Annual-Report-2015-2016

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Chard Town Council
Annual Report
2015/2016

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Mayor’s Annual Report
It has been a very interesting and challenging year for me as Mayor and as the Chairman
of Chard Town Council. Only a short period of time has elapsed since the local elections
when a number of new councillors were elected to serve our community, and I must say I
am looking forward to working with them over the next four years. Once again it is very
refreshing to know that our new and re-elected members offered quite a wide range of
different skills that collectively brought together created a healthy and comprehensive
focus that is necessary to making good decisions and delivering vital services to our
community.
I have always supported the view that working collectively to enhance our town is always
the best way forward. A good example of this is the Jocelyn Park changing room project;
this is a project that is very close to my heart, a project that engaged in partnership with
two local football teams. Together we have delivered a facility that has the opportunity
and benefits for use of the wider community.
When I say it has been a challenging year, I say this in the context that in early June
myself and fellow Councillors realised that we were in a period of transition after receiving
a letter from the then Town Clerk tendering her resignation. That effectively meant that
much of the everyday internal workings of the Council had to be refocused whilst the
process of appointing a new Town Clerk took place. An appointments committee was set
up which included myself three other Councillors and under the sound leadership of the
finance and personnel Chairman we started the process searching for a new Town Clerk.
At this point, given the work load of the Town Council we also appointed an acting Town
Clerk to cover much of the everyday tasks undertaken by a Town Clerk. I would therefore
like to thank Mr Robin Williams who came in to assist us during that period; his
contribution to us was invaluable. Early in December 2015 we were pleased to see the
successful appointment of Zoe Truong who started work bringing a vision and a range of
different skills that can enhance our town.
As Mayor I have always sought a cohesive happy working environment within the town
Council, I hope that collectively we have achieved this for the greater good of Chard Town
Council and our residents who we serve.
Whilst all the internal work appointing a new Town Clerk was going on, I as Mayor had the
pleasure of attending many invitations within and outside our town, this is a vital part of
the role as Mayor. I have counted up the number of events in my diary over the year
which will be well in excess of 120 Mayor related events. It has been a privilege and
honour to attend such an extensive variety of events. It has also been a pleasure to
welcome representatives from other countries this included a visit from representatives
from one of our twin towns Helmstedt in Germany, and a group of Rotarians from Sri
Lanka. Both groups were delighted with the hospitality they received from us during their
visits.
Promoting our town by inviting other civic dignitaries to Chard is also a key role as Mayor,
Carnival was one event that we received so many compliments from Mayors across
Somerset and Devon, I would therefore like to thank everyone involved with Chard
Carnival, we all can be so proud of our town.
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During the run up to Christmas was a particularly busy time visiting residential homes and
listening to Christmas Carol concerts, this was very moving to me personally as I took time
to listen to peoples different stories of their lives, and how so many children were looking
forward to Christmas. I would like to thank everyone involved with these engagements,
their participation certainly made my Christmas.
As I write this report I am also preparing for a visit to one of our other twin towns Seica
Mare in Romania. The reason for the visit is the fact that 2016 is the 25 th Anniversary of
Chard forging links with Seica Mare. It will be a pleasure to report back to residents on my
return.
Finally I would like to thank Marilyn my Mayoress, Father Jeffery Williams my Mayor’s
Chaplin, Mr Clive Sanders the Mace Bearer, Cllr Garry Shortland the Deputy Mayor of
Chard, Judy Addicott, and all town Councillors and town Council staff for their support
during the last year.

