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Present: BPC and SHDC Cllr Rake, BPC Cllrs Coe, Hadow, Luckens, and Thomas were present, as were Clerk A Thom, and DCC Cllr Brazil for his report. There were no members of the public present.
Absent: Cllr Oughton.

Annual Meeting of the Parish Council

1. Election of Chair

It was unanimously resolved to re-elect Cllr Rake as Chair.

2. Chair’s Signature of Declaration of Acceptance of Office

It was resolved that Cllr Rake can sign the declaration after the meeting.

3. Election of Vice-Chair

It was unanimously resolved to re-elect Cllr Oughton as Vice-Chair subject to his acceptance.

4. Vice-Chair’s Signature of Declaration of Acceptance of Office

Deferred in the absence of Cllr Oughton.

5. Apologies for absence

Apologies have been received from Cllr Oughton.

6. Terms of Reference for Personnel Committee and Subcommittee

It was resolved to approve the document.

7. To appoint members of the Personnel Committee and Subcommittee

Cllrs Rake, Oughton, and Hadow were re-appointed to continue as the Personnel Committee and Subcommittee.

8. To appoint the Chair of the Personnel Committee

It was unanimously resolved to re-elect Cllr Rake as Chair.

9. BPC’s Delegations of Authority to the Clerk

The proposed document was implemented by resolution. The Clerk’s authority to grant dispensations has been removed to make the document consistent with BPC’s practice.

It was resolved to implement the risk assessment regarding the appointment of a Cllr as temporary clerk and RFO. The delegation for the Clerk and RFO to authorise expenditure without consultation would be revoked while a Cllr temporarily fills the roles.

10. BPC’s Standing Orders.

It was resolved to adopt the proposed document. There are no new model standing orders.

11. BPC’s Financial Regulations

It was resolved to adopt the proposed document. There are no new model financial regulations.

12. Asset Register as at 31/03/26

The Asset Register was confirmed.

13. Arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insurable risks

The new three year agreement which ends 3/5/29 was noted.

14. Subscriptions to other bodies, Contracts, & Direct Debit Mandate

The arrangements were reviewed and no changes were made.

15. Review of the Council’s Bank Signatory Mandate, and the Banking arrangements’ security and efficiency

It was agreed that the existing three signatories are sufficient pending the co-option of a new Cllr. The mandate will be updated to remove the Cllr who resigned recently.

16. Approval of the list of due payments which arise on a regular basis as the result of a continuing contract, statutory duty, or obligation, and which will be authorised by the Council and paid in response to correct invoices

The existing list was confirmed.

17. 25/26 financial year expenditure incurred under s.137 of the Local Government Act 1972

The expenditure was noted (£307.78).

18. List of the Council’s Policies and Procedures

The list was noted. The Clerk advised the meeting that the Data Retention and Disposal Policy was reviewed in March 2026 and its approval by BPC will be on BPC’s June Agenda, as will Disciplinary and Grievance Policies. The review of Privacy Notices will be addressed by the July meeting of BPC.

19. 2026 Statement of Internal Controls

The Statement was approved.

20. 2026 Risk Register Review, Business Continuity Plan, Risk Assessment for the Temporary Appointment of a Councillor as Clerk (Proper Officer) and RFO

The proposed documents were confirmed and Cllr Luckens was reappointed to be a Temporary Clerk (Proper Officer) and RFO in the event of the in the event of the sudden absence of the Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.

The Council acknowledges that a Cllr in the role of Clerk and RFO combines member and officer functions, and that the councillor assisting by temporarily carrying out the roles is not trained or experienced in the roles, therefore the arrangement presents some risk. To mitigate these risks, the delegated authority granted to the Clerk to authorise payments alone would be suspended with immediate effect and the Temporary Clerk/RFO shall not approve any payments (with the bank). Training BPC Cllrs, such as the training booked for June 2026, also mitigates the risk and helps to ensure correct practice.

21. Time and Place of Ordinary Meetings of the Full Council

The Parish Council will continue to meet on the second Monday of every month except August at 7:30 pm in the Blackawton Village Hall.

