To consider representations from members of the public on items to be considered at this meeting, in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public participation.

Minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2025, Minute Numbers C26/001 – C26/011 (attached).

• a) General Purposes Committee meeting held on 20 May 2025, Minute Numbers GP26/001 – GP26/017 (attached).
• b) Planning Consultative Committee meeting held on 20 May 2025, Minute Numbers PC26/001 – PC26/006 (attached).

The Council is required to consider an Internal Audit Report before approving the accounts for submission to the External Auditors. The following reports have been enclosed:

• a. Formal Internal Audit submission to the External Auditors
• b. Report from Internal Auditor

Members are asked to consider the reports.

To consider the Annual Governance Statement for submission to the external auditor (attached).

To consider the report of the Town Clerk (attached) and the accounting statement for submission to the external auditor.

Openness of Public Bodies Regulations 2014. Information for Quarter ending 31 March 2025 (attached).

On this occasion reports are enclosed for the Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor 2024-25 and Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor 2025-26.

Councillor J. Hood nominated Councillor Jason Metters as Town Mayor, seconded by Councillor J. Davies.

RESOLVED: To appoint Councillor Jason Metters as Stone Town Mayor for the year 2025-26.

Councillor Metters received the Chain of Office and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. He announced Miss Sarah Goodall as his Consort and Reverend Paul Kingman as Mayor’s Chaplain.

Councillor P. Leason proposed Councillor Andrew Best as Deputy Town Mayor. Seconded by Councillor J. Powell.

RESOLVED: To appoint Councillor Andrew Best as Deputy Town Mayor for the year 2025-26. Councillor Best informed the Council his Consort would be Mrs Rosalind Best.

The Town Mayor extended a special thank you to Councillor Philip Leason for his dedication to the town. Councillor Hood expressed admiration for Philip’s popularity and successful term as Mayor.

Apologies received from: J. Battrick, K. Dawson, A. Mottershead, C. Thornicroft and R. Townsend.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 April 2025 be approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED: The draft minutes of the General Purposes Committee and Planning Consultative Committee held on 1 April 2025 were noted.

• General Purposes Committee Chairman: Councillor Rob Kenney
• General Purposes Committee Vice Chairman: Councillor Ian Fordham
• Planning Consultative Committee Chairman: Councillor Tom Kelt
• Planning Consultative Committee Vice Chairman: Councillor Clive Thornicroft

Apologies from Councillors: K. Dawson, B. Kenney, P. Leason, N. Powell and R. Townsend.

Councillor Jill Hood reported on her induction day at County Council and discussions regarding parking management in Stone High Street.

Councillor Fordham noted that Councillor Jenny Barron had been appointed Borough Mayor. Councillor Hood reported the refusal of the ‘Land at Downing Gardens’ planning application.

• Tourism & Town Promotion: Chairman Cllr J. Hood, Vice Chairman Cllr A. Mottershead
• Environment: Chairman Cllr R. Townsend, Vice Chairman Cllr T. Kelt
• Estates: Chairman Cllr A. Best, Vice Chairman Cllr J. Powell
• Mayor’s Charity: Chairman Cllr J. Metters, Vice Chairman Cllr A. Best

RESOLVED: That the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations, with suggested amendments to contract regulations, be accepted.

The Town Clerk reported that the VE Day 80 Exhibition on 8 May 2025 had been very successful.

• 25/40424/HOU: 174 Lichfield Road, Stone – No objections.
• 25/40500/HOU: 4 Windsor Close, Stone – No objections.
• 25/40582/HOU: 8 Meadow Way, Stone – No objections.
• 25/40347/FUL: 60 Church Street, Stone – No objections.
• 24/39942/FUL: Brooms Cottage, Stafford Road, Stone – Objection: Concerns regarding over development and impact on residents.

I confirm that I have carried out an examination of your accounts and procedures. I found no material errors, omissions or irregularities in your financial records and I have no concerns about your internal control procedures.

• A. Accounting records properly kept: YES
• B. Compliance with financial regulations: YES
• C. Risk assessment reviewed: YES
• D. Precept/budget monitored: YES
• E. Income properly recorded: YES
• F. Petty cash: N/A
• G. Salaries/PAYE correctly applied: YES
• H. Asset register maintained: YES
• I. Bank reconciliations carried out: YES
• M. Public rights provided for: YES

The Council’s net revenue spending for 2024-25 was £400,301. This compares with £562,226 in the previous year and an approved budget of £605,328.

• Stone Heritage Centre Capital: £71,922 underspent (rolled forward to 2025-26).
• Building Maintenance: £20,000 underspent (rolled forward to 2025-26).
• Frank Jordan Centre: £3,486 underspent due to additional Banking Hub income.
• Stone Station: £2,746 underspent; £5,000 for roof repairs rolled forward.

• 7 June: Stone Carnival Parade
• 8 June: Stone Carnival Dog Derby Event
• 15 June: Biddulph Town Mayor’s Civic Service
• 22 June: Cannock Chase Chairman’s Civic Service
• 26 June: Hamlet at the Gatehouse Theatre

VE Day Flag Raising: The event was attended by many residents, including students from St. Dominic’s Priory School. Special thanks to Cllr Jim Davies for organizing the beacon lighting and service.

Woolcool Visit: A tour of the plant showed how this award-winning Stone business has grown and contributes to the local economy.

Samaritans AGM: Noted the incredible dedication of volunteers, including one Stone resident with 48 years of service.