annual report municipal year 2012/13 -...
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Annual Report
Municipal Year
2012/13
Overview of Beverley Town Council
Her Worshipful the Mayor of Beverley
Councillor Margaret Pinder
2012/13 was an especially busy and successful year for the council with several national events being
recognised in the town. The first of these was the Diamond Jubilee which we celebrated in grand style
throughout the Sunday of the Jubilee weekend (missing the rain of the Saturday events which
drowned the otherwise excellent regatta on the Beck). I was delighted to be able to welcome my
counterpart, Maire Jean-Francois Dardenne, and a contingent of his councillors on the first official
civic visit to Beverley from our French twin-town of Nogent-sur-Oise and am grateful to the twinning
association for their sterling support in making the visit such a success. The day saw a wide variety of
community groups performing on the grand stage in Saturday market and culminated in true party-
atmosphere with thousands of townsfolk and visitors dancing to the Joe Loss orchestra before a fine
display of fireworks heralded the lighting of the Diamond Beacon on the top of the Minster.
This was soon followed by the visit of the Olympic torch to Beverley on its circuit round the country.
The town council held a special reception at the Minster for local civic leaders and two very special
guests: Jay Osgerby, one of the designers of the torch with his grandfather, Beverlonian Ray
Osgerby, and Muriel Hearnshaw (née Pletts), who, at age seventeen, ran in the women’s relay in the
1948 Olympic Games. Jay had brought a torch with him and so not only did we get to see the flame
as it passed, but were able to hold and admire a torch of our own for the day. The Paralympic flame
also visited Beverley which was another memorable day in an exceptionally memorable summer.
In the autumn we held our seventh food festival which has grown in size and popularity year on year
and this was no exception hosting a record number of stalls and events as well as attracting
thousands of visitors from throughout the region. Our ready steady cook-off had a doubly-international
flavour with a Persian chef competing from our German twin-town of Lemgo. The success of the
council’s work with local food bore further fruit with the award of lottery funding for a two-year ‘Food-
to-Table’ project which allowed us to appoint a dedicated local food coordinator to run what is an
excellent project.
Another high point of the year was the success of our dedicated
‘Beverley-in-Bloom’ volunteers whose hard work and vision were
recognised with the award of a Silver-Gilt medal by the Yorkshire-in-
Bloom judges.
This year the council was also pleased to award Honorary
Freemanships to Alderman Harry Flynn and Bill Rice.
But the town council is not just about festivals and fun. During my
tenure as Chair I was pleased to work on bringing a number of our
policies and procedures up to date and to introduce a number of much-needed policies to ensure the
smooth running of the council’s business and the service we offer, for example: a new allotments
policy has been implemented to ensure the quick turn-around of vacant plots to address the long
waiting list. We also leased a tractor with plough and gritter which proved extremely useful in the
heavy weather this last winter.
My thanks go to all the Beverley Town councillors for their engagement with this important level of
local government, but, of course, very much to our hard working administration of officers and staff
without whom nothing could be done.
Policy and Finance Committee
Committee Chairman
Councillor Paul McGrath
The Policy Committee’s primary function is to set and oversee the Budget for Beverley Town Council;
additionally it ensures that the Council’s finances are allocated in a prudent manner that ensures the
precept payers of Beverley get value for their money.
In summary
Policy set the precept
Overseen the running of financial resources
Ensured the Food Festival is run within budget
Implemented the strategic aims of the Council
Ensured that all policies and procedures were updated and reviewed
Undertook a thorough review of Committee structures with a view to streamlining
Discussing with neighbouring councils how best value services can be delivered
The Policy Committee has continued the good work it initiated in the previous year and all members
played a full part in the many debates that surrounded how value can be given to the people of
Beverley. This does of course, require regular reviews of how we conduct business and tasks.
Although it is certainly not the case that there was agreement all the time there were some very lively
debates and ultimately the correct decisions were made. The setting of the precept did prove to be
somewhat controversial and there were some elements within Beverley who questioned, as they have
the right to do so, the value of what was being delivered. The realigning of the allocation of
appropriate financial resources has added value to the services that BTC delivers now and will give a
bedrock to what can be delivered in the future.
In challenging economic times the Policy Committee has ensured that there has been a thorough
approach taken with regard to the custodianship of Precept Payers hard earned money. This, despite
the change in the way that Central Government determined, without consultation, how the tax bands
were changed.
The coming year will prove to be equally challenging but the finances of BTC are in secure hands.