Councillor Dave Bulmer
Mayor of Chard

April 2016

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The Town Clerk’s Report
This last year brought many changes to the Town Council, both to the Members of the
Council and also within the management structure at The Guildhall.
May 2015 saw local council elections taking place, there were 5 former Members who
either chose to stand down or lost their seats and with 2 vacancies this resulted in the
Town Council having 7 new Members. These changes and the introduction of so many new
Members brought an opportunity to listen to fresh views and ideas and be challenged
about how and why we do things!
Another departure was Sarah Robson the former Town Clerk, who resigned from her
position in the summer after nearly five years at the Council in order to take up a similar
post in Wales. This provided the Members with a chance to look at options for changing
the management structure of the Council. The last few years had already brought some
significant changes, and cost benefits, and again this occasion enabled the Council to
review the structure to ensure there was sufficient and adequate capacity to take the
Council forward. The net result was the development of a new administration structure in
the office and the creation of a Responsible Financial Officer/Deputy Town Clerk’s role
which was filled internally by promoting the current Financial Officer to the post. I was
delighted to interview for and be offered the post of Town Clerk, and formally took up the
position in December.
As this is my first Annual Report for Chard Town Council it has been interesting to look
back and reflect on the activity that has taken place; noting the many achievements and
developments that have been brought about over the year. It has also been my
opportunity to turn my thoughts to the projects and plans that are in progress for the
future and consider how we might work together to shape development in Chard for the
benefit of all the residents and visitors to the town.
Two exciting long-term projects I have had the privilege to see come to fruition are the
construction of the much needed changing facilities in Jocelyn Park and the installation of
new Solar Panels on the Guildhall roof which will certainly be an asset for the future as
they will not only make free electricity for the Guildhall but within seven years the
investment should be paid back and then it will start making money for the people of
Chard.
It has taken many years for this project to come to fruition because the Guildhall is a listed
building and the Council had to work closely with the planning authority to ensure the
panels and the fixings would not make a significant impact on the building. Since the
panels have been installed we have already generated 832 kwh, at 10.9 p per kwh which
will generate £90 in income under the Government Feed In Tariff, plus it should reduce the
Council’s electricity bill.
The Town Team continue to be busy in their work to support local events in Chard. As well
as the Halloween Night and the Annual Christmas Lights Switch on they have recently been
involved in the organising of the Earth Hour event in Chard, part of a World Wildlife Fund
national initiative to drive public awareness and promote action on key climate issues that
reached across 178 countries worldwide on a single day in March.
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Two new initiatives that I am pleased to be involved with focus on engaging with the
young people in Chard to help create new opportunities for them to participate in their
local community.
StreetSpace is a youth organisation working with young people in the area by providing a
number of youth work services including regular detached youth work sessions. They are
at the start of a project looking to expand the Skate Park in Lower Henson Park, creating a
facility that will be of regional significance in the area. In support of the initiative Chard
Town Council have granted them use of additional land in the park to be able to extend
the existing provision and we look forward to seeing how this work develops over the
coming months.
The other project is a South Somerset District Council pilot exploring the promotion of
Democracy in Schools as part of the National Curriculum citizenship programme. Working
with Holyrood Academy we hope to forge closer links with the leaders of tomorrow and
help them better understand the role of local government in their town.
One of the real bonuses of being Town Clerk is meeting with a large number of people of
all ages and it is a heart warming to see the real sense of community that exists within the
town. I am humbled by the large number of people who are willing to give their time
voluntarily to make where they live a better place and improve the lives of others. It has
been rewarding to be involved in the giving of Community Grant Awards to some of the
numerous local organisations in Chard, as well as reading the nominations for those who
have been put forward for an Outstanding Service Award from the Mayor. Chard Town
Council, its Members and Officers, is committed to serving our community and has a real
desire to see it continuing to develop and flourish.

Zoe Truong
Town Clerk

April 2016

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Organisation and Accountability
Chard Town Council is comprised of fifteen elected members each representing one of five
areas of the Town. These areas are known as wards. Each ward has three members; the
wards are Combe, Crimchard, Avishayes, Jocelyn and Holyrood. This arrangement makes
sure that we have a truly local government in Chard. The Council Committees for
2015/2016 were Guildhall & Amenities, Finance & Personnel and Planning & Highways.
There is also an Allotments Sub Committee which works closely with the Allotment Holders
Association and a Personnel Sub Committee with some delegated responsibility for the
Town Clerk. This year has also seen a number of working parties that have been set up on
a task and finish basis as and when necessary. These included the Chard Market working
group, the Tourist Information Centre working group and the Skate Park Improvement
working group.
All meetings of the Council and its Committees are open to the public and press to attend.
There are some occasions when for reasons of confidentiality members of the public and
press are excluded. This is by means of a resolution in accordance with the requirements
of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960. These matters are usually, but not
restricted to issues such as ‘Staff in Confidence’ or ‘Commercial in Confidence’. At most
meetings time is set aside, usually fifteen minutes, before the meeting starts for members
of the public to address, make statements or ask questions of the Council. Changes to
legislation in 2014 now means that public meetings can be recorded, filmed or
photographed and the Council has adopted a policy to ensure it can safeguard children and
vulnerable adults.
In accordance with statute, at the end of each financial year the accounts of the Council
are available for public inspection for a period of twenty-one working days. This period is
advertised and facilities are made available for members of the public to come and
examine the Council’s accounts. As the Council is committed to a policy of openness and
transparency any reasonable request to view the accounts, or any other aspect of Town
Council work, will try and be accommodated at any time of the year. The External Audit
last year was completed by Grant Thornton and there were no matters of concern
identified or reported.
The Council’s website contains a lot of information about services and functions of the
Council and there are many downloadable forms available relating to allotments and the
cemetery. All of the minutes of the Council’s meetings and also its policies are available
and can be downloaded in a PDF Format. If you do not have access to a computer and
wish to see copies or extracts of minutes these can be made available for you to view at
the Guildhall upon request in advance. Recent news events are also uploaded and details
of any vacancies that occur within the Council. There is also a comprehensive list of groups
and organisations on the website – if you know of a group that isn’t included please let us
know as we’d like to ensure information is easily accessible for the many organisations
based in Chard.

