – both have been reported.

              Noticeboard – quotes are being sought for the board + installation

 0025.25 Donations to Charities –  Clerk had researched the possibilities within Section 137.  Cllr Hargrave proposed that any grant should be restricted to any group or activity within the Parish of Great and Little Gidding, this was seconded by Cllr Hodson

              DECISION  – future applications for a Grant or Loan will be restricted to any group or activity based within the parish of Great and Little Gidding, and will be subject to completion of an application form to be presented to the Parish Council.

0026.25  Review of information sharing options, particularly social media.

              Currently information is shared by the Parish Council via the noticeboard at the Village Hall, thegiddings.org website and occasional newsletters (also available via website and noticeboard and on request from the Parish Office).  There are independently organised WhatsApp and Facebook platforms for the village.  The administrator of the WhatsApp page will be asked to post events and notices for the Parish Council and Village Hall and/or to direct people to the website and noticeboard.  Facebook will not be used.

0027.25 Correspondence received since 20 th May 2025 :

              a) NALC newsletters – dated                         Chief Executives Bulletin                   NALC events,

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition for May, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads (5 in Huntingdonshire during last month), Highways events planned – none locally, various emails about Public Rights of Way hierarchy survey,

  c)Huntingdonshire District Council – offer their Pest Control Maintenance service, Press release – St Neots Whist Club, Town and Parish Council newsletter, Road Closures in July – Time Trial for cyclists around Upton area,

d) CAPALC – nothing received, their website is still inactive

e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for June

f) CPRE spring newsletter available

g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – new TIGER bus routes announced – around Cambridge and Newmarket

h) Huntingdonshire Community Policing meetings – invitations to join online meetings on 24/9 and 15/12, both at 7pm.

i) Slow Ways – charity, seeking volunteers for connecting walking routes.

j) Upton and Coppingford Parish Council are looking for a Parish Clerk, as are Northstowe.

k) Barclays Bank – we are offered the opportunity to have a Select Cashback credit card.  Village Hall committee will be informed and make their own arrangement if required.

l) Parish Online monthly newsletter

m) email from Sarah Marsh of Connecting Cambridge, + response from resident (SB) – Clerk has sent an email of thanks and await developments.

0028.25  Items for next meeting:

Requirement to implement IT Policy

Review of Standing Orders

Review of Financial Regulations

Review of Risk Assessment    

 The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 15^th July 2025  in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding. 

Village Hall payments  were approved by Cllrs Bolton and Maciag

Meeting closed at 21.03