Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dawson, and L. Petherick.

Resolved that the apologies be noted.

Resolved that the agenda between Parts I and II be agreed to.

To declare any disclosable interests relating to the forthcoming items of business (if any).

Councillor Wrigley advised that up until recently his role at Teignbridge District Council, as Executive Portfolio Holder for Communities and IT, involved liaising with  Citizens Advice Teignbridge but this liaison did not cause a conflict of interest and therefore he would discuss and vote on item 133.

To receive and consider requests for dispensation (if any).

There were no dispensations.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Finance & General Purposes Committee held on 27^th April 2023.

Members considered the minutes of the Finance & General Purposes Committee held on 27^th April 2023.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 27^th April 2023 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct and accurate record.

To consider what actions, if any, the Town Council can take in relation to the cost of living crisis, at this time.

The Events, Projects and Tourism Officer reported that she had recently had a zoom meeting with Helping Dawlish where a reasonable proportion of each organisation was represented. The main points noted at the meeting included;

·         There was an increased need for organisations across the board, notably Assist Teignbridge were inundated with referrals and had more refusals than normal.

·         There was an increased need for volunteers to support these organisations.

·         The Community larder was still deliberating what to do regarding funding the renewal of the Fareshare contract.

She further reported that there had been requests for the Council to endorse funding for another cost-of-living wrap-around on the next Town crier publication. This would help to show the community that the focus is still on the cost of living and give updated information on how they can access support if they need it, particularly for those who do not have access to the internet.

Resolved that the update be noted.

To consider a smaller grant application from The Coryton Community Group for £250.00

At this juncture, the Committee agreed to suspend Standing Orders to enable the public to address the meeting.

There was one member of the public that wanted to speak regarding the smaller grant application for Coryton Community Group. They explained what the grant was for and answered further questions from the Councillors.

Standing Orders were reinstated upon completion of public participation time.

Resolved that the small grant application of £250.00 to Coryton Community Group be approved.

To consider a smaller grant application from Dawlish Stamp Club for £250.00.

Apologies of absence were received from the applicant.

Resolved that the small grant application of £250.00 to Dawlish Stamp Club be approved.

To consider a larger grant application from Citizens Advice Teignbridge for £8000.00

At this juncture, the Committee agreed to suspend standing orders to enable the public to address the meeting.

There was one member of the public that wanted to speak regarding the larger grant application for Citizens Advice Teignbridge. They explained what the grant was for and answered further questions from the Councillors.

Standing Orders were reinstated upon completion of public participation time.

Resolved that the larger grant application of £8000.00 to Citizens Advice Teignbridge be approved.

To appoint a Member of this Committee to act as the bank reconciliation verification signatory.

Resolved that Councillor Graham- Ellis be appointed the reconciliation verification signatory for 2023-24.

To consider electric supply quotations for the Riverside Centre (Brook Street) due for renewal on the 2^nd June 2023.

Members considered quotations for the Riverside Centre electricity supply valid from June 2023.

Resolved that a two year, fixed rate deal with Yu Energy be approved for the Riverside Centre to commence from June 2023.

To receive and note the Interest received across all reserve and investment accounts held by the Council in the Tax year 2022-2023.

Members received the report of interest received into the Council’s reserve and investment accounts in the financial year 2022-2023.

Resolved that the report be noted.

To receive, consider and approve the reports for invoices paid, direct debits paid, and income received for

Members present received and considered the report of invoices paid, direct debits and income received since the last report to the Committee.

Resolved unanimously that the reports be approved.

The Committee is recommended to approve the following resolution:

“That in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting for the duration of the following items on the basis that the information to be disclosed would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.”

Members resolved the following resolution:

That in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to meetings) Act 1960 the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting for the duration of the following items on the basis that the information to be disclosed would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

To review and note any outstanding debtors over a time period of two months or more.

Members received the Debtors Aged Account Balances.

Resolved that the Debtors Aged Account Balances be noted.