PRESENT: Cllr R Charlton (Chair), Cllr R M Dyer, Cllr S A Hall, Cllr J G Logan, Cllr A M Marr, Cllr G Stoker and Cllr R J Turney
IN ATTENDANCE: Parish Clerk
Ward Councillor: Cllr J T Dixon
0225 Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr S J Harnett and Cllr A Taylor.
RESOLVED that the apologies be accepted and reasons for non-attendance noted.
0226 Election of Chairman
RESOLVED that Cllr Charlton be elected as Chairman for the ensuing year. Cllr Turney
completed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Chairman and this was duly signed.
0227 Election of Vice-Chairman
RESOLVED that Cllr Hall be elected as Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year. Cllr Hall
completed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Vice-Chairman and this was duly signed.
0228 Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest in relation to any items on the agenda.
0229 Appointment of Members to Serve on Outside Bodies
RESOLVED that the following appointments be made for the ensuing year:
• Whickham Hermitage Community Garden Trust – Cllr S Hall (representing Whickham & District Community Council)
• Whickham & District Community Council – Cllr S Hall
• Swalwell Community Group – Cllr R Turney
• Whickham Volunteer Library – Cllr G Stoker
• Whickham Community Festival – Cllr G Stoker
• Chase Park Users Group – Cllr R Turney
• Whickham Community Centre – Cllr A Marr
• Whickham Sports Association (Whickham Glebe) – Cllr A Marr
• Northumbria in Bloom/Local Competitions – Cllr R Dyer, Cllr S Hall and Cllr G Stoker
0230 Public Participation
A resident raised concern regarding ongoing speeding issues on Broom Lane and Broom Road
and requested further consideration for traffic calming measures. The Chair noted that this
issue had been raised with Gateshead Council previously and would be raised again. The
resident also asked about the maintenance of the planters on Front Street; it was confirmed
that these are maintained by volunteers but the Parish Council would consider if any
additional support could be offered.
0231 Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on 26 March 2025
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 26 March 2025 be
approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
0232 Matters Arising
There were no matters arising that were not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
0233 Planning Matters
(a) Applications Considered
The Clerk reported on planning applications received since the last meeting. Members
considered the following applications and agreed comments where appropriate:
• DC/25/00321/HHA – 12 Broom Lane, Whickham – Single storey rear extension – No objection
• DC/25/00345/FUL – Land at Rockwood Hill – Construction of 3 dwellings – Objection on grounds of highway safety and overdevelopment
• DC/25/00367/COU – 5 Front Street, Whickham – Change of use from retail to café – No objection, subject to conditions on noise and waste management.
(b) Enforcement Issues
Members noted an update from Gateshead Council regarding ongoing enforcement
investigations at various locations within the parish.
0234 Finance
(a) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the following accounts be approved for payment:
| Payee | Details | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Gateshead Council | Room hire – Streetgate Village Hall (May 2025) | £ 45.00 |
| SLCC | Annual membership fee 2025/26 | £ 140.00 |
| Clerk | Salary – April 2025 | £ [handwritten, see original document] |
| HMRC | PAYE – April 2025 | £ [handwritten, see original document] |
| Whickham Hermitage Community Garden | Grant – 1st instalment 2025/26 | £ 1,500.00 |
(b) Bank Reconciliation
Members received the bank reconciliation as at 31 March 2025.
| Account | Balance |
|---|---|
| Current Account | £ 8,752.34 |
| Reserve Account | £ 32,410.18 |
| Total | £ 41,162.52 |
RESOLVED that the bank reconciliation be noted and approved.
(c) Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) 2024/25 – Section 1
Members considered the Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25. Each assertion was
read out and individually agreed by the Council.
| Assertion | Yes | No | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| We have put in place arrangements for effective financial management during the year, and for the preparation of the accounting statements. | ✓ | ||
| We maintained an adequate system of internal control, including measures designed to prevent and detect fraud and corruption and reviewed its effectiveness. | ✓ | ||
| We took all reasonable steps to assure ourselves that there are no matters of actual or potential non‑compliance with laws, regulations and Proper Practices that could have a significant financial effect on the ability of this authority to conduct its business or manage its finances. | ✓ | ||
| We provided proper opportunity during the year for the exercise of electors’ rights in accordance with the requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations. | ✓ | ||
| We carried out an assessment of the risks facing this authority and took appropriate steps to manage those risks, including the introduction of internal controls and/or external insurance cover where required. | ✓ | ||
| We maintained throughout the year an adequate and effective system of internal audit of the accounting records and control systems. | ✓ | ||
| We took appropriate action on all matters raised in reports from internal and external audit. | ✓ | ||
| We considered whether any litigation, liabilities or commitments, events or transactions, occurring either during or after the year‑end, have a financial impact on this authority and, where appropriate, have included them in the accounting statements. | ✓ | ||
| (For local councils only) Trust funds including charitable – in our capacity as the sole managing trustee we discharged our accountability responsibilities for the fund(s)/assets, including financial reporting and, if required, independent examination or audit. | N/A |
RESOLVED that the Annual Governance Statement (Section 1 of the AGAR) be approved
and signed by the Chair and the Clerk.