Grants Committee
Committee Chairman
Councillor David Sweet
The Grants Committee met twice in 2012. The amount of funding distributed to local groups and
organisations in June was £12,172, and in November £6,560.
Seventeen organisations received funding, compared to fifteen in 2011/12, though this year individual
amounts were smaller. Only two beneficiaries, Beverley Folk Festival (£3,000) and Beverley Open
Doors Project (£2,210), were awarded grants above £1,500.
Of the total spend; about 45% went to ‘charitable’ groups, namely those supporting the more
disadvantaged or vulnerable within the community. This compares to a figure of 37% for the previous
year. Because demand for grants this year did not exceed the annual budget it was not necessary to
prioritise the applications by these groups as required by Town Council policy.
Grants Awarded 2012/13
£
3000 Beverley Folk Festival 2210 Beverley Open Doors Community Project 1500 Special Smiles 1500 Beverley Town Football Club 1500 Beverley Arts Trust 1500 Civic Society 1250 Cornerstone 1000 Cherry Tree Community Association 1000 Beverley Minster Youth 772 Beverley Widows’ Friendship Group 750 Hull Thursday Road Club 700 Beverley Division Rangers 500 Beverley Male Voice Choir 500 Beverley Blues Festival
Planning and the Environment
Committee Chairman
Councillor Elaine Aird
It has been a very interesting year for the committee. Whilst we have diligently scrutinized all the smaller planning applications we have also been busy looking at large applications.
As well as planning applications from householders for anything from extensions to dormer windows to conservatories, we have also had applications in from businesses for change of use – the most recent was change of use from offices to a Japanese restaurant.
The committee’s views are also sought on tree applications, on which the Town Council has been consulted by the Local Environment Planning Authority. We are also informed of planned road closures
The major planning application that we have been consulted on has been the Flemingate Development. The house building on the site is well underway. We have been consulted at all stages by the developers. The site will include a Premier Inn, a 4/5 screen Cinema and various shops – the lead one being Debenhams. Beverley College will also be on the site and will be situated at the railway station end of the site.
We were also consulted on the Gallows Lane site of Beverley College. This is still an ongoing planning application. The installation of floodlights at the Tennis Club on Seven Corners Lane also caused some controversy but some floodlights will now be able to be installed.
We have also had presentations on the emerging East Riding Local Plan and the effect that it will have on Beverley and the surrounding area especially in Molescroft and that area south of Beverley near the Southern Relief Road.
The Committee have also been consulted on a number of occasions regarding the Market Place development and especially the setts.
I would like all the members of the Committee for all their input in the meetings and last but not least I would like to thank Carol Oliver for all her help and effort that she puts into preparing for the meetings and for all the advice that she has given me during the year.
Property & Services Committee
Committee Chairman
Councillor Peter Astell
The main functions of this Committee are as follows: - To maintain the Council’s allotment sites (including letting and administration) - To maintain the Council’s Skate park (including liaising with the young people and other user on the Leisure Centre site) - To oversee the running & maintenance of the All Weather Pitch at Queens Road Beverley - To maintain the Council’s footway lighting stock and consider any new areas for development - To maintain the Council’s street furniture stock (bins, benches, notice boards) and consider any new areas for development - To ensure that all equipment purchased and used is to the appropriate standard and quality for the task and give attention to health and safety matters On behalf of the Committee and Full Council I would like to begin this report by thanking the people who have throughout this year continued to support the committee in its work, the allotment representatives: Messrs Eric Dean & Ray Wilson (Sparkmill), Mr Alan Stainton (Kitchen Lane), Messrs Eric Johnson & Steve Johnson (Queensgate). The committee has continued this year to divide plots where practicable and ensure all plots untended were passed on to safe hands, taking every step possible to reduce the plot waiting list. This year has also seen the committee liaising closely with the skate park users and East Riding of Yorkshire Council detached youth workers to ensure the park continues to be fit for purpose and supporting all efforts to improve the site, its fencing and signage. The committee was forced to raise the issue of the All Weather Pitch (AWP) to Full Council, an effort to find a way forward, to deal with ownership and repair problems following the demise of the Swinemoor Youth Project who originally oversaw the pitches use and maintenance. The council made a decision to take over full responsibility of the AWP and in doing so is in negotiation with ERYC over the lease, once this has been established a management committee will be arranged consisting of users, residents, councilors, and other agencies to organise events and oversee the regular use of this invaluable facility for young people. Finally my thanks to my fellow committee members and to our Town Clerk; Assistant Clerk, Administrative Assistant and Handyman for their support throughout this year in facilitating the
services required managing and maintaining this committee. To maintain
Beverley Food Festival
Field to Table Project
Town Clerk Helen Watson
Local Food Co-Ordinator – Marie Louise Robinson
Residents of Beverley have been given the opportunity to grow their own food thanks to a funding boost of just over £105,000 received from the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food scheme. The Local Food scheme is a £57.5 million programme which provides funding for projects working to make local food more accessible and affordable to communities.
