Welcome to Debden Community Group News Letter, our aim is to try and publish updates of what is happening within our community and try and answer peoples concerns, truthfully. We understand many residents do not want to put their name in print but would like to know how their money is being spent especially after rises in the precept
Debden Parish Council Meeting January
At the January meeting of Debden Parish Council on Wednesday 25th January , as you may be aware the external auditor had reported irregularities in the accounts for year ended March 2021. Chairman Stephanie Watson explained to those present that “apparently the money in the accounts adds up right ! but are in the wrong column”. This had caused the external auditor PKF to report they had concerns and that Debden Parish council is required by law to fill out an Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) on how it has used and protected the public funds it has collected from the precept tax collected and notify the residents.
£1000 Spent on Allotments
Councillor Gardner reported that the Parish Council had paid £750 for a survey on the allotments , the purpose of this was to work out the overall measurements of the space. She also told how there seems to be more plots than on the previous plan ?
Councillor Gardner also asked the PC could she spend an additional £250 to have each individual plot measured and could she arrange to get 2 x 900 x 640mm plans printed. This was agreed. Increasing total expenditure on survey for the allotments in excess of £1000.
With rising energy and food prices adding a burden to households , should we not be trying to reign in unnecessary spending and waiting until we have the money to spare, for over 100 years its not really been that urgent. Surely the RFO should be advising the P.C on this!
Potholes
Councillor Martin Foley Uttlesford District Council, reported a number of issues regarding potholes are now on the council highways website. They are trying to resolve these although the volume is enormous and weather and financial constraints do not help the situation. Also on the list is the Fox Cottages Cross road where accidents have increased recently.
Please go on the Essex highways website and report any problems regarding verges and potholes www.essexhighways.org/roads-and-pavements/potholes
£16000 Legal Fees
Councillor Stewart Luck mentioned that the Parish Council has had £16000 in legal fees against them (its actually £18000+) Also misquoted in other circulars “this is due to “people complaining about him and other members of the Parish Council.”
We understand this is incorrect as a majority of this money is due to an ongoing legal case by the Parish Council who dismissed the Parish Clerk. (No explanation to date?)