BRINDLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2025
AT THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,
MOUNT ROAD, ETCHING HILL
AT 7.30PM

PRESENT:

Parish Councillors:

P. Adams (Chairman)
A. Pearson (Vice Chairman)
D. Cotton
M. Sutherland
R. Turville
Mrs M. A. Turville
Mrs S. Pearson

IN ATTENDANCE: County Councillor Jon Pendleton
Mrs T. Williams (Clerk)

1. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from County Councillor P. Jones.

2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Member
None Interest
Type

3. POLICE REPORTS
The Neighbourhood Policing Team were unable to attend the meeting on this occasion.

4. COUNCILLOR REPORTS
The Chairman brought forward the ‘Councillor Reports’ item (from agenda item 16) and invited Councillor Pendleton to address the Council.
Councillor Pendleton advised the Council that he had spoken to the Community Highway Manager about occurrences of dangerous overtaking on Penkridge Bank Road at the junction with Stafford Brook Road, which Brindley Heath Parish Council had reported to Staffordshire County Council.

He confirmed that the County Council were investigating the issue but there were a lot of legislative requirements when making changes to road markings. The Parish Council would be receiving a reply, hopefully with a way forward, in due course.

Councillor Pendleton informed the Council that he had been contacted by residents of Slitting Mill who were concerned about the speed of traffic going through the village.

Councillor Sutherland advised Councillor Pendleton and the Council that he had previously recruited a Speed Watch group to operate at the bottom section of Penkridge Bank Road although additional volunteers had been needed as well as a feasibility assessment.
Councillor Pendleton said that a data collection unit had been installed on lamp post C8 on Slitting Mill Road (on the straight section between the Horns Pub and the bend) to record the number of vehicles travelling along the road and to note their speed. He was waiting to receive the data illustrating the extent of the issue.

Councillor Pearson said there had been a problem in this area for years and that racing vehicles followed a circuit incorporating the Post Office Lane/Slitting Mill Road area, the Tackeroo and Rugeley Road.

Councillor Pendleton advised the Council that Josh Newbury MP had asked him to make an enquiry to the County Council about the cost implications of changing the speed limit to 40mph on all roads going through the Chase and whether a feasibility study had been carried out.

Councillors reported this was not to be the first time calls had been made for a 40mph speed limit. At present the 40mph advisory speed limit was not enforceable by the Police.

For the diary Councillor Pendleton informed the Council that a Christmas event was being held at Slitting Mill Victory Hall on Sunday 30 November 2025.

5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No members of the public were present.

6. MINUTES OF LAST MEETINGS
Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 23 September 2025
be approved as a correct record.

The draft minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 23 September 2025 were noted.

7. UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
All updates were covered by the agenda items listed.

8. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman reported his concerns about local government reorganisation.

He said he had been trying to get to grips with the possibilities for the division of the County which was difficult because several different proposals were being put forward to the government. At the same time, parishes were being consulted on different issues, but no one can move forward until a final decision has been made.

Councillor Pendleton advised the Parish Council that the County Council had sent a letter to the Prime Minister stating that it did not want to see local government reorganisation in Staffordshire and Members in the Council Chamber had signed it.

The Chairman suggested the County’s view may not reflect the view of the public or existing second tier councils and appeared to have been taken without consultation. All the councils in Staffordshire have favoured different models having worked in isolation when they need to work together.

The Government will eventually come back to confirm details of a consultation on the way it will be wishing to go. The primary considerations are about numbers and savings. There may be a need for change and improvement, but concern exists about the way it is being done whether the outcomes will deliver.

It was reported that the government had been asked to consider delaying local elections. Government was aiming to complete the reorganisation within the parliament and councils were all politically biased to their own areas. Questions were raised about whether the direction would be officer or member led as both would have their interests within the new structure. The Parish Council agreed the process was not a cheap move and hoped central government would pay for any redundancies.

9. CORRESPONDENCE

a. Items of Post
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Crime to be replaced
The Parish Council noted in an email dated 19 November 2025 that the Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner will be replaced with a new system in May 2028. Deputy Mayors will be appointed in areas where elected Strategic Mayors are in place, and Police & Fire Boards in areas where Mayoral elections are delayed.

Mr Ben Adams said he would continue to prioritise Staffordshire’s safety and for the remainder of his term would continue to hold Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire & Rescue to account on behalf of its communities.

The Work of Support Staffordshire
The Parish Council noted an email from Support Staffordshire (dated 12 November 2025) with information about its work in supporting Staffordshire communities, individuals and organisations, to bring about positive change and encouraging social action. Information about several training opportunities were noted.

Councillor Sutherland advised the Council that Support Staffordshire were merging with a community interest company called Globe Group on 1 December 2025 to improve and enhance sustainability, community energy, training and local partnership working. It aims to create a single place where youth groups and charities can get the support needed.

b. Consultations
Cannock Chase Local Plan (2018 – 2040) – Consultation on Main Modifications to the Publication Local Plan (letter attached)

The Council considered the Cannock Chase Council Local Plan consultation and proposed modifications to the plan. A letter dated 13 October 2025 along with links to further information and a survey form had been enclosed with the agenda for the meeting.

