Grange-over-Sands
Town Council
Annual Report 2012/2013
Presented to
Annual Town Meeting
Of Electors
Monday 15 April 2013
Contents
1.
Introduction
2.
The Council
3.
Chairman’s Report
4.
Civic Mayor’s Report
5.
Victoria Hall Committee
6.
Facilities Committee
7.
Personnel Committee
8.
Community Led Plan
9.
Council Priorities
10.
Other Activities
11.
District Council Reports
12.
County Council Report
13.
Household Information
14.
Finance and Governance
15.
Grants Awarded
16.
2013-14 Council Priorities
17.
Town Councillors
18.
Representation on committees &
bodies
19.
Council Staff Team
20.
Volunteers
21.
Contact the Council
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1. Introduction
This report gives a brief overview of the work of Grange-over-Sands Town Council and of District and County
Councillors during the year 2012/2013.
It has been a busy year for the Town Council as town and parish councils throughout the county have
assumed responsibility for services previously provided by South Lakeland District Council.
This report is a summary and overview of the year.
If you require further information, please contact us at the Council.
2. The Council
The Council is made up of nine Councillors representing the three wards of North, South and West Grange.
The Council Chairman for the year 2012/13 was Councillor Tom Harvey and the first Grange Civic Mayor for
the year 2012/2013 was Councillor Liz Lewis.
In previous years, the Chairman also acted as Mayor. In May 2012, the Council resolved to separate the roles
to enhance community engagement with the electorate and to allow the Chairman to concentrate on the
business of the Council. In this first year, the initiative has been highly successful. The Civic Mayor had raised
the profile of the Council as she has enthusiastically attended appointments and raised funds for her chosen
charity. The Council Leader was then able to concentrate on the assumption of services from the District.
Meetings of the Council and Committees are open to the public, with the exception of the consideration of
reports of a confidential nature. There is provision for the public to speak at the start of each meeting. In
“Have your Say” members of the public have up to three minutes to make representation on matters on the
agenda or, with notice, other matters. Details of meetings, including dates, agendas and minutes are
published on the Town Council’s noticeboards, in Grange library and Council website.
3. Chairman’s Report
The Tourist Information Centre: underwent a full and comprehensive review. As a result, the Council
resolved to continue to support this vital community resource and implemented some changes. The service
was re-branded as The Information Centre. This more accurately reflects the work and the broader service
that is provided by the Centre. The Council would like to acknowledge the passionate and hard work of the
volunteer team and their manager who keep this service running. They have enabled the town to continue to
provide a vital service to the visitors on whom the prosperity of the town so depends.
Public Conveniences: When South Lakeland District Council ceased to maintain this service, Town
Councillors resolved to step in and provide the essential toilet facilities for visitors and residents of Grange.
This had been a large and expensive project as Councillors wanted to ensure that all the facilities were
accessible to people who have mobility difficulties. The Council also wanted to provide modern quality
facilities.
Recreation Ground: This hidden gem had been operated for several years by some amazing volunteers who
were determined to keep the facility open to the public after it was closed by SLDC and then Continental
Landscapes, who both decided it was not financially viable. For the 2012 season the volunteers were
supported by paid staff from Grange Town Council. Councillors recognised the hard work of the volunteers
and that like the Information Centre and the Victoria Hall, the Rec Ground was an asset that needed their ongoing support. Consequently, the Council took out a 25 years lease this year with SLDC and now operates the
service. Grange Town Council worked in partnership with Young Cumbria and the Grange Prom Youth Group
who raised funds for new equipment. This year this fundraising resulted in the installation of the new skate
ramps.
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Our other activities have included launching a Community Led Plan for Grange led by members from the
community. The Council is very grateful to the team of volunteers who are leading this important initiative and
making vital contribution to the future of the town.
The Council made representations to SLDC in respect of the Land Development Framework (LDF) working
collaboratively with members of the Grange and District Action Group (GADAG). The tireless research carried
out by the action group played a significant part in the suspension of the LDF hearings.
Business continuity and the delivery of a quality service are essential. The staffing levels have been improved,
the office refurbished and the IT system has had an overhaul to ensure this level of service can continue into
2013-14.
Responding to the current challenges and opportunities had meant that 2012/2013 had entailed a heavy
workload for Councillors and also for our Town Council staff who have worked well beyond the call of duty. I
am very grateful to all the officers, staff and volunteers and my fellow members for their help and support
during this very busy year.
Councillor Tom Harvey
Chairman of Grange-over-Sands Town Councillor
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4. Civic Mayor
This last year has been an exciting opportunity for me to serve the people of Grange at a time which included
many “one-off “events. These included the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the London 2012 Olympics, and
refurbishment of the War Memorial and the centenary of the Clock Tower.
For the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, on behalf of the town, an oak tree was dedicated in the Ornamental
Gardens, with a plaque to mark the occasion. One of the B.T. Olympic Artist/Storytellers was a local artist,
Christine Rooney, and she was kind enough to stage an exhibition of her paintings, including her Olympic
creations, as a fund raising event for the Mayor’s Charity. I was present to represent the people of Grange
when Lord Cavendish re-dedicated the newly refurbished War Memorial and I accepted the new plaque at the
centenary celebrations for the Clock Tower.