(d) AGAR 2024/25 – Section 2 Accounting Statements
Members considered the Accounting Statements for 2024/25.
| Box | Description | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Balances brought forward | £ 38,209 | £ 41,163 |
| 2 | Precept or Rates and Levies | £ 35,000 | £ 36,750 |
| 3 | Total other receipts | £ 4,518 | £ 5,112 |
| 4 | Staff costs | £ 10,421 | £ 10,890 |
| 5 | Loan interest/capital repayments | £ 0 | £ 0 |
| 6 | All other payments | £ 26,143 | £ 30,?61 |
| 7 | Balances carried forward | £ 41,163 | £ 41,?14 |
| 8 | Total value of cash and short term investments | £ 41,163 | £ 41,?14 |
| 9 | Total fixed assets plus long term investments and assets | £ 17,250 | £ 17,250 |
| 10 | Total borrowings | £ 0 | £ 0 |
RESOLVED that the Accounting Statements (Section 2 of the AGAR) be approved and
signed by the Chair.
0235 Internal Audit Report 2024/25
Members received the Internal Audit Report for 2024/25 from the Internal Auditor, who had
issued an unqualified opinion and confirmed that the council’s accounts and governance
arrangements were in good order. Minor recommendations had been made regarding the
review of the risk assessment and updating of the asset register.
RESOLVED that the Internal Audit Report be accepted and the recommendations
implemented.
0236 Review of Internal Controls and Risk Management
Members reviewed the effectiveness of the council’s internal controls and the risk
management arrangements. It was agreed that these remained adequate, subject to the
updates recommended by the Internal Auditor.
RESOLVED that the review of internal controls and risk management be approved.
0237 Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations
Members reviewed the council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.
RESOLVED that no amendments were required at this time.
0238 Environmental Projects
Members considered suggestions for environmental improvement projects for 2025/26,
including additional planting, community litter picks and supporting biodiversity schemes.
RESOLVED that the Clerk prepare a report for a future meeting outlining costed options
for potential projects.
0239 Clerk’s Report
The Clerk reported on correspondence received and matters dealt with since the last meeting,
including liaison with Gateshead Council on highways issues, enquiries from residents and
arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
0240 Date of Next Meeting
RESOLVED that the next meeting of the Parish Council be held on Wednesday 25 June
2025 at 7.30 pm at Streetgate Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 8.40 pm.
Signed: [handwritten, see original document] Date: [handwritten, see original document]
PRESENT: Cllr R Charlton (Chair), Cllr R M Dyer, Cllr S A Hall, Cllr J G Logan, Cllr A M Marr,
Cllr G Stoker and Cllr R J Turney
IN ATTENDANCE: Parish Clerk
AG1 Election of Chairman
RESOLVED that Cllr Charlton be elected Chairman of the Parish Council for the
ensuing year.
AG2 Election of Vice-Chairman
RESOLVED that Cllr Hall be elected Vice‑Chairman of the Parish Council for the
ensuing year.
AG3 Declarations of Acceptance of Office
RESOLVED that the Declarations of Acceptance of Office of Chairman and
Vice‑Chairman be received and noted.
AG4 Review of Members’ Interests
Members were reminded to review and update their Register of Interests forms and
submit any changes to the Clerk.
AG5 Review of Policies and Documents
RESOLVED that the following be approved without amendment:
• Code of Conduct
• Freedom of Information Publication Scheme
• Data Protection Policy
• Complaints Procedure
• Grants Policy.
AG6 Appointment of Internal Auditor 2025/26
RESOLVED that the current Internal Auditor be re‑appointed for 2025/26.
The meeting closed at 7.25 pm.
Signed: [handwritten, see original document] Date: [handwritten, see original document]