Making A Difference In Your Community Today
Vice Chair
Blakelaw Ward Contact No. 07986 131 306 Email. jimmygill.bnfcc@gmail.com
Community Councillor
Blakelaw Ward Contact No. 07817 272 982 Email. annkeenan1952@gmail.com
Community Councillor
Cragston Ward
Community Councillor
Cragston Ward
Community Councillor
Cragston Ward
Community Councillor
North Fenham Ward
Community Councillor
North Fenham Ward
Clerk to the Community Council
FOR ALL MEETINGS OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL INCLUDING DROP INS AND SUB GROUPS, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAIR OR CLERK TO THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THE VENUE
Community Council Meetings
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month, (except August and December), in the Community Room, Moorland House, Moulton Place, Blakelaw, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3RY - please check the website for times as they do vary. You are advised to check the location on each agenda. Please see the below for the agendas and minutes of each meeting.
Members of the public are welcome to attend and raise any issues before the commencement of the formal business. If you wish to speak during the formal business session, please indicate this to the Chair by raising your hand. The Chair will conduct the order of speakers and will indicate who will speak next.
Standards and Codes
The Standards (Parish/Community Councils) Sub Committee, oversees the operation of the codes of conduct by providing guidance assistance and training. See the Code of Conduct
BNFCC Standing Orders 2018 (revised 2020)[2600].docx
BNFCC Financial Regulations July-2019[2598].docx
2023/2024 - Agenda's and Minutes
Date | Agenda | Minutes |
13 April 2023 | Agenda 13.04.2023.doc | Rearranged to 20 April 2023 |
20 April 2023 | Agenda 20.04.2023.doc | Minutes 20.04.2023.doc |
11 May 2023 - AGM | AGM Agenda 11.05.2023.doc | Minutes 12.05.2022.doc |
08 June 2023 | No meeting | |
Special Meeting 20 June 2023 | Extra-ordinary Meeting 20.06.2023.doc | Minutes 20.06.2023 (extra-ordinary meeting).doc |
13 July 2023 | Agenda 13.07.2023.doc | |
10 August 2023 | No meeting | |
14 September 2023 | Agenda 14.09.2023.doc | Cancelled to be rearranged |
10 October 2023 | ||
09 November 2023 | ||
14 December 2023 | No meeting | |
11 January 2024 | ||
08 February 2024 | ||
14 March 2024 |
Sub Groups 2023/2024
Date | Sub Group | Agenda | Chair (for further information please contact the Chair) |
25 May 2023 | Community Engagement/Evo Group | Agenda 25.05.2023 (Joint Meeting).doc | John Wears (meeting not quorate) |
25 May 2023 | Employment Group (Closed Group) | ||
06 July 2023 | Community Engagement/Evo Group | ||
July 2023 | Employment Group (Closed Group) | ||
28 September 2023 | Community Engagement/Evo Group | ||
October 2023 | Employment Group (Closed Group) | ||
23 November 2023 | Community Engagement/Evo Group | ||
26 January 2024 | Community Engagement/Evo Group | ||
January 2024 | Employment Group (Closed Group) | ||
22 March 2024 | Community Engagement/Evo Group |
2022/2023 - Agenda's and Minutes
Date | Agenda | Minutes |
14 April 2022 (Cancelled) | Agenda 14.04.2022.doc | Meeting cancelled and rearranged to 28/04/2022 |
28 April 2022 (rearranged) | Agenda 28.04.2022(rearranged).doc | Minutes 28.04.2022.doc |
12 May 2022 (AGM) | AGM Agenda 12.05.2022.doc | Minutes 12.05.2022.doc |
09 June 2022 | Agenda 09.06.2022.doc | Minutes 09.06.2022.doc |
14 July 2022 | Agenda 14.07.2022.doc | Minutes 14.07.2022.doc |
August 2022 | No Meeting | |
08 September 2022 (postponed due to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) | Agenda 08.09.2022.doc | Minutes 08.09.2022.doc |
13 October 2022 | Agenda 13.10.2022.doc | Minutes 13.10.2022.doc |
17 November 2022 | Agenda 17.11.2022.doc | Minutes 17.11.2022.doc |
