Kempsey Parish Council will meet on Monday 12 January 2026 at 7.00pm at Kempsey Community Centre. Residents are welcome to attend and raise questions during Public Question Time.
This post explains what councillors will be discussing and deciding, in clear, plain language.
Public Question Time
The meeting will pause for up to 30 minutes to allow residents to raise questions or ask for updates. Each person may speak for up to three minutes.
You can raise a new issue, ask for an update on something previously discussed, or provide new information. Members of the public are not permitted to take part in the council debate itself, but comments and questions will be recorded in the minutes.
Approval of previous minutes and councillor declarations
Councillors will be asked to approve the minutes from the December 2025 meeting. They will also declare any personal or financial interests relating to items on the agenda. Where necessary, councillors with a declared interest may be required to leave the room unless a dispensation has been granted.
Freedom of Information requests
Several Freedom of Information (FOI) requests received since the last meeting will be formally noted. These include requests relating to chairman’s allowances and expenses, Community Café invoices, architects’ costs at Pixham Ferry Lane, and the maintenance of parish noticeboards. These requests will be handled in line with council policy and statutory requirements.
Finance and budget decisions
January is one of the most important meetings of the year for parish finances.
Councillors will consider proposals to open two new savings accounts and transfer £240,000 from the current HSBC account. The aim is to protect parish funds under updated Financial Services Compensation Scheme limits.
There is also a proposal to apply for a .gov.uk domain name for parish council email addresses. This would improve security and ensure compliance with statutory guidance for public authorities.
Councillor allowances
Following discussion at the December meeting, councillors will be asked to formally agree that no financial provision should be made for paying allowances to elected parish councillors in the 2026/27 financial year. If agreed, this confirms that Kempsey Parish Councillors will not receive allowances.
Final budget and council tax precept
Councillors will be asked to agree the final budget for the 2026/27 financial year and to confirm the precept request. The precept is the portion of council tax that funds parish council services and projects.
Pump track, IT Hub and Youth Centre projects
Updates will be provided on several grant-funded projects.
For the pump track, councillors will receive an update on the tender process and consider appointing authorised representatives to meet with prospective contractors.
For the IT Hub and Youth Centre energy efficiency projects, councillors will consider appointing representatives to meet bidders and delegating the evaluation of quotations to the Finance and General Purposes Committee, working with the Clerk. These steps are intended to keep projects moving and meet grant funding requirements.
Pavilion Community Café
An update will be given on preparations for the Pavilion Community Café, including progress toward its opening and any final steps required.
Committee updates
Each council committee will provide a short update, covering finance, environment, community centres, infrastructure, planning, commons and recreation, and the Love Kempsey Working Party. These updates give an overview of activity across all areas of parish responsibility.
Policing priorities
Councillors will be asked to suggest three local policing priorities for the January to March 2026 period, helping guide local policing focus for the coming months.
Why this meeting matters
This meeting will set the financial direction for the year ahead, confirm decisions on councillor allowances, and move forward major community projects including the pump track, IT Hub and Youth Centre improvements. It also covers how parish funds are protected and how local priorities are set.
Residents with an interest in how Kempsey is run are encouraged to attend or review the outcomes once the minutes are published.