22. Appointments to special areas of responsibility:

    1. Blackawton Tree Warden

The meeting confirmed the arrangement of the two tree wardens sharing the role.

1. 2. Snow Warden and Footpath Warden.

The meeting noted that these positions are currently vacant.

May Meeting of the Parish Council

a. Open Forum

There were no members of the public present.

b. Councillors Forum

No matters were raised.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Oughton.

2. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 April 2026.

4. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

SHDC Cllr Rake reported that Fusion Leisure is in administration. SHDC had already lined up a replacement provider: Parkwood Leisure who operate in Torbay and elsewhere. So a smooth transfer of Centres and staff will take place. Membership and bookings will all be transferred. There is a cost to SHDC because it will not paid be under the contract and accrued bad debt will be written off. SHDC is paying an administrator to run the Centres during the changeover and Parkwood is paying differently. Parkwood will take share of turnover. It is expected the Centres will run at a small loss, but they are an important community asset. Under this arrangement there is more incentive to increase business. SHDC has more input in targets and VAT can now be reclaimed by SHDC. Centre user numbers have now improved and are better than prior to the COVID pandemic.

SHDC is now starting to make grant payments to residents under an heating oil support scheme. It is means tested. Residents can apply via the SHDC website or by phoning SHDC. If residents use gas heating they can apply to a related fund.

SHDC had an above budget 2025-26 year end financial position which has now been spent on the Leisure Centres.

It is expected that the Secretary of State will make a decision about Local Government Reorganisation in early July.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

Deferred pending the arrival of DCC Cllr Brazil after other meetings.

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• 0917/26/ARC Bow Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 7 (Sustainable Drainage Option) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO. Discharge of Condition Approved.

• 0865/26/TCA 3 Church Hill Blackawton TQ9 7BQ. T1: Oak – remove, too large, causing excessive shading, too close to power line. Raise No Objections.

1. 1. Review of New Applications

• Variation application for a premises licence (SHPL0398) at Dartmouth Golf & Country Club, Blackawton, Dartmouth, TQ9 7DE for Supply of alcohol, ADD to the non-standard timings to permit sale of alcohol to residents of the hotel and bona fide guests at all times ON/OFF the premises (24hours a day). Live Music, to extend the terminal hour for live music Mondays to Saturdays until 01:00 the following mornings and Sundays until midnight, indoors only. Plays, to permit performance of plays Sundays to Thursdays from 19:00 to 01:00 the following mornings, indoors only.

No comment is being submitted by BPC.

The following application was noted:

• 0895/26/PAA Wild Bank Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AA PAA for 0211/26/AGR Application to determine if prior approval is required for five polytunnels/.

7. French Furze Development

Some outstanding snagging work has been done to the Business Units, including cleaning the exterior. Work is scheduled this week for kitchen sockets and to address water ingress. The traffic management plan is outstanding and expected. Then another meeting will be held with the developer. The Business Units CIC has been offered £20,000 from SHDC, which SHDC holds under s106 to be used for economic development.

8. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

It was resolved to accept the proposal to increase the Steering Group membership to three Parish Councillors (Cllrs Rake, Coe, and Hadow), three members of Sustainable Blackawton, and the Clerk, and that the Steering Group will require four present to be quorate. The Study provider has provided an initial project plan, draft risk register, and project structure. They have completed the initial local area study and will present it to a Steering Group meeting next week.

9. Creation of a Blackawton Community Emergency Hub

Cllr Coe will follow this up with the Village Hall Committee.

10. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

DCC Cllr Brazil reported that the reinstatement of the Slapton Line road would cost about £20 million. DCC is waiting for the Government’s decision about whether the Government will fund the works. In the meantime DCC is working to improve the back-roads, mainly those running north-south (i.e. Five Mile and Three Mile roads). It is planning works to improve line of sight, to tarmac passing places, and may create new passing places. About £1.5 million will be invested.