December 2022 | No Meeting | |
12 January 2023 | Agenda 12.01.2023.doc | Minutes 12.01.2023.doc |
09 February 2023 | Agenda 09.02.2023.doc | Minutes 09.02.2023.doc |
09 March 2023 | Agenda 09.03.2023.doc | Meeting cancelled and rearranged to 16/03/2023 |
16 March 2023 | Agenda 16.03.2023.doc | Meeting Cancelled |
Sub Groups
Date | Sub Group | Agenda | Chair (for further information please contact the Chair) |
08 June 2022 | Community Engagement | Agenda 08.06.2022.doc | Juna Sathian |
07 July 2022 | Environment | Evo Gp 07.07.2022.doc | Violet Rook |
04 August 2022 | Staffing (Closed Group) | John Wears | |
08 September 2022 | Community Engagement | Agenda 08.09.2022.doc | Juna Sathian |
06 October 2022 | Environment | Postponed | Violet Rook |
03 November 2022 | Community Engagement | Juna Sathian | |
01 December 2022 | Staffing (Closed Group) | John Wears | |
05 January 2023 | Budget Meeting | John Wears | |
02 February 2023 | Community Engagement | Juna Sathian | |
02 March 2023 | Environment | Violet Rook | |
March 2023 | Staffing (Closed Group) | John Wears |
2021/2022 - Agenda's and Minutes
Date | Agenda | Minutes |
08 April 2021 | Agenda 08.04.2021.doc | Minutes 08.04.2021.doc |
POSTPONED 13 May 2021 - AGM | AGM Agenda 13.05.2021.doc | POSTPONED due to the continuation of holding digital meetings lapsing |
20 May 2021 - AGM - to be held at English Martyr's Church | Agenda 20.05.2021 (Rescheduled from 13.05.2021).doc | Minutes(AGM) 20.05.2021.doc BNFCC Annual Report 2020-21[3390].pdf |
10 June 2021 | Agenda 10.06.2021.doc | Minutes 10.06.2021.doc |
08 July 2021 | Agenda 08.07.2021.doc | Minutes 08.07.2021.doc |
August 2021 - No Meeting | ||
16 September 2021 | Agenda 16.09.2021.doc | Minutes 16.09.201.doc |
14 October 2021 | Agenda 14.10.2021.doc | Minutes 14.10.2021.doc |
11 November 2021 | Agenda 11.11.2021.doc | Minutes 11.11.2021.doc |
02 December 2021 - Special Meeting | Agenda 02.12.2021.doc | Minutes 02.12.2021.doc |
13 January 2022 | Agenda 13.01.2022.doc | Minutes 13.01.2022.doc |
10 February 2022 | Agenda 10.02.2022.doc | Minutes 10.02.2022.doc |
10 March 2022 | Agenda 10.03.2022.doc | Minutes 10.03.2022.doc |
Sub Groups
Date | Sub Group | Agenda | Chair (for further information please contact the Chair) |
04/02/2021 | Community Engagement Group | BNFCC Comms Meeting 04.02.2021.doc | Jimmy Gill |
03/06/2021 | Community Engagement Group | Agenda 03.06.2021.doc | Juna Sathian |
01/07/2021 | Environmental Group | Agenda 01.07.2021.docx | Violet Rooke |
21/09/2021 | Community Engagement Group | Agenda 21.09.2021.doc | Juna Sathian |
2020/2021 - Agendas and Minutes
Date | Agenda | Minutes |
09 April 2020 | No Meeting (COVID - 19) | |
14 May 2020 - No AGM till 2021 | Agenda 14.05.2020.doc | Minutes 14.05.2020.doc |
11 June 2020 | Agenda 11.06.2020.doc | Minutes 11.06.2020.doc |
09 July 2020 | Agenda 09.07.2020.doc | Minutes 09.07.2020.doc |
13 August 2020 | Agenda 13.08.2020.doc | Minutes 13.08.2020.doc |
10 September 2020 | Agenda 10.09.2020.doc | Minutes 10.09.2020.doc |
08 October 2020 | Agenda 08.10.2020.doc | Minutes 08.10.2020.doc |
12 November 2020 | Agenda 12.11.2020.doc | Minutes 12.11.2020.doc |
10 December 2020 - No Meeting | ||
14 January 2021 | Agenda 14.01.2021.doc | Minutes 14.01.2021.doc |
11 February 2021 (meeting postponed to 18 February 2021) | Meeting postponed to 18/02/2021 | Meeting postponed to 18/02/2021 |
18 February 2021 | Agenda 18.02.2021(rescheduled from 11.02.2021).doc | Minutes 18.02.2021.doc |
11 March 2021 | Agenda 11.03.2021.doc | Minutes 11.03.2021.doc |
2019/2020 - Agendas and Minutes
Date | Agenda | Minutes and Chairs Report |
11 April 2019 | Agenda 11.04.19.doc | Minutes 11.04.19.doc |
09 May 2019 (including AGM) | Agenda 09.05.19.doc | Minutes 09.05.19.doc |
13 June 2019 | Agenda 13.06.19.doc | Minutes 13.06.19.doc |
