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 4 November 2025, Minute Numbers GP26/079 – GP26/091 (attached).

• a) Tourism & Town Promotion Sub-Committee held on 18 November 2025, Minute Numbers TTP26/017 – TTP26/023 (attached)
• i. To consider the draft minutes
• b) Environment Sub-Committee held on 18 November 2025, Minute Numbers ENV26/018 – ENV26/025 (attached)
• i. To consider the draft minutes
• c) Estates Sub-Committee held on 18 November 2025, Minute Numbers EST26/001 – EST26/010 (attached)
• i. To consider the draft minutes

To consider the report of the Town Clerk (attached).

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

To receive updates from Working Group co-ordinators:

• a) Stone Heritage Centre Steering Group (Chairman: R. Kenney)

To receive reports from Town Councillors on attendance at meetings as a representative of the Town Council:

• Stone Area Parish Liaison Group – Cllr J. Davies
• Stone ATC – Town Mayor & one Cllr – Cllrs: J. Metters 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 and R. Townsend. Where a reason for absence is given, this reason was approved for the purposes of Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.

County Councillor Jill Hood: Informed the Committee that the County Council’s Cabinet had met to confirm its East West proposal for Local Government Reorganisation. The Western Unitary Council will serve an approximate population of 487,794 residents covering Newcastle under Lyme, Stafford, Cannock Chase and South Staffordshire. The proposal would be submitted by 28 November 2025.

County Councillor Andrew Mynors: Was not in attendance.

PCSO Neil Moffatt shared information on homelessness, anti-social behaviour at Westbridge Park and Morrisons, and attempted burglaries in Walton. He noted that E-scooter presentations had been undertaken at local schools. Councillors expressed concern about the proposed change in PCSO shift patterns from a 10pm finish to a 9pm finish.

RESOLVED: That the Engagement with Young People Working Group be disbanded due to limited availability of time resources.

The Chairman advised that the Grounds Maintenance Contractor will be working on town borders. Silver Birch trees will be subject to pollard treatment. A balanced lock arm/beam has been sourced for Walton Roundabout. The footpath on Crown Meadow is scheduled to be built up to prevent surface water flooding before the end of the financial year.

The boundary wire fence at Mount Road Allotments is in need of repair. The Chairman will visit the sites with a wildlife recorder to document flora and fauna. A five-year ecological management plan is being developed for Crown Meadow.

The Sub-Committee considered parking efficiency at the Frank Jordan Centre. Proposals included installing parking lines (costing approx £650) or signs on surrounding walls to mark positions. Research on parking systems will be presented in January 2026 for budget consideration.

The Town Clerk advised that a meeting with Network Rail and Sir Gavin Williamson CBE MP was arranged for 21 November 2025 to discuss the Stone Station lease.

This report sets out the prospects for the Council’s budget. The Council expects to receive approximately £40,000 from Stafford Borough Council (Concurrent functions and Taxbase compensation), though these are not legal requirements. The standstill budget for 2026-27 is £477,884.

• Standstill Budget Summary:
• Estates (2026-27): £26,700
• Environment (2026-27): £21,480
• Tourism & Town Promotion (2026-27): £52,710
• General Purposes (2026-27): £376,994
• Total Forecast: £477,884

Total October Payments: £16,460.05