YLCA Meeting Report 14 June 2016

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5 YLCA Meeting Report 14 June 2016 The meeting held at Pannett Park, Whitby was the Annual General Meeting for the Scarborough Branch of the YLCA. First order of business was to elect a Chairman - Cllr Richard Walker of Filey was duly elected to serve for two years as per the YLCA Group regulations. Cllr Jim Preston of Whitby was duly elected as Vice-Chairman. Discussion took place regarding the Local Strategic Partnership representative however it is believed that the Partnership is no longer in place. The representative elected for the Sports Council remained with Cllr Zegstroo of Eastfield. The report from the YLCA was given by Nicola Moorcroft who stated that there is more money available for Councils who have a turnover of less than 25,000. The Borough Council are offering a one-off monetary payment to Parish Councils who wish to take over control of Parish toilets of up to 5,000 to cover any repairs. Interest can be declared without having to take them over; business rates would apply. Since February, the YLCA have assisted numerous Councils, including much-involved support regarding the abolishment of Brierley Town Council due to the Clerk s fraudulent practises; Brierley Town s assets and liabilities will be taken over by Barnsley Council discussion then followed with reminders that Councillors should ensure that the Financial Regulations are stringently followed. There will be plenty of opportunities for Councillor training throughout the coming months and the White Rose Update is due for publication very shortly. There was a reminder regarding Works Pensions and also the audit changes for 2017/18. There is on-going works to compile an Audit Registry whose firms will be accredited by the YLCA for using for Audit purposes information will be sent out soon. Information was given regarding the cost increase from NALC which is 18% on membership; the YLCA have agreed to absorb most of the increase to Member Councils out of their own resources so in real terms Member Councils will face an increase of 4.9% this year; however, it is possible of further increases by NALC next year - so we need to be prepared! The 2016 Good Councillor Guide has been published and is available for download or purchase; there is also a new (10 th ) edition of the Clerk s Bible also known as the Charles Arnold Baker Local Council s Administration. The date set for the Joint Annual General Meeting of the YLCA is on 16 July and delegates are invited to attend. Items raised on the agenda for discussion included the changes suggested by the Borough Council regarding the Code of Conduct; Nicola explained it is up to individual Councils whether they accept said document in its entirety but there has been no consultation between the Borough and Parish Councils regarding changes to wording and the document produced by the YLCA is still current and acceptable for Parish Councils to follow.

6 There will be a training program for Pensions on 12/13 th July and will include information on auto-enrolment, Staging Dates and the Responsibilities of Councils as an employer. With regards to devolution of services from Borough Council to individual Councils raised questions on car parks (Whitby Town Council) and Councils taking over Libraries (raised by Eastfield Town Council) both issues were briefly discussed with Nicola strongly urging Eastfield Town Council to contact the YLCA for advice before further action is taken. Cllr Towse of Newby and Scalby Parish Council raised the profile of the Considerate Parking Initiative Helpline is The YLCA are still looking for photographs to include in their newsletters/website of Member Parishes; we are urged to send them in as soon as possible in jpeg format. Speakers for future meetings include the topics of: Bi-products of fracking chemicals and bi-products created within the process; factual information is required to ensure that unbiased knowledge is gained. National Park update on the planning application for the Potash Mine how far along the conditions of the application is. Parking Issues verge parking and what By-Laws are in place or can be created The next meeting will be held in Filey on 6 October and will begin at 7pm