Beverley’s project, called ‘From Field to Table’, has involved a number of activities aimed at promoting local food, and allowing the community to get their hands dirty and start to grow their own, including an NGS Open Allotments Day, Beverley Food Festival, Christmas Festival of Food and drink and a Community Training allotment at Sparkmill Lane.
Allotment holders have volunteered to become allotment champions. Space for community growing has been provided on the town’s community training allotment, under the expert guidance of seasoned gardeners, to help train young people aged 5-19 and other interested residents in basic growing techniques. The Town Council has worked with external organisations such as Mires Beck Nursery, which is a registered charity providing training and work experience for people who have a learning difficulty or disability.
Throughout the year, the council will run four seasonal events aimed at promoting local produce as well as an open day to showcase their allotment champions, local food markets and an awards event.
Helen Watson, Beverley Town Council Town Clerk, said:
“Beverley Town Council is delighted to announce the successful ‘Field to Table’ funding application from the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food scheme. We are looking forward to implementing the ‘Field to Table’ project in celebration of local food. This will benefit residents of all ages and encourage
healthy growing, production and eating of local seasonal foods. We have a fantastic variety of high quality, seasonal local food in Beverley and the surrounding area. We are motivated to spread the excitement of growing and buying local produce.”
Mark Wheddon, Local Food Programme Manager, said:
“Projects like this have a wide and lasting impact on the community and we are delighted to support them. Our scheme is about promoting the benefits of locally-grown food, and this project demonstrates how these can stretch far beyond simply eating more healthily, to giving people new skills, new confidence and a closer connection with their local community.”
Christmas Lights Working Group
Group Chairman
Councillor Kate Gray
The Christmas Lights Switch on has developed year on year involving the community and this year
the late night shopping event brought the Chamber of Trade on board again. Everyone’s contribution
made the evening a great success especially having Luke Campbell, the Olympic Gold Medal winner,
to light up the tree in Wednesday Market. People enjoyed the fireworks, which finished off the
event.
The small committee of dedicated members who represent their organisations in
the town have met on a very regular basis throughout the year to bring about the
lighting up of the town for the festive season.
I would like to thank all the people behind the scenes who make the town really sparkle and attend to
the infrastructure required and replacement of lighting features plus raising funds, with which to
achieve the finished displays. Thanks to
Harry Burton and the Lions who decorate the Market Cross and organise a service involving
the schools and churches;
Beverley Town Council with substantial support from the Beverley Lights Appeal Group, who
have built on this initial ceremony with a large Christmas Tree on the corner of Cross Street
and the snowflakes and larger street decorations;
Prue Blake and the committee, who raise funds throughout the year for
the small trees that help Beverley to sparkle every year. This year Prue has
worked with the Quality Solicitors, who donated the cone tree in Wednesday
Market;
Peter Jacobsen and his team from the East Riding, who have the electrical and technical
expertise;
the Rugby League Club and Andy Maw our handyman. This year we were not fortunate with
the weather, but they never let us down putting up the small trees in a very short space of
time, and their hard work is greatly appreciated;
my two colleagues Councillors Bottomley and Whitfield for their support;
Carol Oliver, Assistant Clerk, Beverley Town Council, whose administrative support has been
essential and who sorts out the problems, which always arise.
As Chairman of the Christmas Lights Committee I extend my thanks to
everyone involved in this real community success. In this coming year we will
be looking to raise a considerable sum of money as the lamp standards are
being replaced in Saturday Market and will be too small to take the snowflakes
we have been using. So please support our fund raising events whenever
possible.
Beverley in Bloom
Group Chairman
Councillor Jim Whitfield
As Chairman of this year’s Committee I must acknowledge thanks to all the
volunteers in Beverley in Bloom, Town Councillors and Town Council staff.
With the success of funding for the purchase of plants and the partnership working with both
businesses and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the town looked beautiful with its red, white and
blue flowers and bunting for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The Olympic Torch event was a huge
success and the blooms reflected this too.
If we can see blooms or even vegetables appearing on street corners or verges and nooks where
nothing grew before, we may have set a ball rolling that may gather momentum throughout the year.