There is now a one way traffic system creating a circular flow of traffic in Kingsbridge town centre and the traffic lights have gone. There is free car parking in the Quay and Fore Street car parks from 2pm. Cllr Brazil encourages residents to try to shop in Kingsbridge and to support our local towns.

DCC has just had its briefing on the 2025-26 financial year-end financial position, which was very positive. The outcome changed from an expected deficit to a surplus. DCC has been able to invest in Children’s Services and repairing potholes. There are four new teams in Devon which work to fix potholes on the same day they are reported or the next day. £15 million has been borrowed for preventive maintenance. This was possible because the Government paid its SEND debt, which in turn allowed borrowing to save more in long term. Doing things well is saving money e.g. there are more full time social work staff so less is spent on higher cost temporary staffing. Pilot scheme research was done evaluating filling nearby potholes as well as the identified fault. The data is being considered by the DCC Cabinet on 20 May. The evidence supports this approach if the ‘nearby’ area is not too big.

Cllr Brazil offered funding from his DCC Locality Budget for BPC’s planned regular strimming of the visibility splay at Forces Cross by the Blackawton Parish Lengthsman. This was supported by BPC Cllrs.

Cllr Rake raised an issue with car parking in the Grove damaging an area of grass verge. Work is needed to establish who owns the affected land and residents’ preferred solution.

Cllr Brazil reported that land has been purchased to create another community woodland at West Charleton. DEFRA has bought the land and the Woodland Trust is providing the trees and fencing to protect the trees from deer. Volunteers will be needed to plant the trees.

11. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The Reports (which show a total balance of £71,174.71 and an unearmarked general fund of £30,655.06) and Bank Reconciliation were noted.

1. 2. Payments

It was resolved to authorise the following payments:

• Clerk April Expenses Reimbursement £8.04

• Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management 2026/2027 Membership £110.00

• Highway safety training £132.00

• Grounds Maintenance:

• • • • War memorial £36.00

      • Cemetery biodiversity cut £42.00

      • Cemetery cuts 1, 15, and 29 April £315.00

      • Churchyard cuts 1, 15, and 29 April £342.00

• Society of Local Council Clerks Annual Fee £200

Payment authorised since the last monthly meeting noted:

• Rowan trees, stakes, ties, & fertiliser £672.52

12. Parish Lengthsman Contract

As noted earlier in the meeting, strimming the visibility splay at Forces Cross has been added to the Parish Lengthsman’s contract.

13. Correspondence

The following were noted or considered:

• Email 30/4/26 from Strete Parish Council regarding the Start Bay Coastal erosion

• Invitation Caroline Voaden MP to Town and Parish Councils, Role of Neighbourhood Plans in planning policy, Halwell & Moreleigh Community Hall, 11/6/26 13.45 – 15.15.
  Cllrs Rake and Coe will attend as BPC’s representatives.

14. Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday 13 May 2026

The arrangements for the meeting were finalised. Cllr Coe will arrange refreshments. Cllr Hadow gave her apologies.

15. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 8 June at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting closed at 20:59.

The post Draft Minutes 2026 May 11 appeared first on Blackawton.

Blackawton Parish Council works to support and improve the Parish for everyone.

As a councillor, you can help make a real difference on the issues that matter to our community.

• Represent local people and their views

• Support projects that enhance our environment and facilities

• Help plan for a sustainable and thriving parish

• Work with fellow councillors and local partners

Could this be you?

You don’t need special qualifications – just a willingness to get involved and a desire to make a difference.

Please apply by writing to our Clerk by Tuesday 2 June 2026.
We hope to appoint a new Councillor at the start of our monthly meeting on Monday 8 June.

For more information:
Please talk to any of your Parish Councillors, ask the Clerk, or
This booklet is a great introduction: The-Good-Councillors-Guide

Contact details:
Councillors: https://blackawtoncommunity.com/parish-councillors/
Clerk: parishclerk@blackawtoncommunity.com or 07979 391442

The post Parish Councillor Vacancy appeared first on Blackawton.