In addition, I have attended several lunches, the Edwardian Festival, and various clubs and societies across
the range of activities available in Grange, and beyond. Perhaps the most formal occasion was the Civic
Celebration in Kendal, when along with several other Mayors I attended the service at the Parish Church, and
had refreshments served in the Mayor’s Parlour afterwards. Informal occasions included a fireworks party at
The Old Vicarage retirement home and a visit to the South Lakeland Wildlife Park with a party of pensioners at
the invitation of the Mayor of Dalton. That visit took place on one of the hottest days of the summer, and we
spent most of the time moving from patch of shade to another patch of shade, whilst either eating ice-cream, or
sipping from bottles of water.
I have met many interesting people, including the Chief Constable of Cumbria, two local M.Ps Tim Farron and
John Woodcock, and the presidents of the Grange branch of Soroptomists International and The Grange
Lions, and many others, who may not hold office, but who are very interesting to speak to and whose stories
are worth hearing.
In case you think that being Civic Mayor is all about having fun, I should also mention that I took as my Mayor’s
Charity the work of the Grange First Responders, and that over the year many generous people in Grange
have contributed to the sum of £3,415.16 which will be added to the grants gained by the First Responders to
enable the purchase of 15 Automated External Defibrillators to be placed in and around Grange for the benefit
of residents and visitors alike, making Grange a safer place to visit.
I would particularly like to thank the following for the sums raised:
Cafes which sold heart-shaped biscuits etc., and gave a percentage to the Fund:
Sunrise Cafe
£1.75p
Mulberry Cafe
£10.00p
At Home
£11.40p
Butterfingers
£12.80p
Choco-Lori
£100.69
Cappuccino’s
£111.51
Collecting tins in various places:
Information Centre
0.72p
Prom Cafe
£8.08p
Hobby Quarter
£36.54p
Hazelmere
£191.52 and still counting
Donations from:
Postlethwaite's
£76.00p
Lantern Shop
£100.00
Grange Lions
£100.00
Townswomen’s Guild
£100.00
Clare House Hotel
£400.00
Grange Methodist Church
£411.50
St. Charles RC Church
£574.70
Donations from individuals totaling....£605.00p
Raised at the VIVID Art Show ….£451.00p
Councillor Liz Lewis
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A Year in the Life of Civic Mayor Cllr. Elizabeth Lewis
Staying Safe Campaign & Grange Soroptomists
Dedication of a Jubilee oak tree to commemorate the
Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
In their finery for the Edwardian Festival
Supporting local campaigns
Christmas Tree Lighting
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5. Victoria Hall Committee
The Victoria Hall Committee has delegated authority for the management and maintenance of the Victoria Hall,
which is the Council’s largest asset. In 2008, a full building assessment was carried out and the committee
reviewed the assessment in 2012 to ensure that the building was being maintained to a good standard and to
develop a scheme for a maintenance programme. Priorities were identified and due to the adverse weather
that we experienced in the summer the majority of the maintenance took place in the interior of the building.
6. Facilities Committee The Facilities Committee is a committee that has delegated responsibility for the
community and the Councils amenities.
The committee has the responsibility for:
The Recreation Ground
War Memorial
Benches
Lengthsman
Information Centre
Yewbarrow Allotments
Grange Fell Allotments
Liaison with community groups with similar terms of reference
Public conveniences
Signage
The Committee worked on a number of different projects over the past year which have included the
refurbishment of the public toilets, refurbishment of the war memorial and Frank Brooks tablets and
landscaping.
Signage
The Councils Constitution records the importance of the Councils responsibility to encourage tourism. The
significance of clear signs in improving tourism cannot be underestimated. The committee installed new
signage along the Promenade, Rec Ground, Prom Café and at the Victoria Hall for the Information Centre and
services within the building.
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War Memorial
This refurbishment project was undertaken to maintain and conserve the Memorial and make the area around
it more accessible and attractive. The work was mainly funded by grants from The Big Lottery and The Civic
Society. Conservation Chemical Consultants Ltd from Ulverston very generously cleaned all the stonework at
no charge to us and Burlington Stone supplied the beautiful local slate for the paving and plinth at a very
heavily discounted rate. The wording on the tablets was re-painted and local blacksmith Mike Bell from MEL
was commissioned to create new posts and chains. The work is very nearly complete and awaits only the
installation of the acknowledgment plaque. SLDC are re-seeding the area around the Memorial.
The Remembrance Day Service is organised by Council Staff and our thanks to them for making this important
day such a special community event. We were particularly pleased when Lord Cavendish agreed to rededicate the memorial during the refurbishment.
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Information Centre
This committee receives reports from the Information Centre manager who is responsible for running the
Information Centre (IC). The IC was created to be an information point to serve visitors and local residents
alike. As well as helping tourists find accommodation and information about attractions, local residents can
benefit from the wealth of knowledge and information available from the volunteers. The service also acts as a
box office for local events and for the Victoria Hall. The Centre is an asset that the community asked the
Council to support via the precept.
With the publicity and promotion that the IC brings to individual businesses and to the area in general, the
Town Council is working to support the tourism economy and local businesses. The IC Manager had an
established relationship with Grange and District Chamber of Trade and Hoteliers and she project manages
the Town Map and the Summer Band Concerts in Park Road Gardens which encourages tourism.