The Council questioned whether the Local Plan would stand after local government reorganisation and acknowledged advice suggesting all parishes get their Neighbourhood plans done to protect their areas. Brindley Heath has previously taken the view that the parish was already protected by the Cannock Chase National Landscape (formerly AONB) and Green Belt designations.

Staffordshire County Council Consultation on Libraries

Staffordshire County Council invites residents to comment on existing library services and the services or activities they would like to see more of. The close date of Monday 1 December at 5pm was noted.

The Council thought that libraries becoming hubs was a great idea that had been immensely successful.

10. PARISH WARD ISSUES – CHASE SIDE

Permitted Development and Campervans

The Council was hoping to receive further clarification on permitted development rules and their application to the use and occupation of campervans within the Cannock Chase National Landscape.

The Cannock Chase SAC Project Officer has agreed in principle to attending a future meeting of the council to talk about protection and management of the SAC.

11. PARISH WARD ISSUES – BRINDLEY VILLAGE
The following item was considered:

Land off the Rugeley Road

Councillor Pearson is still awaiting clarification on the planning position on the use of agricultural land for commercial purposes – when operating from a substantial number (estimated to be 20 to 30) of greenhouses and similar structures. The Development Control Manager has confirmed that the matter was being investigated and acknowledged there had been a delay due to the availability of staff resources.

The Parish Council asked that the matter be followed up with the Planning Department.

12. CANNOCK CHASE
The following items were considered:
Forest Concerts
There was no report on Cannock Chase and the forest concerts on this occasion.

13. LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION
The reorganisation of Local Government had been discussed earlier in the meeting.

14. INVITATION TO MEETINGS/EVENTS
The Council noted the following forthcoming (external) meetings with no specific members nominated as Parish Council representatives:

• Support Staffordshire meeting on Thursday 11 December 2025 at St Stephen’s Church, Bideford Way, Cannock.

Councillor Turville and Councillor Mrs Turville said they would attend the meeting.

15. REPORTS ON MEETINGS ATTENDED
a. To share information on meetings attended:

Home Office/NALC/SLCC Martyn’s Law Webinar on 26 September 2025
The Clerk advised the Council that she had attended a Martyn’s Law webinar, a new law that was being introduced, requiring the organisers of certain public venues and events to maintain high standards of security and preparedness to deter/prevent potential terrorist attacks.

Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association AGM on Monday 24 November 2025
Councillor Sutherland advised the Council that he had attended the SPCA Annual General meeting which followed a different format to usual. After the AGM which covered the usual business, there were several speakers and exhibitors including: Dave Evans, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, a play area and football pitch company, Staffordshire FA who gave a brief on the sport that was available for playing fields, a company specialising in council accounts, the work of SLCC and more. The session also talked about the importance of having a Neighbourhood Plan, the Best kept village competition and AI for local Councils.

16. REPORTS FROM PARISH REPRESENTATIVES ON MEETINGS OF OUTSIDE BODIES
a. The parish representatives to outside bodies gave reports on meetings they had attended:

Slitting Mill Village Hall (M. Sutherland)
Councillor Sutherland advised the Council that he had no report on this occasion.

Other Councillors commented on how active the hall was and the number of functions taking place there.

Etching Hill Village Hall (D. Cotton)
Councillor Cotton advised the Council that a meeting had taken place on Friday 21 November 2025 and everything was moving along smoothly. The Tennis Club leasing the adjoining building want to put a padel court in place, but the Trustees had voted against it because they believed neighbourhood amenity would be adversely affected (noise and light pollution in the evenings).

Chetwynd Charity (P. Adams)
Councillor Adams advised the Council that very few applications for grants were coming through from young people, despite the publicity. As just one application had been received for a grant in last academic year trustees were looking to donate the funds held to other charities or individuals in need. He said recommendations would be taken only from professionals such as priests, doctors, social workers and schoolteachers.

Charity for the Recreation Ground (P. Adams & D. Cotton)
Councillor Adams reported that Staffordshire Wildlife Trust were hopeful they had secured a ten-year stewardship for the Charity which was still to be confirmed.

The funding will support a certain amount of work, but on the area of the Hill Staffordshire Wildlife Trust don’t work on (the main part), the Recreation Ground must seek out funding opportunities themselves. This is where most of the expenditure is needed.

On a day-to-day basis there have been the usual issues of fires, fly tipping and other challenges. There have been no new complaints received from neighbours which is positive.

Charity for an Allotment for the Labouring Poor (P. Adams & D. Cotton)
Councillor Cotton advised the Council that the Trustees had updated their policies documents for both the Recreation Ground and Allotments Charities.