Reserves and Bank Balances 2026 April 30

SummaryByCostCentre 2026 April 30

The post Meeting Supporting Documents 2026 May 11 appeared first on Blackawton.

You are hereby summoned to attend the meetings of Blackawton Parish Council to be held on Monday 11 May 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Blackawton Village Hall for the purpose of transacting the following business.

a. Open Forum

The Chair invites Questions from Parishioners.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllrs may raise items for attention or for future consideration.

AGENDAS

Annual Meeting of the Parish Council

1. Election of Chair

2. Chair’s Signature of Declaration of Acceptance of Office

3. Election of Vice-Chair

4. Vice-Chair’s Signature of Declaration of Acceptance of Office

5. Apologies for absence

6. To review and adopt BPC’s Terms of Reference Personnel Committee and Subcommittee (amended to make election of the Committee Chair BPC’s role)

7. To appoint members of the Personnel Committee and Subcommittee

8. To appoint the Chair of the Personnel Committee

9. To review and adopt BPC’s Delegations of Authority to the Clerk (removing authority to grant dispensations)

10. To review and adopt BPC’s Standing Orders.

11. To review and adopt BPC’s Financial Regulations

12. To confirm the Asset Register as at 31/03/26

13. Arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insurable risks

To note the new three year agreement which ends 3/5/29.

14. To review of the Council’s Subscriptions to other bodies, Contracts, & Direct Debit mandates.

15. To review the Council’s Bank signatory mandate, and the banking arrangements for security and efficiency

16. To consider and approve the list of due payments which arise on a regular basis as the result of a continuing contract, statutory duty, or obligation, and which will be authorised by the Council and paid in response to correct invoices.

17. To note the Council’s 25/26 financial year expenditure incurred under s.137 of the Local Government Act 1972

18. To review of the list of the Council’s policies and procedures, and to agree any action required.

19. To consider and approve a 2026 Statement of Internal Controls.

20. To consider and approve a:

• 2026 Risk Register Review,

• Business Continuity Plan,

• Risk Assessment for the Temporary Appointment of a Councillor as Clerk (Proper Officer) and RFO, and to

• appoint a Councillor as a Temporary Clerk (Proper Officer) and RFO.

21. To determine the time and place of ordinary meetings of the full council.

22. Appointments to special areas of responsibility:

    1. To confirm appointment for a Tree Warden.

    2. To note the vacancies for a Snow Warden and a Footpath Warden.

May Meeting of the Parish Council

1. Apologies

To receive apologies for absence

2. Declarations of Interest

To receive declarations of Members’ interests in Agenda items

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

To approve Minutes of the Meeting held 13 April 2026.

4. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

To note the decisions as follows:

• 0917/26/ARC Bow Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 7 (Sustainable Drainage Option) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO. Discharge of Condition Approved.

• 0865/26/TCA 3 Church Hill Blackawton TQ9 7BQ. T1: Oak – remove, too large, causing excessive shading, too close to power line. Raise No Objections

1. 2. Review of New Applications

To consider commenting to SHDC on the following applications:

• Variation application for a premises licence (SHPL0398) at Dartmouth Golf & Country Club, Blackawton, Dartmouth, TQ9 7DE for Supply of alcohol, ADD to the non-standard timings to permit sale of alcohol to residents of the hotel and bona fide guests at all times ON/OFF the premises (24hours a day). Live Music, to extend the terminal hour for live music Mondays to Saturdays until 01:00 the following mornings and Sundays until midnight, indoors only. Plays, to permit performance of plays Sundays to Thursdays from 19:00 to 01:00 the following mornings, indoors only.

To note the following application:

• 0895/26/PAA Wild Bank Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AA PAA for 0211/26/AGR Application to determine if prior approval is required for five polytunnels/

7. French Furze Development

To receive an update.

8. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

To consider the proposal for an amendment to the Steering Group membership.

To receive an update from Study provider: initial project plan, draft risk register, and project structure.

9. Creation of a Blackawton Community Emergency Hub

To receive an update.

10. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

To receive Reports and Bank Reconciliation.