The manager and volunteers provide an efficient and friendly service. Grange is a tourist town and the Town
Council will continue to work hard to support this important aspect of the local economy.
7. Personnel Committee
This committee was established in 2012 as the Council recognised that as Good Employers they were
obligated to audit their employment procedures.
The committee took to Full Council, recommendations that led to the development of a recruitment and
selection procedure which included recruitment packs, a requirement for a recorded induction and probationary
period, training and development protocol and dispute resolution. The Committee also developed and
recommended policies, procedures and protocol that met the Councils statutory employment obligations.
In 2012 all staff underwent a staff appraisal for the first time, the results of which were reviewed by the
committee members and formed the basis of a pay review. The recommendations were then reviewed and
resolved by Full Council.
As part of the pay review an assessment of staff contracts and job descriptions was carried out. This identified
that all staff required new job descriptions that reflected their current activities. The committee also
recommended that staff be offered the 2011 model contract which provided the staff with nationally agreed
terms and conditions.
A National Agreement between NALC and SLCC agreed a model employment contract and national pay
scales for clerks, deputy and assistant clerks and RFOs. The main provisions of the model employment
contract are drawn from the National Joint Council for Local Government Services National Agreement on Pay
and Conditions, (the Green Book). The salary levels for clerks in the National Agreement are based on
comparable roles in other tiers of local government.
The National Agreement leaves the final decision on pay to the council and the employee. However, NALC
and SLCC recommend that clerks’ starting salaries should be consistent with salary scales set out in the
National Agreement. The National Agreement also advises councils that they can adopt an incremental pay
scale which may then be reviewed annually via an appraisal.
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8. Community Led Plan
What is a Community Led Plan?
Community Led Planning (CLP) is a step-by-step process, that enables every citizen to participate in, and
contribute to, improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of their local area. It relies
on people coming together locally, researching local needs and priorities and agreeing a range of different
actions which help to improve their neighbourhood.
Community Led Plan (CLP) Annual Report:
The community of Grange-over-Sands was invited in May/June 2012 by the Grange-over-Sands Town Council
and Grange-over-Sands Town Clerk to establish and develop a community plan. A number of people came
forward and a committee was formed in June/July 2012.
The CLP Steering Committee met on a monthly basis and initially struggled to establish itself. In October the
Committee received three resignations which included the then Chairperson and during November, for
personal reasons, the Secretary stood down.
During October/November the remaining committee members reformed and restructured the Committee.
The CLP Steering Committee since re-establishing itself has established and implemented the following:Identified Available Skill Sets (delivered September 2012):
The CLP Steering Committee considered it necessary to identify the skill base of Committee and supporting
members of the community. The CLP Steering Committee recognises the outstanding requirement to identify
further volunteers who would like to assist in the delivery the overall programme.
Identification of Grange-over-Sands Interest Groups (October/November 2012):
The CLP Steering Committee have researched, documented and summarised all interest groups in Grangeover-Sands. The reason for this analysis is to enable the Steering Committee to understand the availability
and types of groups and activities in the town. The Committee also uses this data to communicate with groups
as required.
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Programme Framework (delivered October/November 2012):
Established basic operating procedures protocol for the Committee and Programme. This includes:
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Constitution
Operating Structure including Roles & Responsibilities
Agenda Structure
Minute Structure
Action Log
Programme Plan (Delivered October/November 2012):
Outlines the programme activities, areas of responsibility and timescales. The CLP Steering Committee is
currently on plan.
Budget (Delivered November 2012):
A programme budget has been determined, agreed and funding ring fenced. The CLP Steering Committee is
currently working within budgetary forecast.
Establishment of Facebook Site (November/December 2012):
The CLP Steering Committee has established a Facebook site. The purpose of this site is to enable the
Steering Committee to communicate with the youth of Grange-over-Sands. To date the Committee have
received some excellent feedback linked to a research questionnaire.
Development, Implementation and Summary of a Research Questionnaire (February to March 2013):
The CLP Steering Committee has undertaken the development of a research questionnaire. The purpose of
this questionnaire is to enable the Steering Committee to ensure questions in the final community
questionnaire cover all aspects affecting the people of Grange-over-Sands.
Approximately 4% of the population of Grange-over-Sands has completed returns and the summarised results
will be made available however, readers must understand these findings give an indicator of the
outcome of the final questionnaire which will be distributed to the population as a whole. Therefore,
findings gathered via the final community questionnaire may differ.
Development of Final Community Questionnaire (February/March 2013)
Having analysed the results of the Research Questionnaire, the CLP Steering Committee are working to
develop the final questionnaire which will be distributed to the community of Grange-over-Sands.
The final questionnaire is scheduled for distribution summer 2013.
Development of a Visitor Questionnaire (March 2013):
A Visitor Questionnaire has been developed aiming to gather information from people visiting Grange-overSands including likes and dislikes etc. This information will be gathered from visitors at local planned events
e.g. Prom Arts and the Edwardian Festival.
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Summary:
The CLP Committee is now on plan to complete its proposed programme by Spring/Summer 2014. We would
like to thank all those who have contributed. The CLP Steering Committee is looking forward to a busy and
productive 2013/14.
