The Chair Report for January 2025 is here!
Published: 28 January 2025
Windlesham Parish Council Meeting – Tuesday 21st January 2025
Update for the residents of Bagshot, Lightwater and Windlesham
from the Chair of Council - Councillor Alf Turner
A belated Happy New Year you all. Please find below my update for residents of Bagshot, Lightwater, and Windlesham from our recent Parish Council meeting. I hope you find it informative and would welcome any comments either directly or through local councillors - see the links below for contact details.
1. Public Comments & Question Time
Five members of the public attended, including three SHBC Councillors and two others, with an additional written question from a Windlesham resident. Key points discussed included:
A resident inquired about the protection of trees behind Lightwater Cemetery. The Council confirmed that the Lightwater Committee would take these concerns into account when making future plans for the area.
An SHBC Councillor invited the Chair to attend the committee. It was noted that the Chair’s attendance required Full Council approval and no decision was made at this meeting. He also inquired about financial reserves, which were clarified as largely being earmarked to current and planned projects, with details available on the Council website. Additionally, this Councillor raised the agenda item on improving Councillor collaboration and relations, a topic also addressed in a written question from a Windlesham resident. The Council agreed to discuss these points under agenda item 11 later in the meeting.
Finally, a member of the public raised concerns about the potential implications of Devolution and the Parish Council taking on additional services. The Council explained that while specific details are pending finalisation by the Government, the Parish Council is, in principle, open to assuming responsibility for additional service provision.
2. Financials:
· Current year to March 2025 - Parish Council financials remain healthy and on track with no significant issues.
· Precept for 2025-26 – as reported in late November the Council has previously agreed the budget and precept for the next financial year. This represents an increase of £5 per annum to £65.29 for a Band D property. In percentage terms, this is an increase of 8.27% with the overall amount of precept still being significantly lower than the national average.
· Allotment and Burial Fees - The Council agreed to increase Allotment Fees in line with the Retail Price Index, while Burial Fees will be adjusted in accordance with Committee decisions. The Council acknowledged the essential nature of these services and remains committed to subsidising these services if required.
3. Governance:
· Resignation of Cllr Magrath – the Council noted Cllr Magrath’s resignation and thanked her for her hard work and contribution to the parish. This results in a councillor vacancy for Windlesham North Ward. Accordingly, a formal notice of a casual vacancy was issued under Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the 9th of January 2025. If a By-Election is called it will be held by 3rd April 2025.
· Bagshot Ward By-Election Update – the election will take place on Thursday 6th February 2025. Members agreed that the Chair and/or Vice Chair would attend the count to welcome the newly elected councillor.
· Annual Parish Meeting – it was agreed to postpone the scheduled APM, planned for 19th March to avoid any potential breach of the ‘Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity’ during the anticipated Windlesham by-election, pre-election period. A new date will now be scheduled for May.
· Mental Health Policy – a new policy reviewed by the Personnel Committee was agreed by the Council.
· Devolution – The most recent Government proposals on devolution focus on creating new unitary authorities, which aim to replace the existing two-tier system of county and borough/district councils. These changes are designed to streamline governance and improve efficiency. However, the proposals do not eliminate parish councils; instead, it is anticipated that Parish councils may have the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities and a stronger voice in collaboration with the new unitary authorities. Details and the timings of any changes are still to be finalised with more information likely to be available over the coming months. In light of this, it was agreed that up to 3 councillors (1 per village), the Chair and the Clerk could attend a national conference on this subject in June.
· Council Standing Orders and Financial Regulations – as these have not changed in the last 12 months these key separate documents on how the Council operates were agreed for the year ahead.
· National Consultation of Strengthening Standards – it was also agreed that the Council and individual councillors could make submissions to this on improving councillor behaviour and appropriate redress. It was felt that a key factor was improving the confidence in the role of the review bodies in any changes to the process.
4. Collaborative relations within the Council
It was previously agreed to explore the use of a mediator to improve relations among councillors, given the ongoing pressures resulting from the request for a Community Governance Review (CGR). While the Parish Council continues to collaborate effectively and deliver projects, it recognises the importance of maintaining momentum and ensuring its effectiveness for residents over the next 18–24 months, particularly if the CGR proceeds.
The Council decided against the cost of a mediator, opting instead for an informal session to identify key issues and explore resolutions with clearer objectives. The Clerk will prepare a framework and schedule the session within six weeks.
5. Projects:
· Retendering of the Greenspace Contract – This is now progressing to the next stage with the finalisation of the procurement specification for 3 lots for each of the 3 villages.
· Windlesham Cemetery Half Plots – A contractor has been appointed for the identified works, which include the removal of five conifers. Permission from the SHBC Tree Officer is required before proceeding. Once approval is obtained, the work will commence.
· Lightwater Recreation Ground Trust - Nominated members of the Lightwater Committee have met with a solicitor to establish the legalities surrounding the Lightwater Recreation Ground Trust. The Committee is currently awaiting confirmation on the best course of action for the management of the land and the development of the Pavilion.
· Village War Memorials Remedial Work - Surveys will take place soon, these are weather dependant but we anticipate that the reports will be ready in time for the February Full Council meeting.
· Cemetery Memorials - Quotes are being obtained for the necessary memorial testing as appropriate.
· Windlesham Windmill Field Playground Tender & Consultation – The tender process has concluded, and the Committee will now evaluate the submissions, with plans to consult residents on the top three proposals. However, to adhere to best practices and avoid consultations during the pre-election period, this consultation may need to be postponed.
· Allotments - The purchase of the allotments is currently with the solicitors, and the necessary searches are in progress. The process of converting the allotment compost area into a usable plot is currently underway.
· Hook Mill Lane Depot - In line with a Lightwater Committee resolution, a Planning Consultant has been appointed to evaluate the potential development opportunities for the site.
· Windlesham Heathpark Community Building - The Council has submitted an expression of interest to Persimmon regarding the adoption of the community building and has met with them for exploratory discussions. A final decision on whether to take on the building must be made by the end of June. Prior to this, the Council will consult with the public to gather input from the community.
· Community Reception - The Community Reception Survey, designed to encourage nominations, has unfortunately generated minimal interest, with only one nomination received. Notably, the individual nominated was already awarded in 2022. Councillors were requested to consider potential nominees.
· Precept Leaflet - SHBC has informed the Council that Parish Council leaflets cannot be delivered alongside the council tax demand. However, the Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) and Communications Officer are actively working on dedicated communications specifically regarding the Council Tax.
· Windlesham Neighbourhood Plan - The Council has successfully applied and received a locality grant of £3,581, which will be allocated to fund the Neighbourhood Plan Consultant.
Forthcoming meetings in the next month:
· Bagshot Village Committee – 4th February 2025
· Planning Committee – 12th February and 25th February 2025
· Full Council Meeting – 25th February 2025
Full details of Council meetings will be on the Windlesham Parish Council Website before the meeting.
Contact details:
Bagshot Councillor contact details
Lightwater Councillor contact details
Windlesham Councillor contact details
If you would like to contact Jo Whitfield, Clerk to the Council or visit the office please use the link below to view the office opening hours and contact details:
Contact Us
Alf Turner
Chair of Windlesham Parish Council
26th January 2025