The charity has an ongoing issue with an Oak tree as a neighbouring resident had reported it was affecting their drainage. A survey had proven the tree was in good condition and the onus was on the resident to prove the tree was causing damage. The matter has been handed over to the resident’s insurance company as Cannock Chase Council’s TPO officer had confirmed there was no work the Charity could carry out on the tree.

Longdon Cotton Alms-Houses (P. Adams to 2028)
Councillor Adams advised the Council that the Fire Officer had visited one of the homes to carry out an inspection and the situation was improving.

Cannock Chase Council’s Standards Committee (R. Turville)
Councillor Turville advised the Council that an internal meeting of the Standards Committee had taken place. Councillor Turville and other parish representatives were advised they did not need to attend.

SPCA Executive Committee (M. Sutherland)
Councillor Sutherland advised the Council that the SPCA Executive Committee met every quarter and the next meeting would take place in January 2026.

17. COUNCILLOR REPORTS
Councillor Jon Pendleton had given his report earlier in the meeting.

There were no other reports.

18. STANDING ORDERS AND FINANCIAL REGULATIONS
The Parish Council reviewed the standing orders (based on the NALC Model Standing Orders) which had been circulated electronically by email.

The Model Standing Orders March 2025 contained updates to the 2022 Model Standing Order 14 (Code of Conduct Complaints) and Order 18 (Financial Controls and Procurement).

Resolved: That the Model Standing Orders 2025 with amendments to Standing Order 14 and 18 be accepted.

The Parish Council reviewed the financial regulations (based on the NALC Model Financial Regulations updated on 5 March 2025) which had been circulated electronically by email.

Resolved: That the Model Financial Regulations updated on 5 March 2025 be accepted.

19. IT POLICY
The Parish Council considered a draft IT Policy based on the NALC draft IT policy which had been circulated electronically by email.
The Clerk advised the Council that the 2025 edition of the Practitioners Guide ‘Governance & Accountability’ contained a new Assertion 10 covering digital and data compliance. In addition to the requirements related to email management and website accessibility, there was a new requirement for smaller authorities to have an IT Policy.
To assist authorities in meeting this new requirement, the Government Digital Service had issued a template IT policy to be personalised for individual use.
Resolved: That consideration of an IT Policy be brought forward to the next meeting of the Council.

20. FINANCIAL MATTERS
a) Financial Position of the Council
A breakdown of income and expenditure for the financial year to date was given in the Clerk’s Report (dated 25 November 2025). The budget statement showed the current financial position of the Council with reserves totalling £15,483.65.

The bank account balance on 2 November 2025 (taken from bank statement 174) was £15,742.85. A bank reconciliation (to 25 November 2025) included two unpresented cheques to Parish Online (£67.20) and LA Technology CIC (£192.00).

Resolved: That the financial position of the Council is noted.

b) Projects for CIL funds
Councillor Pearson expressed concern regarding the five-year statutory time limit for the expenditure of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds. It was noted that failure to apply the funds within this timeframe could result in a request for their return by the District Council. Members agreed to explore community projects for the remaining balance of £2,066.25, and specifically identifying the provision of bleed kits at new locations

c) Budget for the year 2026-27
A standstill budget* for the financial year 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 had been distributed prior to the meeting.
The Council considered potential projects for the year, the sums the parish council would need to spend and how it would fund the spending (whether from precept, reserves or other sources of income such as grant aid). The Council took account of inflation levels and the implications of local government reorganisation which were currently unknown.
Resolved: To approve the draft budget for the 2026-27 financial year, which would require the shortfall between income and expenditure to be covered by reserves.

d) Parish Precept for the year 2026-27
The Council noted that Cannock Chase Council had undertaken a calculation of Brindley Heath Parish Council’s Tax Base for 2026-27 and was recommending that it be set at 252.73.
It was noted that if the precept stayed at the same value in 2026-27 (£4,272), as in the current year (2025-26), a Tax Base of 252.73 would generate an annual charge of £16.90 for Band D householders. This value represented a 4.2% decrease in parish tax.
The Council agreed that it needed to balance rising costs and uncertainties about local government reorganisation against a desire to minimise Council Tax increases for residents.
Resolved: To set the precept at £4,595 for the financial year 2026-27 (subject to the District Council’s approval of the recommended figures) generating a householder charge of £18.18 for a Band D property and representing a parish tax increase of 3.0%.

e) To authorise cheques for payment
Resolved: To approve the following cheque payments:

100264 Trudy Williams £1263.70 Salary April to September 2025

100265 HMRC £315.80 Income Tax, April to September 2025

100266 Church of the Holy Spirit £30.00 Use of hall for parish meeting on 25 November 2025

Resolved: To authorise payment of the cheques listed.

21. ANY OTHER ITEMS FOR INFORMATION AND ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
No items

22. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Council will be held on Tuesday 27 January 2026 at The Church of the Holy Spirit, Mount Road, Rugeley.

Date……………………………………………………