Grange-over-Sands Community Led Plan Steering Committee Members:
Geoff D’Arcy (Chairman): Margaret Carter (Secretary): Peter Nightingale (Finance): Malcolm Kimber:
Councillor Patricia Thomas: Councillor Kirstie Sobue
Geoff D’Arcy, Chairman, Grange-over-Sands, Community Led Plan
9. Council Priorities
i) To enable the residents and others to enjoy high quality services and facilities within the Town, and to seek
the continual improvement and enhancement of those facilities in accordance with the desires expressed by
the residents and stakeholders.
ii) To support the revitalisation of the town in order to better meet the commercial, leisure, cultural, social and
educational needs and aspirations of the community.
iii) To work in partnership with other statutory and voluntary bodies, groups, agencies and individuals to ensure
an improving standard of services to meet the needs of the residents and stakeholders.
iv) To promote a safe, attractive and sustainable environment.
v) To represent the opinions and needs of the residents of the Town.
vi) To help create a socially inclusive and caring community which embraces all its residents, irrespective of
age, culture, income, race or religion, and which seeks to develop understanding and mutual cooperation.
In order to achieve the Priorities, Grange Town Council has developed goals. All plans cascade from these
goals, which together with service standards and targets ensure continuous improvements in the Council’s
service to the community.
Goal 1 Civic Amenities: To support and contribute to the social fabric of the Town, and to enhance
community facilities.
Goal 2 Economic Growth: To support and contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the town
through sustainable employment, and tourism.
Goal 3 Planning and Development: To support sustainable appropriate development, where this meets local
planning criteria and the Neighbourhood Plan.
Goal 4 Community Led Planning: To encourage and facilitate the development of community led plans that
will identify the needs, wants and aspirations of the community.
Goal 5 Community Engagement: To encourage and facilitate community engagement ensuring those
members of the community with the smallest voice are heard and to value the community’s contributions and
give them when required, due consideration.
Goal 6 Sustainability and Credibility: To ensure an adequate and realistic provision of resources and
services that meets the Councils priorities, and to ensure that these are managed in such a way as to
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encourage economic efficiency through regular budget reviews and developing a precept that meets the needs
and aspirations of the Community.
Goal 7 Quality Council: To be recognised locally and nationally as being a well-managed council,
representative of the needs of the people that it serves. Being open and honest in everything that it does.
10. Other Activities
In addition to the work of the committees, the Town Council as a whole had also been involved in the following
activities.
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Planning - The Town Council is a statutory consultee for planning applications.
The Remembrance Sunday Service and March. This was planned, organised and led, including
organising all the poppy wreaths required by the organizations that take part in the service.
Supporting the continuation of Grange in Bloom, Concerts in the park, the Edwardian Festival and
Christmas Extravaganza.
Hosting a tea party in recognition of the hard work of our community volunteers.
Working collaboratively with Grange And District Action Group (GADAG) to make representations to the
inspector on matters relating to SLDC’s Land Development Framework (LDF).
Working in partnership with local groups to bring art and sculpture installations to Grange.
Initiating a Community Led Plan.
Continuing to liaise closely with the Police regarding their work throughout the parish and encouraging
community links whenever possible.
Continuing to liaise with community groups and organisations.
Supporting the volunteers of The Christmas Tree Committee.
Grange Shopfront Grant Scheme
Initiated in 2012 the scheme aimed to invigorate and enhance the trading infrastructure and retail image of
Grange as an historic market town.
The scheme provided a grant of up to £250 to shops and businesses to support front renovation and
decoration, new signage, lighting or replacement of lost historical features.
The goal was to improve the visual appearance and appeal of the town to visitors, tourists, customers and the
residents.
The following businesses successfully applied for the grants and the £3,000 allocated from a SLDC grant has
been spent in full.
At Home Café
Butterfingers
Davenports
Choco-Lori
Hazelmere Bakery
Hazelmere Café
Hobby Quarter
Higginsons
Johnstons
Sunrise Cottage Tearoom
Past & Present
Postlethwaites
St.Marys Hospice
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11. District Council Report
Annual District Council Report Kents Bank
As I represent only a small part of Kents Bank most of my work is obviously in Cartmel and Allithwaite.
However in the past year I was involved in the following which directly concerned Kents Bank.
I have undertaken a walk around the area with the street care enforcement officer and identified some issues
and proposed actions on his part.
I gained funding from the LAP for the Town Council to use to complete maintenance, repair or replacement
work on the benches by the station.
I was actively involved in the consultation on the Dog Control orders and the promotion of the community
energy buy in projects rolled out by the District Council.
I continue to support the work of the Town Council at the District Council and keep a close eye on the support
the District Council offers to the many projects the Town Council is working on.
Mary Wilson
District Councillor
12. Annual County Council Report
As I mentioned in my last report County Highways would be re-surfacing The Esplanade and part of Main
Street. I am pleased to say this has happened with the work at Fell Foot also being completed recently.
The kerbing of the triangle at the junction of Windermere Road and Lindale Hill has been undertaken and will
enhance and improve this part of Lindale.
The continued partnership working with the Grange Youth Group has resulted in County funding helping with
the purchase and installation of the new Skateboard Ramps on the promenade together with the support of the
Town Council and many other contributors.
