Skipwith Parish Council
The last Parish Council meeting was held on 6th March and farewell was said to Councillor Kate Baxter who was retiring from office and thanks expressed for her many years of service. The need for her to be replaced and other vacancies filled was considered urgent, and a leaflet drop to all houses in the parish was organised. Formal notice (organised by Democratic Services at North Yorkshire Council) was also placed on the Parish Council’s notice board, advertising the vacancies with an end date of 7th April. This resulted in two new candidates for the parish council coming forward, one of whom has already been co-opted and the formalities surrounding the appointment of the other councillor is presently in hand.
Recreation Area
The Parish Council continues to explore the options for this area behind the bus shelter. This process continues and when different options are scoped and costed our intention remains to ask the residents to give us their views on them (including no change). In the meantime (as reported in the last Round Up and in the news section of this website) it was decided the area should be levelled to improve safe access across the enclosure for all comers who wish to go there, regardless of what may or may not happen in the future. At the time of writing the cost of this work is being negotiated with a contractor with a view to getting it done soon.
Precept for Financial Year 2025/26
Council Tax Bills for 2025/26 have now been issued by North Yorkshire Council. The Parish Council precept is again at the same level we set for the financial year 2023/24 and covers the estimated day-to-day running costs incurred by the Parish Council each year. We do not believe that our recurring day-to-day running costs should be met from reserves, which have dwindled over recent years, hence the increase from the reduced figure for 2024/25.
Community Speedwatch
Previously reported concerns about vehicles speeding through Skipwith remain, and the Parish Council has purchased equipment for the Community Speedwatch Team to use. The speed signage in the village is also being looked at with a view to improving it if we can.
Meeting date
Please note the date of the Annual Meeting of Skipwith Parish Council (which will include ongoing business) has been changed from 1st May to 15th May 2025 at 19:00 hours in Skipwith Village Hall.