Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies 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 Graham- Ellis declared an interest on item 14 by virtue of being a member of one of the organisations being discussed in this item and advised she would not comment on this item.

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

Members considered the minutes of the Finance & General Purposes Committee held on28^th September 2023.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 28^th September 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 submitted a written report with the following updates:

Helping Dawlish

The next Helping Dawlish meeting will be held in the 8^th November and all organisations have been invited to attend. There are about 15 organisations in the informal collaboration.

Helping Dawlish was represented at the Teignbridge CVS led Cost of Living roadshow event at the Pavilions in Teignmouth on the 9^th October 2023 by Assist Teignbridge and Dawlish Town Council with information leaflets from other organisations and the Council.

Dawlish Community Larder

(This is run in collaboration with ROC Dawlish) – the food waste co-ordinator funding has come to an end and efforts are being made to fund a replacement. The contract with Fareshare has been renewed for three months while a replacement supplier is sought.

Dawlish Community Larder continues to support the local schools with pastries and other items and some of the nursing homes & the hospital with flowers too. Numbers supported- these dropped in August but it is anticipated they will rise into winter.

Jul 1 – Jul 31

36 adults, 22 children, 5 pets

Aug 1- Aug 31

20 adults, 5 children, 1 dog

Sept 1 – Sept 30

31 adults, 16 children, 1 dog

Teignbridge CVS Homes for Ukraine project

Helping Dawlish (with the Town Council as lead) has had its contract renewed with Teignbridge CVS until the end of March 2024 for its informal cafes and other activities in support of Ukrainian guests and hosts.

Resolved that the update be noted.

To review and note the Community Grant Budget 2023-2024 to date.

Members reviewed the Community Grant Scheme budget 2023-2024 to date.

Resolved unanimously that the Community Grant Scheme budget be noted.

To consider a small grant application from Dawlish Swimming Club 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 Dawlish Swimming Club. 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 smaller grant application of £250.00 to Dawlish Swimming Club be approved.

To consider a large grant application from Chances Educational Support Services for £1000.00

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 Chances Educational Support Services. They explained what the grant was for and answered further questions from the Councillors.

Standing Orders were reinstated upon completion of public participation time.

The Committee considered the application and suggested that when grant feedback was received it would be helpful if it could include details about what percentage of children that benefit from the music workshops are from Dawlish based schools. The member of the public was also advised of other local Councils/ Councillors who could potentially help with funding for future projects at the school.

Resolved that the larger grant application of £1,000.00 to Chances Educational Support Services be approved.

To review and note the grant feedback form received from Dawlish Art Group.

The Committee reviewed the Community Grant feedback form received from Dawlish Art Group.

Resolved that the feedback form be noted.

To receive and note the Quarter 2 budget monitoring report, detailing income and expenditure against budget from 1 July to 30 September 2023. 

Members considered the Quarter 2 Budget Monitoring Report.

Resolved that the Quarter 2 Budget Monitoring Report be noted.

To receive, consider and approve the reports for invoices paid, direct debits paid, and income received for September 2023.

Members present received and considered the report of invoices paid, direct debits and income received for September 2023.

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 and considered whether any further action needed to be taken at this time.

It was agreed that the debtors accounts should be monitored but no further action to be taken at this time.

Resolved that the Debtors Aged Account Balances be noted.