The Outdoor Gym on the promenade by the Café has been a great success and I must thank all concerned
especially the 3Ps Group for organising the installation of this new facility. The funds were raised from the
Local Area Partnership and the County Council with support from the Town Council.
As I present this report there are major changes happening in the NHS from the 1st April .Public Health
functions come back to the County Council and the Primary Care Trust is replaced by the Clinical
Commissioning Group (run by Cumbria’s GP’s).
Morecambe Bay Hospital Trust is going through a major review of all its services and in the summer there will
be a large public consultation on the options for change at our hospitals in the area.
Cumbria Health Transition
As of April 2013, Cumbria County Council will assume responsibility for a number of public health functions as
part of the Government's reforms to the NHS. Looking ahead, the council wants to make sure it uses its new
responsibilities and resources to put health and wellbeing at the heart of everything it does, thereby helping
more people to lead healthier lives, both mentally and physically.
A fundamental review of our medical services is under way as I write in the form of The 'Better Care, Together'
review which is being carried out by local NHS organisations including Lancashire North Clinical
Commissioning Group, Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay
NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals in Lancaster, Barrow and Kendal.
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The review is an opportunity to make sure the best possible health services are provided across North
Lancashire and South Cumbria, which meet the needs of residents, now and well into the future
It will also be possible for everyone to complete the survey, or questionnaire, about local health services. It will
be available in a number of public places such as GP and dental surgeries and libraries from about mid-March
to mid-April.
The feedback from the public and other interested parties will be given to health professionals to help them
develop a set of possible options for future health services. There will be more opportunities to get involved
during the formal public consultation later this year when you can have your say on the options health
professionals have identified for providing local health services in future.
At a local level there is good news as the work has started on the Grange Medical Centre on Berners Close
Car Park which will result in a modern building taking in both Grange GP practices.
County Council’s 2013/14 Budget has frozen council tax while delivering £24.5m in savings
Cumbria County Council agreed on the 14th February a Budget which will see no increase in the county
council’s share of council tax from April 2013 to March 2014.
At a Full Council meeting in Kendal, Councillors agreed to accept the offer from government of a grant to allow
the council to freeze council tax. Accepting the grant, worth the equivalent of a 1% council tax increase to
council funding, means that It is the third consecutive year that the county council’s share of council tax has not
increased.
We have managed to make savings of over 80 million pounds over the last 3 years but kept essential front line
services like our Libraries and Waste Recycling centres open and secured over 1000 apprenticeships, with
over 130 employed directly by the County Council.
In the coming years the County will help deliver superfast broadband working with our supplier BT, to at least
94% of Cumbria’s residents by the end of 2015.This will be at a cost of over £50 million under the
Government’s Broadband Delivery UK programme with the roll out commencing this year.
Bill Wearing
Conservative County Councillor for Grange Division.
13. Household Information
There are 2091 households within the geographic area of Grange-over-Sands with a population of 4,001 and
approximately 3,616 are registered electors. The Town Council’s precept (collected via South Lakeland
District Council) was set at £134,742, £64.10 per Band D property.
14. Finance and Governance
Financial Regulations
Financial Regulations provide the framework for managing the Council’s financial affairs. They apply to every
Member and officer of the Council and anyone acting on its behalf.
The Financial Regulations identify the financial responsibilities of the Council, all Committees, the Town Clerk,
the Section 151 Officer (RFO).
All Members and staff have a general responsibility for taking reasonable action to provide for the security of
the assets under their control, and for ensuring that the use of these resources is legal, is properly authorised,
provides value for money and achieves best value.
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The Council’s detailed financial procedures, setting out how the Financial Procedure Rules will be
implemented, are called Financial Regulations.
The Town Clerk is responsible for ensuring that all employees are aware of the existence and content of the
Council’s Financial Regulations and other internal regulatory documents and that they comply with them.
The Town Clerk is responsible for issuing advice and guidance to underpin the Financial Regulations that
Members, officers and others acting on behalf of the Council are required to follow.
Local Council Risk Management:
The greatest risk facing a local council is not being able to deliver the activity or service that is expected of the
Council by the local population. The Precept is the main source of income for town and parish councils: a
parish or town council gets its funding by receiving a small amount of the local Council Tax. This is referred to
as The Parish Precept. Each Parish Council forecasts the amount of funding it will require for the following
year and requests this funding from the local District Council (SLDC) in the form of a precept tax that is
included within the local Council Tax.
The Council activities and services are risk managed. The Council should be seen to be ‘managing’ all of
these risks when it reviews its insurances and its systems (both financial regulations and standing orders) and
the Minutes of the Council are essential evidence of such reviews. Budget setting and Insurance reviews are
annual activities; the reviews of systems are currently less frequent. The audit commission requires that
systems should be reviewed in some detail, at least every 4th year, unless there are other factors which
require a more frequent review, namely a review triggered by external or internal audit reports, a change in risk
level, or a change of Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer.
Council Minutes were checked by the Internal Auditor for evidence of any unusual activity, along with evidence
that risks are being identified and managed appropriately. The Council is internally audited twice a year due to
its high level of governance and financial compliancy.
A schedule of the types of risks is identified by the Audit Commission in their guidelines.
