The Chair's report for March is here!

Published: 27 March 2025

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.

Tribute

The Council marked the sad passing of former Councillor Ruth Hutchinson. A letter of condolence will be sent to her family, and we thank her for her service to the community.

1. Public Comments & Question Time

Two members of the public attended, both candidates in the forthcoming election, but no questions were raised in person or received in writing.

2. Financials:

· Current year to March 2025 – The Parish Council’s finances remain in a healthy position, allowing for further transfers to Earmarked Reserves dedicated to delivering specific community projects. These reserves ensure that funding is secured for planned improvements, such as asset maintenance, enhancement of community spaces, and, in particular, upgrades to village cemeteries, supporting the long-term wellbeing and character of our villages.

· While some concerns were raised about the level of reserves, the Council remains firmly committed to delivering services and safeguarding community interests. With local government reorganisation on the horizon, maintaining a strong financial position could ensure that local assets can continue to be managed locally for the benefit of our residents. The Council will therefore give careful consideration to emerging priorities and the broader implications of these structural changes when reviewing future budgets and reserve levels.

· It should also be noted that a significant proportion of the Council’s reserves consists of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts from housing developments. These funds can only be used to support local infrastructure projects, rather than day-to-day operational expenditure.

· Finally, as outlined in a previous report, the General Reserve currently provides just over three months of operating cover, placing it within the nationally recommended range of three to six months.

· Councillors Allowances – The Council agreed not to increase councillors’ allowances in May, maintaining the established approach of aligning with Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC). This ensures that Parish Council allowances remain set at 30% of those received by Borough Councillors, reflecting a consistent and proportionate relationship.

· Council Investment Strategy – Following last month’s discussion, the Finance Officer presented an updated paper to Council with recommendations on investment strategy. This included guidance on the distribution of funds across bank accounts and a proposal to initiate discussions with SHBC regarding the potential use of money market funds to generate additional returns. The recommendations were unanimously approved by the Council. It was also requested that consideration be given to the level of funds held with individual banks, to further mitigate risk in the event of any future financial instability.

3. Governance:

· Council Risk Assessment and Risk Appetite Strategy – the Council's Risk Assessment has been updated to take account of comments from last month's meeting and a document indicating the Council’s Risk Appetite was presented. Both were unanimously agreed by the Council.

· Review of Inventory and Land – the Asset register was reviewed and unanimously agreed by Council noting the inclusion of a bench in Lightwater village.

4. Operations & Projects:

· Summer Planting – the meeting agreed on the summer planting and hanging baskets across all 3 villages that will be implemented in the coming months.

· VE Day 2025 - it was agreed to install flags in both Lightwater and Windlesham villages to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of VE Day in May and VJ Day in August. The Council also agreed to grant fund Bagshot Events to purchase flags for the Bagshot Village shop fronts.

· Greenspace Procurement – It was unanimously agreed to postpone the retendering exercise for grounds maintenance until the autumn, to allow time for further clarity on the potential transfer of assets and services to the Parish Council arising from the forthcoming local government reorganisation. This approach will enable any changes relating to greenspaces to be appropriately reflected in the new contract specification.

5. Other Matters:

· Motion requesting a commitment to equality, inclusivity and a review of social media platforms – A motion requesting a renewed commitment to equality and inclusivity, along with a review of the Council’s social media presence, was brought forward but did not progress due to the absence of a seconder. During the discussion, the Council noted its commitment to equality and diversity, which it aims to reflect in all Council policies. Separately, it was noted that the Council’s Twitter/X account had been inactive for several years, and all references to it have been removed from the Council website.

6. Follow-up

· Following the meeting, subsequent public commentary on social media offered a characterisation of the proceedings that does not reflect the experience of many members in attendance. While individuals are entitled to express their personal perspectives, it is important to note that the meeting was conducted in line with the Council’s standing orders. The debate was at times robust but remained respectful and within the expected standards of conduct.

Forthcoming meetings in the next month:

· Full Council Extraordinary Meeting – 8^th April 2025

· Personnel Meeting – 8^th April 2025

· Lightwater Village Committee – 1^st April 2025

· Windlesham Village Committee – 12^th March 2025

· Planning Committee – 9^th April and 29^th April 2025

· Full Council Meeting – 29^th April 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.