1. 2. Payments

To authorise the following payments

• Clerk April Expenses Reimbursement £8.04

• Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management 2026/2027 Membership £110.00

• Highway safety training £132.00

• Grounds Maintenance:

• • • • War memorial £36.00

      • Cemetery biodiversity cut £42.00

      • Cemetery cuts 1, 15, and 29 April £315.00

      • Churchyard cuts 1, 15, and 29 April £342.00

• Society of Local Council Clerks Annual Fee £200

Payments authorised since the last monthly meeting

• Rowan trees, stakes, ties, & fertiliser £672.52

11. Parish Lengthsman Contract

To note that strimming the visibility splay at Forces Cross has been added to the contract.

12. Correspondence

To note or consider:

• Email 30/4/26 from Strete Parish Council regarding the Start Bay Coastal erosion

• Invitation Caroline Voaden MP to Town and Parish Councils, Role of Neighbourhood Plans in planning policy, Halwell & Moreleigh Community Hall, 11/6/26 13.45 – 15.15.

13. Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday 13 May

To finalise arrangements.

14. Next Meeting

To confirm the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 8 June at 7:30 p.m.

PRESS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND

Annette Thom

Parish Clerk

The post Agenda 2026 May 11 appeared first on Blackawton.

Present: BPC Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair and meeting Chair), Hadow, Luckens, and Thomas were present, as were Clerk A Thom. There were two members of the public present for the first part of the meeting.
Absent: Cllrs Rake and Coe.

a. Open Forum

The members of the public present were interested in the Wind Turbine Feasibility Study item.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllr Mardon has resigned from the Parish Council.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were noted from BPC and SHDC Cllr Rake, BPC Cllr Coe, and from DCC Cllr Brazil.

2. Declarations of Interest

Cllr Hadow declared an Other Registerable Interest in the Wind Turbine Feasibility Study item, as a member of Sustainable Blackawton. It was resolved to grant a dispensation for period of four years to speak and vote on items related to the Wind Turbine Feasibility Study.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 March 2026.

4. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

This Report was deferred in the absence of SHDC Cllr Rake.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

This Report was deferred in the absence of DCC Cllr Brazil.

6. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study Grant

This item was moved forward at the Chair’s discretion.

It was unanimously resolved to approve BPC’s signature of the Grant Funding Agreement.

It was resolved to approve BPC’s signature of the Non Disclosure Agreement with the study provider (Community Power Solutions Ltd.).

It was agreed to create a Steering Group as a central point with which CPS will share information. The Steering Group will have two representatives each from BPC and from Sustainable Blackawton. The Clerk will be included for oversight. The Steering Group will then take action, share more widely etc. as required. The meeting nominated Cllrs Rake and Coe as BPC’s two Steering Group members (subject to their acceptance). Sustainable Blackawton will choose its two representatives and advise.

The members of the public present left the meeting.

7. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• 0140/26/HHO Lower Abbotsleigh Blackawton TQ9 7AF. Householder application for retrospective permission for a timber summerhouse built within 2m of the boundary. Conditional Approval.

• 0375/26/ARC Bow Cottage, Blackawton, TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 6 (Historic Building Record) of planning consent 1800/25/LBC. Discharge of Condition Approved.

• 0378/26/ARC Bow Cottage, Blackawton, TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 6 (CEMP) & 8 (Historic Building Record) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO. Discharge of Condition Approved.

• 0551/26/AGR Grimpstone Farm Blackawton TQ9 7DW. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed agricultural storage building measuring 13.1m (L) x 6.7m (B) x 6.8m height to ridge. Prior Approval Not Required.

• 0192/26/CLE The Linhay Higher Wood Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AB. Certificate of lawfulness for non compliance with occupancy condition. Cert of Lawfulness (Existing) Certified.

1. 2. Review of New Applications .

The meeting considered commenting to SHDC on the following applications:

• 0795/26/HHO 65 French Furze Road Blackawton TQ9 7FN. Householder application for proposed rear dormer to form additional bedroom with en-suite.

It was resolved that no response will be submitted.

