1 – Apologies for Absence |
To receive apologies for absence.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, s 85.
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests |
To receive disclosure of any pecuniary interests relating to meeting agenda items.
Having declared an interest, a member must not participate in discussion on the matter and must not take part in any vote unless an appropriate dispensation has been granted.
Relevant Legislation: Localism Act 2011, s 31.
3 – Public Participation |
The council meets and makes its decisions in public. A council meeting is not a public meeting. It is a meeting held in public and there is no requirement in law which allows members of the public to speak at such meetings.
However, the council is is keen to encourage public attendance at meetings and will therefore provide an opportunity to local registered electors to show it is committed to community engagement.
A maximum of 3 minutes is allowed per person to speak and the total length of time afforded for public participation at each meeting shall be no more than 15 minutes, subject to an extension of this time, in exceptional circumstances, being agreed by the Chairman.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act, s 100.
4 – Approval of Minutes |
For Decision |
To approve the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 19th November 2025.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch 12, para 41 (1).
5 – Reports from outside organisation and agencies |
For Information |
- Kent Police
2. Kent County Council
3. Dartford Borough Council
6 – Award of MBE to Parish Resident, Kelvin Reynolds |
For Information |
Kelvin Reynolds, a resident of Stone Parish, was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for delivering outstanding services to the traffic and parking management sector. Kelvin has over 50 years of service to the sector, including having traffic engineering roles at Dartford Borough Council, Gravesham Borough Council and the Corporation of London. Kelvin also worked as transport and infrastructure manager on LendLease’s retail projects, including Bluewater in Kent. He retired from the British Parking Association last year, but remains an executive consultant to the association as well as being its company secretary.
Resolution: To note the award of an MBE to parish resident, Kelvin Reynolds.
7 – Council and Community Events Programme 2026 |
For Decision |
Purpose of Report
To present an outline programme of council-led and supported community events for 2026, including civic events, community engagement activities, and a proposed programme of events at Stone Recreation Ground that utilise new facilities and support the council’s wider financial and strategic objectives.
Background and Context
The council has a long-standing commitment to delivering key civic and community events, including the Remembrance Service and Parade and the Christmas Lights Switch On, which remain core fixtures in the annual civic calendar.
In 2026, the events programme will also play a significant role in:
- Maximising use of the enhanced facilities at Stone Recreation Ground, including the new outdoor performance stage and pump track.
- Driving sustained footfall to Lizzie’s Café, which is a critical income-generating asset and upon which a significant element of the 2026–27 budget relies.
- Supporting the launch and public profile of the newly established Office of the Mayor of Stone through targeted engagement and fundraising events.
Strategic Approach to Events Delivery
The proposed programme reflects a more segmented and targeted approach to event delivery, particularly through the planned evolution of the former Stone Fete into a series of smaller, themed events (e.g. children and families, sport, seniors, arts and culture, adult social events). This approach is intended to:
- Improve audience targeting and engagement.
- Ensure events are proportionate and manageable for council staff.
- Support compliance with the additional planning, safety and security considerations arising from Martyn’s Law.
Outdoor events at Stone Recreation Ground will be scheduled between May and September, avoiding conflict with the football season and ensuring safe and practical use of the site.
Recreation Ground and Outdoor Stage Programme
The new outdoor performance stage provides an opportunity to establish a regular programme of entertainment that animates the recreation ground and supports café trade. The proposed approach is to programme a mix of:
- Performances by local groups, schools, and community organisations, and
- Professional entertainers, subject to availability and affordability.
Where appropriate, selected events will be paired with informal “Meet the Mayor” sessions to build awareness of the mayoral role and encourage community engagement, with some smaller sessions hosted at Lizzie’s Café.
Mayor of Stone – Civic and Fundraising Activity
The establishment of the Office of the Mayor of Stone represents a significant milestone for the council. The 2026 events programme will include:
- A small number of mayoral fundraising evenings, and
- Informal engagement opportunities such as “Meet the Mayor” sessions, including café-based events at Lizzie’s.
These activities will support civic visibility, community connection, and charitable fundraising.