The Town Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations cover the vast majority of these risks which
were reviewed in May 2012. There is a need to identify any issues not covered within these documents and
then indicate, via the Council and Committee Minutes the way in which they have been considered and
‘managed’. These are considered in a Risk Assessment format and the Council has reviewed the risks
throughout the year.
Risks are shown as being managed in one of three ways:
1. Insurance.
2. Managed risk through ‘third parties’.
3. Managed risk ‘in house’.
Risk Management by Insurance:
The Council’s assets are protected against loss or damage by insurance. Risk of damage to third party
property is covered by public liability insurance, with cover currently provided at the level of £5,000,000.
The loss of cash through theft, dishonesty or fraud is covered by fidelity guarantee. This figure insured is
normally taken as being the equivalent of the end of year reserves plus 50% of the Precept (which should
approximate to the maximum amount of money kept in the Council’s bank accounts).
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Approved Contractors: This year, the Council developed an approved small contractor’s register. For each
contractor the Council holds references and a copy of their public liability insurance which must provide cover
of £5,000,000.
Risk Managed by ‘Third Parties’:
Some duties or responsibilities can be ‘delegated’ in part or whole to outside bodies. One area of the Council’s
operations where this happens is in the maintenance of the toilets or the annual inspection of the skate park by
a suitably qualified inspector.
Risk Management ‘In House’:
Many of the Town Council’s duties are carried out either by directly employed staff or by volunteers and in
these circumstances the Council needs to ensure that appropriate risk management systems are in place and
that these are reviewed on a regular basis.
It should be borne in mind that risk assessment is a continual process and needs to be reviewed on a regular
basis.
Grange-over-Sands Town Council - Budget year ended 31 March 2013.
Summary and Key Features
The 2012-13 budget signaled a determination by Grange Town Council to protect and enhance a number of
key facilities and services in the community. All of these have been considered essential to the wellbeing of
the town, its attraction to visitors and are supported by the Councils priorities. The Councils commitments
increased in direct relation to the withdrawal of services by South Lakeland District Council. These additional
commitments include the long-term management of:

The recreational facilities on the promenade

Service provision for public toilet facilities on the Promenade, in the Ornamental Garden and at Church
Hill including refurbishment, cleaning, maintenance and service management.

The Information Centre.

Allotments at Grange Fell Road.
Forecast
Forecast
2011-12
2012-13
£16,365
£23,993
£10,000
£19,500
£4,696
£5,807

Public conveniences, including the building of a new
fully accessible facility on the Promenade,
refurbishment of Ornamental Garden toilets and
upgrading of Crown Hill toilets.
Refurbishment of the Victoria Hall in accordance with a
5 year plan to bring the building into a good state of
repair and widen the appeal of the facility
Lengthsman service for the community including winter
pavement gritting
Improvements to the recreation ground
£5,492
£8,492

Grants for local groups
£2,000
£4,000

Enhancements to office and upgrade of information
technology equipment
£2,665
£6,778
The 2012-13 budget provided increased levels of
funding for:



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The 2012-13 budget provided funding for the adequate management, administration and support facilities
necessary to implement the above programmes cost effectively and efficiently, This level of resources enabled
the staff to improve and maintain risk management procedures, financial controls and task management
routines, to comply with the standards of governance certified by Council in the Annual Return Statement of
Assurance.
Given the possible size of unforeseen or emergency maintenance costs in the Victoria Hall, and other facilities
now run by the Council, it is important that an adequate level of financial reserves are maintained.
In order to carry out the Council’s planned work and maintain adequate reserves, the 2012/13 budget required
a precept of
£134,742
This equated to an annual charge for each band '0' equivalent household of
£64.10
This is an annual increase of
£23.30
This represents an increase per week of
£0.45
Equivalent to approximately 1 pint of milk
End of year Accounts
Draft accounts for the year will be available for the May Full Council meeting on Monday 13 May
2013. The final accounts will be presented to the Full Council meeting on June 17 2013 for approval,
publication and submission for external audit.
15. Grants Awarded
Grants for Local Groups and S.137 Payments for financial year ended 31 March 2013
The limit for spending under S.137 of the Local Government Act 1972 is £22,306 based on the electoral
roll of 3,616 @ £6.80 per person.
The Grant budget was £4,000
Date
Payee
April
April
May
May
June
June
February
February
Amount
Edwardian Society
Sale of Remembrance Books
Cartmel Peninsula Schools Olympic Event
Sale of Remembrance Books
1st Grange Rainbows
Cartmel Valley Baseball Club
Citizens Advice Bureau
Grange First Responders
Total Payments Made year ended 31 March 2013
In November a £1,000 was set aside for Grange
CLP under section 137
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£250.00
-£2.00
£100.00
-£2.00
£172.35
£120.00
£300.00
£2,000.00
£2,938.35
16. Council Priorities 2013/14
The Council is committed to examining and reviewing its responsibilities and settling a viable development
plan for the future.
Berners Redevelopment
The Council will work towards making significant improvements within the local community, and the
environment by working closely and in partnership with other organisations to redevelop the Berners sites.
Lido
The Council will work in partnership with South Lakeland District Council to develop and complete a Heritage
Lottery Fund Bid to redevelop the Lido and facilitate the development of the Friends of the Lido.
