8/6/2025 Dates, Costs and Decisions relating to new noticeboard
Request for Information Decision
Date of request: 8/6/25
Date of decision: 8/6/25
Request:
- I would be grateful if you can tell me the dates for both the supply and installation of the new noticeboard.
- At the time of purchase, was any consideration given as to the cost of installation / permits necessary prior to the order being made? If not, why was this the case?
- I am sure there will be a degree of incredulity from residents when the installation cost is made known, especially so with the council tax increase this year.
Decision:
In accordance with Section 1(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, you are advised that Thimbleby Parish Council does hold information that falls within the description specified in your request.
- The dates of delivery and installation are held and are provided.
- The minutes of Thimbleby Parish Council show the steps decisions taken to purchase and install the new noticeboard.
- The net cost to the parish council calculation has been provided.
The information the parish council holds about these questions is provided in the information attached.
If information has been refused, please treat this as a Refusal Notice for the purposes of the Act.
Your right of appeal:
If you have any queries regarding this decision, please contact the Clerk to the Parish Council.
If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to make a complaint or request an internal review of our decision (within 40 days of this decision notice) you should write to:
Thimbleby Parish Council, Halstead Hall, Stixwould Road, Lincoln LN10 5HJ
Email address: clerk@thimblebyparishcouncil.gov.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint / the Internal Review you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
Most of the information that we provide in response to the Freedom of Information Act 2000/Environmental Information Regulations 2004 requests will be subject to copyright protection. In most cases the copyright will be owned by the Council. The copyright in other information may be owned by another person or organisation, as indicated by the information itself.
Minutes of Thimbleby Parish Council relating to the replacement noticeboard purchase, delivery, installation and calculation of net cost.
November 2023
37/23 Finance
d) To consider budget preparation for 2023-24
Parish council considered items to be put into the budget including replacement of some Community Speed Watch passive speed limit signs, redecoration of benches and noticeboards, work to either decommission the noticeboard Durham Ox or to redecorate, purchase of another speed indicator device and to consider what work needs to be completed to the Village Pump. Parish Council hoped not to increase the precept too high and any donations received may allow certain work to be brought forward. The Clerk will bring budget options to the next meeting for approval and precept-setting.
January 2024
09/24 To consider and approve any bin moves, noticeboard changes and other asset updates.
ELDC had not provided any update on the proposed bin move raised in 2023. Clerk to follow up. The noticeboard near Green Lane junction was to be replaced soon to show the parish council aimed to support all parts of the parish and village. It was proposed, seconded and unanimously RESOLVED a budget of £1500 to obtain a metal noticeboard and the Clerk was to obtain quotes from providers for approval at a future meeting.
February 2024
22/24. To consider insurance claim, quotations and approve a replacement noticeboard near the Durham Ox following destructive storm damage.
The Clerk reported that the insurance claim was being progressed. Council deferred this item to the next meeting.
March 2024
36/24 To consider insurance claim, quotations and approve a replacement noticeboard near the Durham Ox following destructive storm damage.
Insurer had settled claim for £1,183.98. Councillors considered if they should replace the noticeboard. Verbal comments from residents indicated that it was useful for the residents near Durham Ox, Mill Lane, Thimbleby Hill and many passing pedestrians and that the likely replacement would have space for more public notices. Six prices for aluminium noticeboards suppliers considered. RESOLVED to delegate to the Clerk to obtain finalised quotes for Noticeboardcompany and The Parish Noticeboard Company for less than £1,400 and to purchase the best value in consultation with councillors.
May 2024
57/24. To approve a replacement noticeboard near the Durham Ox.
Proposed, seconded unanimously RESOLVED to place order with Noticeboard Company for £1691.38 including VAT and delivery.
September 2024
102/24 f) To consider the delivery and installation of the replacement noticeboard.
Delivery was now expected week-commencing 23rd September due to the supplier needing to fix fault with the glass.
Noticeboard delivery date: 1st October 2024
November 2024
119/24 c) To consider the installation of the replacement noticeboard.
The Clerk advised that the noticeboard had been delivered. It awaited installation. A visual risk assessment of the site indicated potential impact on utilities which would likely prohibit local volunteers installing it. Cllr Bradwell was asked if she could ascertain if Lincolnshire County Council Highways team needed a permit for the installation to take place. The Clerk had obtained a quotation to get the work completed by contractors qualified to undertake highways work. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to approve Vere Bros (Contractors) Ltd to undertake the installation for £749.50 plus VAT.
January 2025
08/25. To consider any highways, footpath and related issues.
c) To receive updates on the installation of the replacement noticeboard.
Lincolnshire County Council have stated that the Parish Council need a S.50 Highways Permit for a fee of £548 for Vere Bros to install it and it was proposed, seconded and unanimously RESOLVED to pay the fee. Cllr Bradwell said that she would contact the Highways Officer to check that the fee really had to be paid.
22/25d) To consider draft budget and precept for 2025-26.
Various options to add to the budget were debated and it was decided not to add to the budget; participation in East Midlands in Bloom initiatives, contracting grounds maintenance to remove leaf litter in the Autumn and adjusting the Clerk’s contracted hours. The Clerk/RFO explained the draft budget calculations highlighting that Earmarked Reserves had been spent this year on the decoration of bus shelter, benches, noticeboards plus with £2,600 unexpected expenditure in 2024-25 needing to come from General Reserves to cover the cost of a new Speed Indicator Device not covered by grants received and the unexpected replacement noticeboard installation costs. General Reserves were now at approximately 35% and should aim to be increased to 80-100% of the budget in keeping with best practice and guidance. VAT would be reclaimed this financial year to boost balances.
Proposed draft budget increased to £5428.00 including £1800 to General Reserves. With 95 Band D properties forming the tax base in the parish of Thimbleby the annual amount would increase from £55.54 to £57.14 per property (a £1.60 increase for the year which is a 2.88% increase) subject to ELDC final billing calculations.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED for a 2025-26 budget of £5428.00 for 2025-26 and the precept is £5428.00. The Clerk to notify ELDC.
March 2025
34/25 c) To receive updates on the installation of the replacement noticeboard.
The Clerk was still waiting for Lincolnshire County Council to issue the permit after chasing repeatedly to find out what they needed.
Noticeboard installation date: 6th May 2025
Cost of the noticeboard purchase and installation
Approved Budget £1,500
Purchase cost of the noticeboard £1,691.38
Installation Cost £ 899.40
Less: VAT reclaim £ 431.80
Less: insurance payout £1,183.98
Net cost to Thimbleby Parish Council £ 975.00