Outline Events Programme 2026
Seniors of Stone – Monthly Socials
- Friday 30 January
- Friday 27 February
- Friday 27 March
- Friday 24 April
- Friday 29 May
- Friday 26 June
- Friday 31 July – Summer Seasonal Event (Mayor’s Picnic)
- Friday 28 August
- Friday 25 September
- Friday 30 October
- Friday 20 November
- Friday 11 December – Seniors of Stone Festive Lunch
Seasonal and Children’s Activities
- 3–19 April – Easter Holiday Seasonal Event
- 23–30 May – Half Term Children’s Activities
- 21 July–2 September – Summer Holiday Children’s Activities
- 26–30 October – Half Term
- Saturday 31 October – Halloween Event
Outdoor Stage Entertainment and Recreation Ground Events
- Saturday 16 May – Outdoor Stage Entertainment + Meet the Mayor
- Saturday 13 June – Outdoor Stage Entertainment + Meet the Mayor
- Saturday 27 June – Outdoor Stage Entertainment
- Saturday 11 July – Outdoor Stage Entertainment + Meet the Mayor
- Saturday 1 August – Outdoor Stage Entertainment
- Saturday 15 August – Outdoor Stage Entertainment + Meet the Mayor
- Saturday 29 August – Outdoor Stage Entertainment
Civic and Community Events
- Sunday 8 November – Remembrance Service and Parade
- Saturday 21 November – Christmas Lights Switch On
- Saturday 29 November – Christmas Market at the CTC
- Thursday 10 December – Santa Tractor Trail
Conclusion
The proposed 2026 events programme balances civic tradition with a refreshed, financially and operationally sustainable approach to community events. It supports the effective use of new recreation ground facilities, underpins café income, raises the profile of the new mayoral office, and delivers a diverse programme of activities for all sections of the community.
Members are invited to note the outline programme and provide feedback ahead of detailed planning and delivery.
8 – Annual Council Budget and Precept Request 2026-27 |
For Decision |
Members are asked to consider and determine the Council’s Annual Budget and associated Precept for the financial year 2026/27.
The draft budget has been prepared by the Responsible Finance Officer in accordance with statutory requirements and reflects the Council’s duty to set a balanced and sustainable budget that enables the continued delivery of services, effective stewardship of assets, and appropriate provision for future liabilities. The report sets out the proposed revenue budget, key assumptions, and the resulting Precept requirement, together with the implications for the Band D parish charge.
In developing the 2026/27 budget, regard has been given to maintaining core services, supporting the operation and maintenance of newly delivered community facilities, and ensuring sufficient resilience through appropriate contingency and reserve levels. The budget also reflects known and anticipated cost pressures, including staffing costs, inflationary impacts, and changes to external funding streams, alongside reasonable assumptions regarding income generation.
The report provides members with a summary of the proposed budget position, comparative information from previous years, and an explanation of how parish income is generated and applied.
Recommendation: Members are requested to review the budget assumptions, consider the proposed Precept for 2026/27, and resolve adoption of the annual budget for 2026-27
9 – Policies and Procedures |
The council is required to demonstrate periodic review of council policies in support of the Local Council Award Scheme accreditation. Two policies are presented for review and resolution of adoption:
9.1 – FOI Policy and Publication Scheme |
For Decision |
Resolution: To review and resolve adoption
9.2 – Complaints Procedure |
For Decision |
Resolution: To review and resolve adoption
10 – Planning Applications |
For Discussion |
To resolve representations to Major Planning Applications affecting the parish.
1. Taylor Wimpey Knights Reach Development, Stone, Dartford, Kent DA2 8DE
Waiting Restrictions – Traffic Regulation Order Application Consultation
2. 25/01456/FUL – 76 Kirby Road Dartford Kent DA2 6HF
Erection of a new 2 bedroom house with shared car parking.
11 – Exclusion of Press & Public |
For Decision |
To resolve, pursuant to section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, that because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, the public and the press leave the meeting during consideration of the following items.
12 – CCTV Monitoring |
For Decision |
Following deferral from November’s council meeting the council is requested to reconsider and resolve whether to enter into a three-year CCTV monitoring and maintenance agreement on the basis set out below.