• 0862/26/HHO Stone House Farm Blackawton TQ9 7DE. Householder application for single storey rear extension & revised front entrance.

It was resolved that no response will be submitted.

• 0865/26/TCA 3 Church Hill Blackawton TQ9 7BQ. T1: Oak – remove, too large, causing excessive shading, too close to power line.

It was resolved that no response will be submitted.

• 0902/26/HHO 26 French Furze Road Blackawton TQ9 7FN. Householder application for rear extension and alterations to existing dwelling.

It was resolved that no response will be submitted.

To note the following application.

• 0917/26/ARC Bow Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 7 (Sustainable Drainage Option) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO.

It was resolved that no response will be submitted.

8. French Furze Development

Cllr Oughton said that there will be another public residents meeting in the Village Hall next Wednesday. It will discuss re-selection of a management company.

Cllr Thomas reported that he and Cllr Rake attended a Business Units site inspection on 13 March. About half of the things on the snagging list had been done. On 23 March a Teams meeting about the creation of a Traffic Management Plan for the Business Units was attended with the developer’s Planning Manager. That meeting also discussed where waste disposal bins will be sited. On 30 March Cllrs Rake and Thomas met with a representative of the developer about the rectification work. A plan was agreed to reconvene in the week after Easter.

9. Greenslades Road Circuit Footpath

The proposal to alter the existing S106 requirement was discussed. It was resolved to support the proposal to replace the existing S106 requirement for scalpings, to suggest that the footpath surface be levelled with a slight slope towards the hedge, and to suggest a drain at the bottom towards the culvert with a pipe of approximately six metres in length straight across.

10. Parish Council Noticeboard in the Main Street Bus Shelter

It was agreed that the noticeboard will be used for primarily for Parish Council notices. No private notices will be posted. Where space permits other official notices will be accommodated. Requests are to be directed to the Clerk. BPC will review in three months. If residents think there is a requirement for more community noticeboard space and want the Parish Council’s assistance they are invited to submit a proposal.

11. Blackawton Community Emergency Hub

BPC will wait for a response from the Village Hall Management Committee before advertising the Emergency Hub.

12. Felling Trees in the Blackawton Churchyard

No action is being taken to place a temporary ‘deadwood habitat’ sign.

There is one remaining dead cherry tree, next to the footpath towards School Lane. It was not recommended for felling in the 2025 tree risk assessment survey. Cllr Hadow will remove one branch which overhangs the footpath. As a low risk tree with some benefit as deadwood habitat no action is taken pending the next planned tree risk assessment survey in winter 26/27.

13. Planting Churchyard Trees

The revised proposal to plant an avenue of five rowans the east side of the footpath and three on the west as is permitted by graves was agreed. The meeting considered planting the remaining two rowan trees elsewhere in the churchyard. No final location was chosen. The Clerk was asked to obtain advice from the nursery providing the rowan trees about whether it is too late in the year to plant the rowan trees now and BPC will proceed based on that advice. The planting of the planned crabapple tree was deferred.

14. Churchyard Wall Maintenance

It was resolved to approve signature of the proposed contract with the stonemason.

It was resolved to carry out additional works on Park Lane (to a bulge area) and on Main Street (to helibar brace across a crack) as quoted by the stonemason doing the planned works (£2,550).

15. BPC Policies and Procedures

It was resolved to approve the draft BPC Equality and Diversity Policy.

16. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The Reports at 31 March 2026 showed total funds of £58,789.25 and an unearmarked general fund of £16,259.16. The Bank Reconciliation at 31 March 2026 reconciles and was signed.

1. 2. Payments & Receipts

It was resolved to authorise the following payments

• Clerk March Expenses Reimbursement £18.55

• Devon Communities Together Membership Annual Fee £50.00

• Scribe Accounting & Cemetery Software £535.68

• Felling Churchyard Trees £1,740.00

• Devon Association of Local Councils Annual Fee £379.57

• Website Updates £22.00

The payments made since the last monthly meeting were noted as follows:

• Churchyard tree pre-felling bat survey £283.00

• ICO annual fee (direct debit) £47.00

17. Correspondence

The following was noted:

• Devon County Council responsible to distribute Government funding for low-income households Oil Heating through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF).

