To receive apologies for absence, and to consider the approval of any reasons given for absence under Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.

• – County Councillor J. Hood
• – County Councillor A. Mynors

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.

a) To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on 1 April 2025, Minute Numbers GP25/139 – GP25/158 (attached).

There are no Sub-Committee draft Minutes.

To consider, and update, if necessary, the terms of reference for the Council’s Sub-Committees, Steering Groups and Working Groups.

A copy of the draft Terms of Reference is attached to the electronic version of the agenda. They have been reviewed by the Town Clerk, who is proposing some changes to improve clarity. The suggested changes are shown as ‘tracked’ in the attached document.

• – Tourism & Town Promotion
• – Environment
• – Estates
• – Mayor’s Charity Sub-Committee

• – Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
• – Stone Heritage Centre Steering Group
• – Engagement with Young People Working Group

To make appointments of Council representatives to the following bodies:

• – Stone ATC (Mayor plus 1 member) – Currently Councillors: Town Mayor and J. Davies
• – Age Concern Stone & District (2 members) – Currently Councillors: J. Davies and C. Thornicroft
• – Stafford & Stone Access Group (1 member) – Currently Councillor T. Kelt
• – Trustees of the Town Hall Charity (all members) – Currently all Councillors
• – Stone Community Hub Liaison Group (3 members) – Currently J. Battrick, J. Powell and R. Townsend
• – Stone Area Parish Liaison Group (1 member) – Currently J. Davies

NOTE: Current membership of the following bodies will continue until the stated dates:

• – Stone Common Plot Trustees: C. Thornicroft (to May 2026); A. Burgess, J. Hood, T. Kelt and R. Townsend (to May 2027)
• – Richard Vernon Trust: J. Davies, P. Leason and J. Powell (to May 2027)
• – SPCA Executive Committee: T. Kelt (to December 2025)
• – West Midlands Railway and other rail matters: T. Kelt

To undertake a review of the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations (attached to the electronic version of the agenda in accordance with the report of the Town Clerk) which were circulated to the previous meeting of this Committee.

To consider an update on the Stone Heritage Centre.

To receive a list of payments made by the Council during the period 1 to 31 March 2025 (attached).

To receive updates from Working Group co-ordinators:

• a) Stone Heritage Centre Steering Group (Chairman: R. Kenney)
• b) Engagement with Young People Working Group (Co-ordinator: K. Dawson)

• Stone Area Parish Liaison Group – Cllr J. Davies
• Stone ATC – Town Mayor & one Cllr – Cllrs: P. Leason and J. Davies
• Age Concern Stone & District – Cllrs: J. Davies and C. Thornicroft
• Stafford & Stone Access Group – Cllr T. Kelt
• Stone Common Plot Trustees – Cllrs: A. Burgess, J. Hood, T. Kelt, C. Thornicroft and R. Townsend
• Stone Community Hub Liaison Group – Cllrs: J. Battrick, J. Powell and R. Townsend
• SPCA Executive Committee – Cllr T. Kelt
• West Midlands Railway and other rail matters – Cllr T. Kelt

Apologies were received from Councillors: J. Battrick, K. Dawson, I. Fordham, J. Metters, A. Mottershead and N. Powell. The reasons for absence were approved.

None made.

RESOLVED:

• a) That the minutes of the General Purposes Committee meeting held on 4 February 2025 be approved as a correct record.
• b) That the minutes of the General Purposes Committee meeting held on 18 March 2025 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered the appointment for the year 2025-26. The Town Clerk confirmed the ceremony would be at St Michael & St Wulfad’s Church.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Jason Metters is appointed as Town Mayor Elect for 2025-26 and Councillor Andrew Best is appointed Deputy Mayor Elect.

Organisation: Alleyne’s Academy. Reason: To support the purchase of shelving and furniture for the school library.

RESOLVED: To award a grant of £500 to Alleynes Academy with the suggestion that the school approaches other local parish councils for the remaining balance.

PURPOSE

1.1 The purpose of the General Purposes Committee is to consider policy issues in relation to, and to scrutinise the operation of, all aspects of Council work which can be legally delegated by the Council.

MEMBERSHIP AND APPOINTMENT

1.2 The Committee shall consist of the whole membership of the Town Council. These members shall be appointed by the Council in May to serve until the following May’s Council meeting.

FUNCTIONS

3.13 To consider matters of Council policy related to environmental services, including: The Crown Meadow, Grounds Maintenance, Allotments, and Environmental damage issues.

1. This report reviews the Council’s current Standing Orders and Financial Regulations and makes recommendations for changes, where necessary.

3. The Council’s Standing Orders were last reviewed in April 2024. The only item that has changed significantly is the replacement of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 with the Procurement Act 2023.

11. The draft Financial Regulations have been updated for the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023. Changes are included in Section 10 of the Regulations.

• 03/03/2025 | Water Plus | Water Usage – Newcastle Road | £13.73
• 03/03/2025 | Amazon | HC – Open/closed signs | £49.98
• 03/03/2025 | Prism Solutions | Leased line rental – Feb 25 | £170.79
• 12/03/2025 | EDG Security | HC 6 monthly fire and alarm service | £90.00
• 19/03/2025 | Valda Energy | FJC Elec Usage | £324.90
• 25/03/2025 | Prism Solutions | Managed Service – April 25 | £1,256.43
• 31/03/2025 | Stafford Borough Council | Road Closure – Remembrance | £135.00

Total Payments for Period: £11,049.87