Tuesday 14th March 2023

11am

PRESENT:

The Mayor: Councillor T Berry (Chairman)

Councillors: V Higgs; H Williams; J Thomas

Officers: S Saunders (Town Clerk); G Shaw (Treasurer)

35. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Little. Councillor Williams was appointed as a substitute.

36. MINUTES

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on the 30^th January 2023 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

37. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

38. REPORT FROM THE TREASURER ON THE TREASURY MANAGEMENT POLICY STATEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2022/23

The Treasurer presented the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Investment Strategy 2022/23.

In response to a Member question, the Treasurer confirmed that £240,000 was invested with Wyre Forest District Council. However, it was pointed that Worcestershire County Council were yet to provide an invoice for service charges dating back to 2015 and an annual amount had been put aside for this.

The Treasurer was asked if it was appropriate for a previous employee to carry out the internal audit process which the employee had put in place. Following a discussion, Members were happy with the current appointment.

The updated Treasury Management Policy Statement and Investment Strategy for 2022/23 were approved.

39. REPORT FROM THE TREASURER ON THE FINANCIAL REGULATIONS

The Treasurer advised Members that the Council were now using online payments for majority of payments. In response to a Member question, it was confirmed that cheques only required one signature.

The Town Clerk advised that the Town Council used an accounting system called Scribe and this was working very well.

Worcestershire CALC had updated their records to show that the Treasurer was listed as the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO).

The updated Financial Regulations were approved.

40. USING CCLA FOR FUTURE COUNCIL INVESTMENTS

Members were advised the CCLA (Churches Charities and Local Authorities) had provided a list of other local authorities that banked with them. Following a discussion, it was agreed to investigate options and the Treasurer would follow this up.

41. QUOTATIONS RECEIVED – STOURPORT COMMUNITY CENTRE

Quotation for replacement of external fire doors

It had become apparent that the three fire doors were not up to standard and were a hazard. One quote had been received for £7,247.50 plus VAT. A discussion was held and it was noted that one further quote was awaited and it was agreed for the doors to be replaced once two quotations were in place. The Town Clerk and Treasurer were asked to proceed with the most appropriate quotation.

Quotation from Initial for hygiene services to the internal toilets

As there were no hygiene facilities in the toilets in the centre, a quote had been received from Initial for £79.08 per month. It was agreed that the Town Council proceed with the quotation.

42. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Town Clerk was asked to leave the meeting at this point.

Chairman

The Meeting closed at 11.55am.