Administration:
- Revise document storage and archiving procedures to make use of the technologies now available;
- Review Clerk’s salary to ensure it is commensurate with the duties undertaken.
Finance:
- Produce clear and accurate documents that effectively communicate our financial situation;
- Set a Precept and budget that ensures the on-going work and commitments undertaken by the council are adequately resourced and insured;
- Ensure proper practices are followed at all times, in accordance with the adopted financial regulations.
Training:
- With the current PC made up of relatively inexperienced members, we will encourage the development of all councillors and clerk through attendance of appropriate training courses when available.
Planning:
- Seek to maintain the village character as a small village in a rural setting, through proper understanding and use of the planning system;
- Gain understanding of impact of the National Planning Policy Framework and the Vale of White Horse District Councils Local Plan 2029 – Part 1: Strategic Sites and Policies.
Parish Plan:
- A committee will be established to review how far we have progressed against the current Parish Plan and commence work on a revised Parish Plan with the aim of publishing by the end of 2014.
Amenities:
- Support UVHAT in the upkeep of the village hall and enhancement of its facilities;
- Maintain the recreation ground and playground equipment to a high standard;
- Ensure routine safety inspections of the playgrounds;
- With the support of the Volunteer Group, improve and maintain communal village areas.
Services:
- Lobby for the maintenance of current bus service levels;
- Secure the future of the Upton News with financial support for printing services, ensuring the continuation of the hardcopy circulation.
- Ensure the Parish Council pages on the village website are complete and correct.
Roads and Footpaths:
- With the support of the Volunteer Group, continue to undertake the contract from Oxfordshire County Council to cut the grass on village footpaths;
- Lobby to ensure our roads are maintained and as safe as possible. Specifically lobby for a pedestrian crossing on the A417;
- Continue efforts to establish a cycle route to Blewbury, which satisfies the requirements of all interested parties.
Dr. Robert Lott Chairman
Upton Parish Council
26th November 2013