2026 Minutes
Notes of the Leadenham Annual Parish Meeting
Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Leadenham Village Hall (Doors opened at 6:45 PM)
Attendees:
- Cllr M Nelstrop, Chair
- Cllr D Nelstrop
- Cllr M Everett,
- Cllr P Linacre
- Sharon Johnson (Clerk/RFO).
- D/Cllr L Haques
- 3 Members of public
1. Welcome from the Chair
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Cllr M Nelstrop, who welcomed everyone present.
2. Guest Speaker – Parish Field
The guest speaker provided an update on the Villages Plant Group’s ongoing project at the Parish Field, now in its fourth year. The group has planted several new trees, though deer damage continues to present a challenge. The hay meadow is developing well, with wildflowers improving year on year. An orchard of 30 fruit trees has also been established and is growing successfully.
Looking ahead, the group hopes to involve the school more closely and to host family‑friendly events such as picnics on the field. Future aspirations include installing an information and wildlife‑sightings board, as well as adding picnic benches to support community use of the space.
3. Approval of Previous Meeting Notes
The notes of the previous meeting held 13th May 2026 had been circulated and were approved and signed as Minutes.
4. Parish Report from the Clerk/RFO
The Clerk/RFO presented the Parish Report, highlighting financial updates.
RFO Report – Year 2025-26.
Budget and Precept
The Budget requirement to cover anticipated costs for 2025-26 was agreed at £17,500. The Precept request was agreed at £17,500.00, representing 1.5% / £109.25 band D equivalent change for taxpayers from the previous year.
Income:
Total other income for 2024-25 = £ 41,425.27
Including:
LAW, contribution to PC (2024-25) £407.02
LCC Grass-cutting Grant £995.63
NKDC Litter-picking Grant £112.22
Lotto Grant £20000
HMRC VAT reclaim (01/12/24-24/11/25) £2366.61
NATIONAL GRID £43.79
Expenditure:
All payments are noted in each month’s Minutes.
Including:
- Donation to PCC Churchyard upkeep £525.00
- Donation to Fountain upkeep £100.00
- Donation to RBL representative £30.00
- Donation to CAB Midlincs £50.00
- Village Maintenance services £942
- Tree works £4,900
CIL funds totalling £15,536.68 had been received since 2019.
Funds remaining total £10,872.38
Precept 2026-27:
The Budget requirement to cover anticipated costs for 2026-27 was agreed at £19642 The Precept request was agreed at £19,642, representing 4.31% / £113.96 increase on Band D equivalent.
AGAR 2025-26 (Annual Governance and Accountability Return)
Accounts for the Parish Council to be audited by Mrs A Smith.
A full Statement of audited Accounts for this financial year, April 2025 – March 2026, will be presented to the full Parish Council Meeting when completed.
The external auditors for 2025-26 year end are PKF Littlejohn; the Parish Council will not be exempt from submitting the accounts, and all documentation will be submitted to the External Auditor and displayed on the PC website.
Parish Report
The current membership stands at 7 parish councillors.
5 Members and two vacant seats remain for co-option:
Elected:
Cllr M Nelstrop (Chair)
Cllr M Everett
Cllr K Willgoose
Cllr D Nelstrop was co-opted (11/03/2025)
Cllr P Linacre was co-opted (13/05/2025)
Defibrillator
The PC continues to perform routine maintenance
4. Points Raised by Parishioners
The floor was opened for parishioners to raise any points or concerns. A resident reported patrol light at school crossing constantly stuck on. Advised to report on Fixmystreet. Concerns over bin opposite school, advised new bin awaiting installation.
Conclusion:
The meeting was closed at 7.30pm