Draft Minutes of Folkingham Parish Council

Extraordinary Meeting held on Thursday 1 October 2026 at 7.30pm
Folkingham Creative Arts, The Old School, 7 Market Place, Folkingham, Sleaford, NG34 0SE

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.30pm.

1. Public Forum

No members of the public were present.

2. Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Councillor David Simpson and were accepted.

3. Declarations of Interest and Dispensations

No declarations of interest or requests for dispensations were received.

4. Approval of Outstanding Minutes

The draft minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on 26 March, 28 May, 23 July and 17 September 2026 were approved as an accurate record and signed by the Chair. The references to Councillor Christopher Smith in the 26 March and 23 July minutes were corrected to Councillor Chris Clark.

5. Outstanding Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2025/26

a. PKF Littlejohn correspondence

The correspondence from PKF Littlejohn concerning the outstanding Annual Governance and Accountability Return for the year ended 31 March 2026 was received and noted.

b. Financial position and exemption figures

The financial position for the year ended 31 March 2026, including the gross annual income and gross annual expenditure figures for the Certificate of Exemption, was received and noted.

c. Certificate of Exemption

Resolved: The Council confirmed that it meets the financial criteria for exemption from limited assurance review for 2025/26 and approved the Certificate of Exemption. The Chair and Responsible Financial Officer were authorised to sign it, and the Locum Clerk/RFO was authorised to submit it to PKF Littlejohn and publish it on the Council website.

d. Remaining AGAR documents

It was noted that the completed Annual Internal Audit Report, Annual Governance Statement and Accounting Statements will be presented to a further meeting following completion of the internal audit.

6. Appointment of Internal Auditor for 2025/26

a. Independence, competence and scope

The Council considered the independence, competence and proposed scope of work of Mrs Victoria Clark of Clark's Clerical Service and was satisfied that she was suitable for appointment.

b. Appointment and engagement letter

Resolved: Mrs Victoria Clark was appointed to undertake the full-year internal audit for the year ended 31 March 2026 and complete the Annual Internal Audit Report within the AGAR. The Letter of Engagement dated 21 September 2026 was approved at a fee of £190.00 plus £3.50 postage.

c. Signing and return of engagement letter

The Chair and Responsible Financial Officer were authorised to sign the Letter of Engagement and the Locum Clerk/RFO was authorised to return it to the Internal Auditor.

7. Finance

a. 2025/26 financial report

The financial report for the year from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 was received and noted.

b. 2026/27 financial report

Resolved: The financial report for the period from 1 April 2026 to 21 September 2026 was approved.

c. Bank reconciliation

Resolved: The bank reconciliation and current account balance of £8,204.75 as at 21 September 2026 were approved, subject to confirmation of balances held in any additional Council accounts.

d. Payroll provider

Resolved: The Council approved the appointment of Suffolk Association of Local Councils as payroll provider at a cost of £8.50 plus VAT per month. The Locum Clerk/RFO was authorised to make the necessary arrangements.

8. Planning

a. New application – S26/1442

Single-storey dwelling with garage at 3 Low Farm Drive, Folkingham, Lincolnshire, NG34 0SP.

Resolved: The Council raised no objection to the application and supported the proposal, considering it to be a positive development in keeping with the village and surrounding area. The Clerk was authorised to submit this response to the Planning Officer.

9. Date of Next Meeting

The next ordinary meeting will be held on Thursday 19 November 2026 at 7.00pm at Folkingham Village Hall.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.29pm.