18. Annual Parish Community Meeting

It was agreed that the guest speakers for the meeting on Wednesday 13 May 2026 will be the Primary School and South Dartmoor Community Energy.

19. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 11 May at 7:30 p.m. Cllr Oughton gave his apologies for that meeting.

20. Closure of the Meeting

It was resolved, in accordance with the 1960 Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act, to exclude the public and press during consideration of the following item(s) because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.

21. Contracted Work

    1. Parish Lengthsman

It was resolved to accept the application from the current lengthsman to continue with a £1/hour increase in the hourly rate in 26/27.

1. 2. Cutting back Vegetation growing on St Michael’s Churchyard’s Walls and Gate Pillars

It was resolved to accept the quotation from a provider based in Blackawton if they meet the criteria for the role, and the lowest cost quote if they don’t.

22. Cemetery Treeworks

It was resolved accept the lowest cost quote for the removal of fallen Monterey Cypress branches and removal in the autumn of the tree growing on a grave, and that the Clerk will confirm management arisings as per the work description.

23. BPC Insurance 2026-2029

It was resolved to enter into a new long term three year agreement with the current insurer at a cost of £671.63 in 26/27.

The meeting closed at 20:55.

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The post Blackawton Beacon 2026 May appeared first on Blackawton.

📅 Wednesday 13 May

🕢 7:30 PM

📍 Blackawton Village Hall

Come along, stay informed, and have your say in our community.
Everyone welcome!

What’s on

Parish Council Chair
An update on your Parish Council’s work over the past year

Guest Speaker

South Dartmoor Community Energy

• Simple, low-cost ways to retrofit for better energy efficiency

• Introduction to new technologies

• Guidance on grants

☕ Refreshments Provided

The post PARISH COMMUNITY MEETING Wednesday 13 May 7:30 pm appeared first on Blackawton.

Our commitment

The council is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to avoiding unlawful discrimination.

This policy is intended to assist the council to put this commitment into practice. Compliance with this policy should also ensure that employees do not commit unlawful acts of discrimination.

Striving to ensure that the work environment is free of harassment and bullying and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect is an important aspect of ensuring equal opportunities in employment.

The law

It is unlawful to discriminate directly or indirectly in recruitment or employment because of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality, caste and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership. These are known as “protected characteristics”.

Discrimination after employment may also be unlawful, e.g. refusing to give a reference for a reason related to one of the protected characteristics.

The council will not discriminate against or harass a member of the public in the provision of services or goods. It is unlawful to fail to make reasonable adjustments to overcome barriers to using services caused by disability. The duty to make reasonable adjustments includes the removal, adaptation or alteration of physical features, if the physical features make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to make use of services. In addition, service providers have an obligation to think ahead and address any barriers that may impede disabled people from accessing a service.

Types of unlawful discrimination

Direct discrimination is where a person is treated less favourably than another because of a protected characteristic.

In limited circumstances, employers can directly discriminate against an individual for a reason related to any of the protected characteristics where there is an occupational requirement. The occupational requirement must be crucial to the post and a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

Indirect discrimination is where a provision, criterion or practice is applied that is discriminatory in relation to individuals who have a relevant protected characteristic such that it would be to the detriment of people who share that protected characteristic compared with people who do not, and it cannot be shown to be a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

Harassment is where there is unwanted conduct, related to one of the protected characteristics (other than marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity) that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity; or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. It does not matter whether or not this effect was intended by the person responsible for the conduct.

Associative discrimination is where an individual is directly discriminated against or harassed for association with another individual who has a protected characteristic.

Perceptive discrimination is where an individual is directly discriminated against or harassed based on a perception that they have a particular protected characteristic when they don’t , in fact, have that protected characteristic.

Third-party harassment occurs where an employee is harassed by third parties and the harassment is related to a protected characteristic.