Meanwhile enthusiastic volunteers have produced newsletters and are setting about preparing
planters for public display.
The summer theme was a rainbow around the town and the hard work of the volunteers ensured we
were ready for summer judging. Unfortunately due to the torrential wet weather the spring judging
was cancelled.
Nonetheless thanks to the significant planning, effort and energy of our Co-Ordinator and the work of
our volunteers we were awarded a Silver Gilt for our summer presentation. We look to more success
next year perhaps with greater focus on the Town’s Environmental Awareness and our approach to
sustainable planting and informally gardened areas.
Beverley Renaissance Partnership
Committee Member
Councillor Peter Astell
The Beverley Renaissance Partnership consists of a management committee on which I represent
the Town Council and three action groups: Beverley Town improvement group, Beverley Business
Group and Beverley Events and Festivals Group. Please see below a brief overview of our current
projects:
Beverley Partnership Action Groups The purpose of the Action Groups is to develop and drive solutions to address some of the recommendations outlined within the Draft Beverley Town Plan, with an overarching aim to develop initiatives that will help to strengthen Beverley's economy and visitor experience. There are three Action Groups, although to date only two are currently active:- Beverley Town Improvement Group (TIG). This group is currently focused on developing micro projects to address resident and visitor impressions of the physical attributes of the town including - Community Street Audits Town Entry/ Gateway improvements (including brown signage) Footfall Counts Highways Consultations Beverley Business Group (BBG). This group is currently focused on raising the profile of Beverley as a shopping destination for residents and visitor alike, preserving the local business offer by working with the local authority and other partner organisations to clarify and influence key planning and service support opportunities, and consider issues including - Inward Investment Opportunities Town Centre Car Parking Coach Parking Beverley Events & Festivals Group (BEFG). Currently not active - activities in development.
Beverley War Memorial Hall
Council Representative
Councillors Margaret Pinder and Martin Cox
This year saw the restoration work finally begin on the Memorial
Hall. Important infrastructure was addressed this included securing
the roof which had been subject to leaks as well as upgrading the
mechanical and electrical installations. Internally the dressing rooms
and toilet facilities were also improved while the auditorium was
significantly restored and enhanced with new decoration including
attractive wall-lighting and a very fine chandelier. The hall was able
to reopen for bookings and the response to the improvements has
been very positive.
The Mayor, Councillor Margaret Pinder, who serves with Councillor Martin Cox as the council’s
observers on the Hall’s committee of trustees, held her Civic Dinner there in order to showcase the
venue. Over a hundred guests attended an event that promoted local food (the upgraded kitchen
proving vital here) and the evening ended with dancing to big band performing from the newly
equipped stage.
Further improvements are in hand which will include installing an improved disabled ramp and
remodelling the front entrance way to soften the façade and improve overall access.
Association of Charter Trustee Towns
Councillor Representative
Councillor Kate Gray
Meetings were held in Bath and Grantham, and I attended both as the Chairman of the Association.
Delegates from East Retford, Bath, Beverley, Hereford, High Wycombe, Kidderminster, Grantham, Newbury and
Cleethorpes have attended meetings this year. Bath hosted the meeting in September 2012 and Grantham in
February 2013 and both were delighted to be able to welcome the guests to their Guildhalls for the meetings.
However, with the current economic difficulties we had decided in future to only meet twice a year as our
members cover a wide area. Beverley Town Council invited the Association to hold the AGM and Executive
meeting in the town in September 2013. This is a popular venue as the delegates speak highly of the town.
The Localism Act 2011 had made it easier to create parish councils and we were happy to hear of town councils
created in Margate, Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Macclesfield. The delegate from Cleethorpes was very
interested in the benefits of having parish status as they were actively seeking a review. Durham was also in
the position of a boundary review and interested in holding the title City of Durham. Precedents have been set
for this in Hereford and Salisbury.
Discussion took place about the requirement of the power of competence, which really sets out the basic
conditions for eligibility for a council. Our Hon. Treasurer Keith Bannister asked if any of the towns represented
had received the compensatory grants from their principal authorities. He also answered questions about the
new audit requirements. Although NALC offered advice to town/parish councils it was felt there was a gap in
training about Mayoralty and associated civic protocol
Kidderminster had used the Electoral Reform Society to gather the required percentage for a petition to be
parished as they have a population of 60,000, it produced a higher than necessary majority but now has to wait
the result of a referendum, which appears to be quite unnecessary as the original vote was totally independent
and a letter was to be sent to the Secretary of State.
