Annual Parish Meeting - 11th May 2026
Minutes of the Annual Parish meeting of Huttoft Parish Council held on Monday 11th May 2026 at Huttoft Village Hall commencing at 7:00pm
PRESENT: Cllrs. P Lapczuk (Chair), R Walker, R Ward, C Meaker, R Ganney, N Sylvester and V Lee
IN ATTENDANCE: M Rudd (Clerk), Cllr G Marsh (ELDC), Cllr M Beecham (LCC) and 8 members of the public
4966. WELCOME:
Cllr Lapczuk welcomed Councillors and members of the public to the meeting.
4967. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Cllr S Devereux (ELDC).
4968. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
A resident raised concerns that children were playing in the churchyard. Cllr Lapczuk said he would place additional safety signs in the churchyard.
A resident stated that the surface of the new footpath between the school car park and the garage seems to make significant movement when you walk on it. The Clerk to log on FixMy Street.
A resident raised concerns about the long term future of Huttoft Primary School and the current industrial action being taken by school staff.
A resident asked if the double yellow lines on Mumby Road could be extended to the junction of Alford Road. The Clerk stated that LCC Highways had reviewed this twice in the past couple of years and rejected the proposal.
A resident raised concerns about the state of the A52 Sutton Road north of the village towards Sutton on Sea. Despite some repairs being undertaken, the condition of the road remains extremely poor.
4969. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS:
None.
4970. TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 12 MAY 2025 AND TO AUTHORISE THE CHAIR TO SIGN THE OFFICIAL MINUTES:
Proposed, Seconded & RESOLVED that the minutes, having been circulated and read, were approved and signed by the Chair.
4971. CHAIRS ANNUAL REPORT:
Cllr Lapczuk thanked Parish Councillors for their support throughout the year.
The grass-cutting contract has now been awarded and is progressing well. The Parish Council were successful in obtaining a GRASSroots Grant for improvements to the playing field and an ELDC Councillors Grant to invest in new audio-visual equipment.
Cllr Lapczuk noted delays in obtaining the specialised fencing for the playing field, due to the current economic climate. The fence is now due for delivery around June 2026.
4972. ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT:
The Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer presented the annual financial report. The Clerk noted that two thirds of the annual income of £34,377 had been raised through grants, chargeable services, donations and VAT reclaim. Total expenditure of £18,331 had been well managed with the majority of the expenditure used to invest in new assets. Administration expenses were less than 1% of total expenditure. The budget for the year was underspent by £3,479 due to the grass-cutting being undertaken by the Chair / Clerk at no cost. Reserves remain appropriate to the level of funding required by the Council. The total Precept for 2026/27 was set at £10,300; a 2.1% increase on a ‘Band D’ property.
The Clerk reminded Councillors that all the financial information is available on the Parish Council website and is regularly updated.
4973. VILLAGE HALL REPORT:
Cllr Meaker noted that the toilets at the village hall have been refurbished and the hall is currently being redecorated. A GRASSroots bid has been made for solar panels / batteries. A full list of community activities is planned throughout the year.
4974. FRIENDS OF ST MARGARETS CHURCH:
Cllr Ganney noted the church is now in a much better state of repair and the blockage in the tower drainage system had been fixed. Funding is being sourced to make repairs to the tower. Changes to the ‘Places of Worship Grant Scheme’ has meant the VAT on building works can no longer be reclaimed, meaning any works on the tower will be significantly more expensive than originally envisaged.
Mark Bodsworth was thanked for his work as the Church Organist and also for carry out repairs to the church organ. Services remain well attended.
4975. ANY OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS:
A member of the Huttoft W.I. stated that they continue to meet on the regular basis at the Village Hall.
4976. ANY OTHER MATTERS:
None.
4977. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Monday 11th May 2026 – Annual Statutory Meeting which immediately follows Annual Parish Meeting.
4978. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7:30pm