Council's Information
The Council will continue to redevelop and upgrade of the Council website and provide the office with
appropriate information technology to sustain the administration of the Council.
Community Led Plan
The Council will engage with the residents through the Community Led Plan to understand their needs, and in
turn explain how we will address these needs within the resources and powers available to the Council.
To provide continued support to the Grange Community Led Plan with officer support, providing meeting
support and photocopying and funds for the development of community consultation.
Information Centre, Victoria Hall and Recreation Ground
To ensure the continuing improvement and the development of the Council's facilities:





The Information Centre will be decorated, lighting reviewed and extra display units provided.
The Recreation Ground Hut will be upgraded.
The Crazy Golf will be upgraded.
The Victoria Hall maintenance scheme will be continued, to include interior and exterior painting and
decorating and provision of improved lighting.
A 3 year business plan will be developed for the Victoria Hall to include an upgrade in the catering
facilities and sound provision to increase the letting attraction of the hall and attract a wider range of
activities.
War Memorial
The Council will maintain and clean the memorial in an appropriate manner and ensure the continued
remembrance of all those who gave their lives in active service during the First and Second World Wars.
Planning
To contribute actively in the planning process.
To work in partnership the community to safeguard the environment in and around Grange from
inappropriate development and to maintain it for the future by making representations in regard to the LDF
consultations, and to develop an interim planning strategy before the development of a neighbourhood plan
for Grange.
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Tourism
To develop the service provided by the Information Centre by providing training and support to the valuable
team of volunteers.
The Council will establish a partnership with Grange Chamber of Commerce to support local initiatives such
as the Christmas extravaganza.
The Council will provide bunting for special events, dress the front of the Victoria Hall accordingly and
consider the installation of festive lights in Grange working in partnership with the Chamber of Trade and
other businesses and organisations in the Town.
The Council will assist the Christmas Tree Committee to ensure a safe and successful event.
The Council will assist the Prom Art Committee, The 3Ps, The Civic Society, the Prom Gardeners, Charity &
Co and other local groups who actively contribute to the visitor experience and enhance the quality of life for
the residents.
The Council will work with local organisations to develop a sculpture trail for Grange and develop a scheme of
artwork for the Promenade underpasses.
Financial Responsibilities
The Council will ensure that it is adequately resourced to carry out its functions effectively by developing a 3
year business plan which will incorporate all the services and facilities and its strategies. On the delivery of
the actions from the Community Led Plan this document would be reviewed.
The Council will provide a contingency for project officer hours to ensure unplanned projects and initiatives
are delivered.
In trying to ensure that it is able to represent and promote these objectives, the Council accepts that it has
financial responsibilities. In all its deliberations the Council will take into consideration, environmental,
sustainable and ethical issues.
The annual expenditure for the Council is funded from the Council's trading activities and the precept.
The precept is the local tax levied by the Council which is collected on our behalf by South Lakeland District
Council as the rating authority.
The Council's Business Plan will seek to provide details of its future spending in order that residents can
receive an indication of what the precept will be in the future.
The Council will adopt a balanced approach to its capital expenditure in respect of the procurement of new
assets and the maintenance of its existing assets. The priority will be to develop and maintain existing assets
to produce achievable additional benefits. Additional income may also be generated, where appropriate,
through renting, leasing etc. of the Council's assets.
The Council will continue to implement a new accounting system and an electronic banking service to
improve the efficiency of the Council.
Risk Assessments
The Council will review and maintain a risk management strategy as a standing item of Committee and
Council business to facilitate business continuity and compliancy with local council finance regulations and
orders.
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The Council Functions
Allotments
Public Rights of Way Maintenance through the Lengthsman service
Leisure Parks - children's i- play areas, Skate Park, sports courts
Recreations Ground Facilities
Victoria Hall
Information Centre
Public Conveniences
Grants
Band concerts
War Memorial
The Council will continue to:








Review its policies and procedures to ensure that the Council is run in a legal and business-like
manner.
Engage with the community and consult with and take due regard of all comments received from other
statutory bodies, voluntary organisations and individuals to ensure improving standards of service that
meet with local needs.
Improve the budget setting and monitoring process and to identify efficiencies.
Ensure that accounting and audit procedures are completed in a timely manner.
Support local non-profit organisations by providing grants.
Improve staff skills through induction, appraisal and training.
Encourage partnership working to enhance the economy of the town.
Support and encourage local voluntary groups who work on and improve community areas.
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17 Town Councillors
Ward Allocations

North Ward – Cllrs. Bailey, McCall, Thomas & Thorne

South Ward - Cllrs. Fitt, Harvey, Lewis & Sobue

West Ward - Greenway
Councillor Tom Harvey Council Chairman
I have been a Grange Town and District Councillor since 2007, and lived in the area for most of my life. My
wife Joanne works at the Library and I run my own kitchen appliance business. Being a Town Councillor is a
privilege that enables me to influence and shape the place that I love to live in, for the benefit of all residents.
Councillor Liz Lewis Civic Mayor
I am a wife, mother and mother-in-law, A member of the congregation at St. Charles' R.C. church, and I am
involved with various charities both locally and in the wider sphere. I have lived in the area since 2006 when
we retired and in Grange itself since 2010. I wanted to give back something to Grange as I feel I have
benefitted greatly from living in this lovely place.