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Chard Town Council – How to get in touch
Town Councillors
Your Town Councillors are elected democratically by the people of Chard. They are not
paid and do not receive any allowances. It is the Councillors that make the decisions and
steer the direction in which the Council goes.
Avishayes Ward

Mrs. Cath Morrison
Garry Shortland
Dave O’ Brien

01460 239120
01460 61592
01460 66104

Combe Ward

Andy Kenton
Mrs. Amanda Broom
Steve Warwick

07921 574019
01460 62102
01460 61977

Crimchard Ward

Mrs. Jenny Kenton
Martin Carnell
Mrs. Jenny Orchard

07921 574019
07411 696725
01460 67760

Holyrood Ward

Mrs Sue Wyatt
Jason Baker
Vacancy

01460 61370
07736 310805

Jocelyn Ward

Dave Bulmer
Mrs. Sara Dowell
Mrs. Irene Glynn

01460 67917
01460 261898
01460 238417

Details of Councillors’ addresses, and email contact may be obtained on request from the
Town Clerk and are also available on the Chard Town Council website under the page
‘Council’.

Council Officers
The Town Council’s team of staff, which currently stands at 19, is led by Zoe Truong, the
Town Clerk. Tracy Lamb is the Responsible Financial Offer/Deputy Town Clerk with specific
duties relating to the budget, annual accounts and audit to ensure proper financial
management and transparency.

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How to contact us:
Visit us at:

Chard Town Council
The Guildhall
Fore Street
Chard
TA20 1PP

Tel: 01460 239567
Fax: 01460 261661
email: townclerk@chard.gov.uk
email: operationsmanager@chard.gov.uk
email: financeofficer@chard.gov.uk

Other Council officers may be contacted through chardtowncouncil@chard.gov.uk or by
phoning the reception desk on 01460 239567.

Finance
The precept for the year 2015/16 was set at £489,822 equating to a local parish
precepting charge of £122.20 for Band D properties. In addition to this SSDC awarded
£55,930 as part of the Precept Support Grant, a transitional arrangement that has come
about since Central Government imposed changes in the way council tax benefits are paid.
This was a rise of £0.77 increase from the previous year as Members wanted to minimize
any additional burden to local council tax payers.
With the changes in policy at Central Government being imposed on district councils, South
Somerset has fared better than other areas where the district council has not passed on
any of the funding to the parish and town councils. However the Precept Support Grant is
reducing annually and reluctantly for 2016/2017 the Members felt there was no alternative
but to increase the Band D percentage in order to mitigate the reduction in the grant. The
Band D Equivalent for 2016/2017 is £124.04 an increase of £1.84.
Chard’s town precept continues to be in line with other towns of similar size within the
South-West Region.

Council Tax
Council Tax for the three Local Authorities responsible for Chard has been set for the year
2016/2017 at the following levels:
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

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


£124.04 for Chard Town Council
£152.48 for South Somerset District Council
£1060.84 for Somerset County Council
£20.80 for Somerset County Council Adult Social Care
£178.26 for Avon & Somerset Police Authority
£79.98 for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue
£1,616.40 in total and based on Band D Properties

The average bill for South Somerset is £1,569.96
Tracy Lamb
RFO

April 2016
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Summary of Accounts for 2014/15
Item
Amenities Including Capital
Street Cleaning
Cemetery
Allotments
Market
Guildhall
Tourist Information Centre
Support & Other Services
Grants
Precept Support Grant
Precept
Contribution from reserves
Total

Expenditure £
157,382
61,554
26,689
3,730
2,180
284,115
23,268
174,340
20,000
0
0
0
753,258

Income £
11,560
55,705
27,211
4,000
8,500
38,700
9,530
7,300
0
67,650
478,102
45,000
753,258

Summary of Budgeted Accounts for 2015/2016
The Accounts for the year ending March 2015 have not been finalised and audited. The
figures below are the budgeted accounts for 2015/2016.
Item
Amenities Including Capital
Street Cleaning
Cemetery
Allotments
Market
Guildhall
Tourist Information Centre
Support & Other Services
Grants
Precept Support Grant
Precept
Contribution from reserves
Total

Expenditure
216,716
71,552
26,465
4,170
1,890
199,258
18,196
182,945
20,500
0
0
0
741,692

Income
12328
55000
20,711
4,300
6,000
43400
9,740
6650
0
55,930
489,822
37,811
741,692

Other Legal Requirements

Chard Town Council is registered with the Information Commissioners Office to enable it to
hold information under the Data Protection Act 1998, The Freedom of Information Act
2000 and has adopted the Model Code of Conduct for the conduct of its Councillors.
The introduction in 2011 of the Localism Act saw many changes to democracy at a grass
roots level with the need for wider engagement with the electorate on a range of issues.
This new legislation has enabled greater opportunities, with provision under the General
Power of Competence, for town and parish councils to take responsibility for a broader
range of services and a greater freedom to act.
Zoe Truong
Town Clerk

April 2016
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