Newbury have taken over a range of services such as parks and cemeteries and are seeking more opportunities
from the district council.
Good news!! Our right to grant honorary titles of freemen and freewomen for persons of distinction or
persons/organizations who have, in the opinion of the Town Council, rendered eminent services to the
town of Beverley. Legislation has amended Section 249 of the Local Govt. Act 1972, specifically amending
and extending the definition of ‘relevant authority’ to include ‘ a parish (town) or community council. We have
exercised this right and bestowed this honour on three townsfolk. We also have the right to grant freedoms to
regiments and raises the fact we could also grant freedom in our own right as well as the UA.
Beverley has a strong part to play in the Association as one of the initial towns to gain a Town Council as local
government changes to Unitary Authorities we need to strengthen the role of the lower and only tier that is close
to local people.
Annual Accounts 2012/2013
Operating Income
Civic and Democratic 500
Grants 57,689
Town Maintenance 5,320
Town Events 16,841
Allotments 5,601
Income 281,104
Total Income 367,056
Running Costs
Staff Costs 100,926
Administration 20,535
Accommodation 24,310
Civic and Democratic 8,857
Grants 59,434
Town Maintenance 47,556
Town Events 56,719
Allotments 2,845
Total Expenditure
321,182
General Fund Analysis
Opening Balance 165746
Plus : Income for Year 367,056
532,802
Less : Expenditure for Year 321,182
211,620
Transfers TO / FROM Reserves 23000
Closing Balance 234,620
Councillor Attendance Figures
Full Council including Extra-Ordinary Meetings
(13 Meetings)
Councillor Pearce resigned on 10th June 2013.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Apols
Policy Meeting
(11 meetings)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Policy
Policy Non Members
Apols
Planning & Environment Committee
(15 meetings)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Planning & Environment
Planning Non Members
Apols
Property & Services Committee
(5 Meetings)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Air
d
Ast
ell
Bo
tto
mle
y
Co
x
Elvi
dge
Gra
y
Jack
McG
rath
Pea
rce
Pea
rso
n
Pin
der
Swee
t
Tho
rley
Wh
itfi
eld
Property & Services
Apols
Town Councillor Allowances
The Local Authorities (Member’s Allowances)
(England) Regulations 2003
2012/13 Financial Year
Allowances paid to each member of Beverley Town Council are as follows:
Basic Allowance Travel
Aird
Astell £250.00 £1550.90
Bottomley £250.00 £ 35.88
Cox £250.00 £ 196.01
Elvidge £250.00
Gray £ 265.85
Jack
McGrath £250.00
Pearson
Pinder £250.00 £ 755.25
Sweet £250.00
Thorley £250.00
Whitfield £250.00 £ 36.40
Town Councillor Contact Details
Town Clerk: Ms Helen Watson Assistant Town Clerk: Mrs Carol Oliver
Local Food Co-Ordinator: Mrs Marie-Louise Robinson
Temporary Admin Assistant: Mrs Joanna Render
Handyman: Mr Andy Maw Macebearer: Mr Peter Nendick
12 Well Lane, Beverley. HU17 9BL Tel: 01482 874096 email: [email protected]
Elaine Aird St Mary's West
Paul McGrath Minster South
13 Northfield Road Conservative
7 Waterside Road Labour
Beverley HU17 7HN 864423
Beverley HU17 0PP 865027
Peter Astell Minster North
Stuart Pearce
18 Highgate Labour
(resigned 10th June 2013)
Beverley HU17 0DN 869499
Harold Bottomley Minster South
Bryan Pearson
St Mary’s West
14 Newton Drive Conservative
1 Westwood Road Conservative
Beverley HU17 8NX 886496
Beverley HU17 8EN 861122
Martin Cox St Mary's East
Margaret Pinder Minster North
8 Nicholson Close Labour
24 Albert Terrace Labour Beverley HU17 0HW 869817
Beverley HU17 8JU 871788
David Elvidge St Mary's East
David Sweet Minster South
97 Norwood Grove Conservative
139 Keldgate Labour
Beverley HU17 9JP 870979
Beverley HU17 8JA 887424
Kate Gray St Mary's West
Ken Thorley Minster North
16 Thurstan Road Independent
40 Greenwood Avenue Labour
Beverley HU17 8LP 869372
Beverley HU17 0HB 861672
Duncan Jack St Mary’s East
Jim Whitfield Minster South
98 Laughton Road Independent
47 Queensgate Labour
Beverley HU17 9JR 862894
Beverley HU17 8NN 868909