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 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

To approve the minutes of the meeting of the council held on Wednesday 26 March 2025

Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch 12, para 41 (1).

 

5 – Reports from other authorities and agencies

 For Information

To receive reports from other authorities and agencies

1. Kent County Council

2. Dartford Borough Council

 

6 – Kent County Council Elections

To note the Election Candidates for the upcoming Kent County Council elections.

 

7 – Draft Calendar of Council Meetings 2025-26

 For Discussion

To note and discuss the draft Calendar for Council Meetings 2025-26

Members are presented with a draft Calendar of Council and Committee meetings.

 

8 – Stone Parish Champion Awards

To resolve to award nominees for the Stone Parish Champion Awards to be presented at the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 14th May 2025.

Report to follow as nominations left open until Tuesday 22nd April.

 

9 – Parish Identity

 

 

9.1 – Parish Council Name Change

 For Decision

To note the results of the Parish Identity Survey and to resolve whether to change the name / style of Stone Parish Council and begin preparation of a transition plan.

Report to Follow.

 

10 – Policies & Procedures

 

 

10.1 – Grant Award Policy

To resolve approval and adoption of the Grant Award Policy 2025.

Members are presented with a draft Grant Award Policy 2025 for consideration and approval in line with Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS) requirements.

 

11 – Finance

 

 

11.1 – Kent Association and National Association of Local Councils Subscription 2025-26

 For Decision

To resolve approval for the renewal and confirm subscription fees of  to the Kent Association for Local Councils and National Associations.

 

11.2 – Lantern Project

 For Decision

To resolve expenditure of £750.00 from Community Infrastructure Levy funds for work done by Liberty QS on the revised cost plan for the lantern project.

 

11.3 – Trailer and Bowser

 For Decision

To resolve expenditure from Community Infrastructure Levy funds of up to £12,000 for a new trailer and water bowser for the Grounds Department.

 

12 – Exclusion of Press & Public

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 the consideration of the following item.

 

13 – Staffing Resource Review Update

 For Decision

To note the outcome of recent recruitment activity and staffing resource review resulting in a variation to the staffing budget for 2025–26. To consider and resolve actions as appropriate, including potential supplementation of CIL funding.