Victimisation occurs where an employee is subjected to a detriment, such as being denied a training opportunity or a promotion because they made or supported a complaint or raised a grievance under the Equality Act 2010, or because they are suspected of doing so. However, an employee is not protected from victimisation if they acted maliciously or made or supported an untrue complaint.

Failure to make reasonable adjustments is where a physical feature or a provision, criterion or practice puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage compared with someone who does not have that protected characteristic and the employer has failed to make reasonable adjustments to enable the disabled person to overcome the disadvantage.

Equal opportunities in employment

The council will avoid unlawful discrimination in all aspects of employment including recruitment, promotion, opportunities for training, pay and benefits, discipline and selection for redundancy.

Recruitment

Person and job specifications will be limited to those requirements that are necessary for the effective performance of the job. Candidates for employment or promotion will be assessed objectively against the requirements for the job, taking account of any reasonable adjustments that may be required for candidates with a disability. Disability and personal or home commitments will not form the basis of employment decisions except where necessary.

Working practices

The council will consider any possible indirectly discriminatory effect of its standard working practices, including the number of hours to be worked, the times at which these are to be worked and the place at which work is to be done, when considering requests for variations to these standard working practices and will refuse such requests only if the council considers it has good reasons, unrelated to any protected characteristic, for doing so. The council will comply with its obligations in relation to statutory requests for contract variations. The council will also make reasonable adjustments to its standard working practices to overcome barriers caused by disability.

Equal opportunities monitoring

The council will monitor the ethnic, sex/gender and age composition of applicants for jobs, and the number of people with disabilities within these groups, and will consider and take any appropriate action to address any problems that may be identified as a result of the monitoring process.

The council treats personal data collected for reviewing equality and diversity in accordance with the data protection policy. Information about how data is used and the basis for processing is provided in the council’s privacy notices.

People not employed by the council

The council will not discriminate unlawfully against those using or seeking to use the services provided by the council.

You should report any bullying or harassment by suppliers, visitors or others to the council who will take appropriate action.

Training and prevention

The council will /raise awareness of] equal opportunities to those likely to be involved in recruitment or other decision making where equal opportunities issues are likely to arise.

Your responsibilities

Every employee is required to assist the council to meet its commitment to provide equal opportunities in employment and avoid unlawful discrimination. Employees can be held personally liable as well as, or instead of, the council for any act of unlawful discrimination. Employees who commit serious acts of harassment may be guilty of a criminal offence.

Acts of discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation against employees or customers are disciplinary offences. Discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation may constitute gross misconduct and could lead to dismissal without notice.

Grievances

If you consider that you may have been unlawfully discriminated against, you should make a complaint. .

The council will take any complaint seriously and will seek to resolve any grievance that it upholds. You will not be penalised for raising a grievance, even if your grievance is not upheld, unless your complaint is both untrue and made in bad faith.

Monitoring and review

This policy will be monitored periodically by the council to judge its effectiveness and will be updated in accordance with changes in the law. If changes are required, the council will implement them.

Information provided by job applicants and employees for monitoring purposes will be used only for these purposes and will be dealt with in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.]

This is a non-contractual procedure which will be reviewed from time to time.

Version History

Date of policy approval: 13 April 2026

— policy ends here —

Important notice

This is an example of an employment policy designed for a small council adhering to statutory minimum requirements and does not constitute legal advice. As with all policies it should be consistent with your terms and conditions of employment.

This document was commissioned by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) in 2019 for the purpose of its member councils and county associations. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this document are correct at time of publication. NALC cannot accept responsibility for errors, omissions and changes to information subsequent to publication.

This document has been written by the Worknest HR – a company that provides HR advice and guidance to town and parish councils. Please contact them on 01403 240 205 for information about their services.

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Summary Report 31 March 2026

Bank Reconciliation Summary 31 March 2026

Reserves Balance up to 31st Mar 2026

BPC Equality-and-Diversity-Policy DRAFT 2026 April 07

CR 2026 April 08 Parish Council Noticeboard Policy

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