Councillor Liz Lewis resigns from Council after her Mayoral year to enable her to provide more time to support
her family. Councillor Lewis has embraced the role of Civic Mayor and championed enthusiastically her
chosen charity Heartstart. The Council would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all her hard work.
Councillor Norman Bailey
I was employed in senior management in both the steel and construction industries and latterly in tourism.
Now retired, I have lived in South Lakes for 28 years, the latter 12 in Grange. I have the time and the wish to
use my abilities and experience where I can for the benefit of Grange and its residents.
Councillor Paul Fitt
I am a qualified teacher and have lived in Grange for 14 years with my family. My children have attended
schools in Grange and Cartmel. I enjoy walking and cooking. I am particularly interested in Grange’s
Edwardian heritage.
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Councillor Joanna Greenway
I live in the Grange Fell area with my partner and cat. My career so far has been in education and
environmental consultancy. My interests are planning, green issues and social justice. I love living in Grange
and hope to serve your interests well.
Councillor Frank McCall
I visited Grange regularly from 1978 before moving here permanently in 2004. My wife’s family have lived,
worked and traded in the Grange area since the nineteenth century.
I wish to contribute to the future wellbeing of the community of Grange-over-Sands, its residents and visitors. I
am on the committees of Grange Civic Society and Cartmel Peninsula Local History Society, a Rotarian and
support the local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Councillor Kirstie Sobue
I moved to Grange from Japan in 2005, with my husband (who is Japanese) and two children. We have found
it to be a wonderful community in which to live as a family. This is an interesting time to be involved in the
Town Council, as local government undergoes significant transition. I hope I can make a positive contribution
to the process, and be of benefit to the town as a result.
Councillor Nick Thorne
Originally from Brighton, I moved to Cumbria in 1997 and am married to a Barrovian. I've lived in Grange since
2003 and can't see myself moving away now. I work for the National Park and so am able to bring a slightly
different background and experiences to the Town Council - which I hope will prove to be useful.
Councillor Trish Thomas
I spent my working life as an Early Years teacher in London and Hampshire and have been coming to Grange
for more than a decade, moving here four years ago when my husband and I retired. Having commuted and
worked long hours for years, I now have the time and energy to put into something else worthwhile and I feel
that being a part of the town as a Councillor is the ideal thing for me.
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18. Town Council representatives to Council Committees &
Community Committee and Bodies
Council Chairman
Cllr. Harvey
Civic – Mayor
Cllr. Lewis
CaLC District Association
Cllr. Bailey & Town Clerk
Tourist Information Centre
Cllr. Sobue
Grange In Bloom
Cllr. Bailey
Bandstand
Cllr. Lewis
Local Area Partnership
Cllr. Lewis
3ps Rep
Cllr. Lewis
Grange Prom Youth Group
Cllr. Bailey
Grange CLP
Cllrs. Sobue & Thomas
Berners Project Group
Cllr. Tom Harvey & Town Clerk
Edwardian Committee
Cllr. Trish Thomas
Nutwood Patient Group
Cllr. Trish Thomas
Furness Line Community Rail
Partnership
Cllr. Trish Thomas
Facilities Committee Members
Cllrs. Bailey, Fitt, Greenway, Harvey, Thomas, &Thorne
Personnel Committee Members
Cllrs. Harvey, Lewis, Thomas, Fitt & Greenway
Resources Committee Members
Cllrs. Bailey, Harvey & Thorne
Victoria Hall Committee Members
Cllrs. Bailey, Lacey, Harvey, Greenway, Sobue
Thomas, & Thorne
Cartmel Old Grammar School
Jane Strawbridge (nominated by GTC)
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19. Council Staff Team
STAFF STRUCTURE OF GRANGE-OVER-SANDS TOWN COUNCIL
Town Clerk
(Proper Officer and Responsible Officer)
Viv Tunnadine
Finance Services Manager
Robert Cass
Finance Clerk
Liz Beasant
6 Seasonal
Rec Ground
Staff
Deputy Town Clerk
Claire Benbow
Victoria Hall
Manager
Sally Haines
Regular
contractor Lengthsman
Information Centre
Manager
Lynne Harrison- Speight
1 Cleaner
&
7 Front of
House
Staff
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50
Volunteers
20. Volunteers
We are told that Grange is unique. The special part of living in Grange that many of the residents may not be
aware of is the huge voluntary effort that goes into keeping Grange special and unique. We are lucky enough
to have volunteers who do everything from litter picking, to maintaining our wonderful parks, to fundraising for
equipment to providing essential cardiac resuscitation services. The list is long and varied. The Council would
like to acknowledge this work, effort and commitment. Granges local community groups and organisations are
essential to delivering the quality of life we are all lucky enough to enjoy.
Grange First Responders receiving long service medals from Cllr. Liz Lewis and volunteers
attending the Mayors tea party.
The Volunteers Tea Party
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21. Council Contact Information:
Council Offices
Victoria Hall
Main Street
Grange-over-Sands
Cumbria, LA11 6DP
Tel: (015395) 32375
Website: www.grangeoversands.net
Email: [email protected]
Open to public: Mon, Tues, Wed & Thu. 10am–1pm
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