The first Parish Council meeting of 2026 took place on Monday 12 January at Kempsey Community Centre. It was a full agenda with several important decisions affecting finances, local projects and community facilities. Below is a clear summary of what was discussed and agreed.
Public Question Time
Residents welcomed progress on the pump track tender and expressed support for the project moving forward. One concern was raised about whether councillors meeting potential contractors had sufficient technical expertise. The Chair clarified that these representatives are attending site visits only and that a separate evaluation panel with specialist knowledge will assess and score all tender submissions.
Finance and Governance
The Council agreed to open two new savings accounts with Hinckley & Rugby Building Society and Redwood Bank, depositing £120,000 into each. This ensures parish funds remain within the updated Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection limits. Approval was also given to apply for a .gov.uk domain so that council and councillor email addresses meet statutory and security requirements.
Councillor Allowances
Councillors resolved not to make any financial provision for allowances for elected parish councillors for the 2026/27 financial year. The Council asked for this to be clearly communicated on the website and social media, confirming that Kempsey Parish Councillors are unpaid volunteers and wish to remain so.
Budget and Precept
The final budget for the 2026/27 financial year was agreed at £270,920. The Council also approved a precept request of £186,172 to Malvern Hills District Council, which will fund parish services, maintenance and ongoing projects.
Pump Track Update
The pump track tender was formally launched on 5 January 2026 with an estimated value of £100,000, including associated works and access. Contractors are being asked to propose their own designs and sizes. The project will be delivered in two phases. Importantly, the Legacy Grant Scheme has granted an extension to the deadline for starting construction, moving it from 31 March to 31 May 2026. Funding will only be released once planning permission is secured.
IT Hub and Youth Centre Energy Projects
Tenders for energy efficiency improvements at the IT Hub and Youth Centre are being prepared. Councillors and the Deputy Clerk will meet prospective bidders, and the Finance and General Purposes Committee will evaluate quotations and select submissions to be forwarded to the Legacy Grant Scheme.
Pavilion Community Café
Progress continues on the Pavilion Community Café. The new kitchen and equipment have been delivered and installation work is underway. However, urgent roofing issues have been identified and must be resolved. The intention remains to open the café by the end of January if these issues are addressed in time.
Community and Environment Updates
Plans were confirmed for Love Kempsey Daffodil Weekend, taking place on 21–22 March 2026 at St Mary’s Church. Work is underway to target areas where bulbs failed to grow, with support from Severn Trent. Plans are also in place for a larger Christmas tree with more lights for the 2026 festive season.
Planning and Infrastructure
The Pixham Ferry Lane Community and Sports Centre application remains under review, with ongoing discussions involving highways, parking arrangements, biodiversity requirements and statutory consultees. Some site plan elements have been amended or removed to address concerns and keep the application moving forward.
Policing Priorities January to March 2026
Three policing priorities were agreed for the coming quarter: anti-social behaviour at the Rocky, illegal pavement parking throughout the village (particularly near the doctor’s surgery, Post Office Lane during school times, and Church Street and Christina Close), and dangerous parking and anti-social behaviour including shoplifting at the village shop.
January’s meeting focused on locking in key decisions rather than new proposals. Parish finances have been strengthened, the budget and precept agreed, councillors remain unpaid, progress continues on the pump track and community café, and clear policing priorities have been set for the coming months