11 July 2019 | Agenda 11.07.19.doc | Minutes 11.07.19.doc |
August 2019 | No Meeting | |
12 September 2019 | Agenda 12.09.19(1).doc | Minutes 12.09.19.doc |
10 October 2019 | Agenda 10.10.19.doc | Minutes 10.10.19.doc |
14 November 2019 | Agenda 14.11.19.doc | Minutes 14.11.19.doc |
09 December 2019 - Special Meeting | Agenda 09.12.19.doc | Minutes 09.12.19.doc |
06 January 2020 - Budget Meeting | Agenda 06.01.2020.doc | Minutes 06.01.2020.doc |
09 January 2020 | Agenda 09.01.2020.doc | Minutes 09.01.2020.doc |
13 February 2020 | Agenda 13.02.2020.doc | Minutes 13.02.2020.doc Chairs Report 12.03.2020.pdf |
12 March 2020 | Agenda 12.03.2020.doc | Minutes 12.03.2020.doc |
Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR)
Each year Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council are required to complete and submit to its External Auditor, an Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR). Once the return has been approved by the External Auditor, it is published on the Council’s website.
2022 - 2023
Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2022 - 2023
Notice of Conclusion of Audit
Internal Auditor Report 2022 - 2023
Final Internal Audit Report (G Fletcher).pdf
Public Right of Inspection Notice
Unaudited AGAR 2022 - 2023
Signed Unaudited AGAR 2022-23.pdf
Bank Reconciliation 2022-23 (1).xlsx
Explanation-of-Variances-2022 - 23.xls
Asset Register & Risk Assessment
Asset Register 2022 - 2023.xlsx
Risk assessment 2022 - 2023.docx
2021 - 2022
Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2021 - 2022
Notice of Conclusion of Audit
Notice of conclusion of audit.docx
Public Right of Inspection Notice
Public-rights notice 2021-22.docx
Unaudited AGAR 2021 - 2022
Asset Register & Risk Assessment
Asset Register 2021 - 2022.xlsx
Risk assessment 2021 - 2022.docx
2020 - 2021
Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2020 - 2021
Notice of Conclusion of Audit
Notice of conclusion of audit_2021[1786].docx
Public Right of Inspection Notice
Public Right of Inspection (14.06.2021 - 23.07.2021).docx
AGAR 2020 - 2021(amended)
Amended Part 3 AGAR 30.08.21(Initialled)[5771].pdf
Annual-Return-Part3-2020-21-3-e-enabled.pdf
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2020 - 2021
Asset Register 2020 - 2021.xlsx
Risk assessment 2020-2021.docx
2019 - 2020
Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2019 - 2020
Section 1&2 AGAR (Signed Off).pdf
Section 3 AGAR (Signed Off).pdf
Notice of Conclusion of Audit
Notice of conclusion of audit_2020[1786].docx
Public Right of Inspection Notice
Public Right of Inspection (01.09.2020-12.10.2020).docx
AGAR 2019 - 2020
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2019 - 2020
2018 - 2019
AGAR 2018 - 2019 - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community Council
Accounts 2018 - 2019
Copy of B&NFCC 18-19 accounts.xlsx
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2018 - 2019
2017 - 2018
AGAR 2017 - 2018 - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community Council
Accounts Certificate March 2018.pdf
Accounts 2017 - 2018
Copy of B&NFCC 17-18 accounts.xlsx
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2017 - 2018
2016 - 2017
AGAR 2016 - 2017 - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community Council
Accounts 2016 - 2017
Copy of B&NFCC 16-17 accounts.xlsx
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2016 - 2017
2015 - 2016
AGAR 2015 - 2016 - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community Council
Copy of B&NFCC 15-16 accounts (1385).xlsx
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2015 - 2016
Blakelaw & North Fenham Community Council aims to improve the social and economic welfare of the residents of the Parish. It is essential that any organisation requesting financial assistance will be expected to support the aims of the Council and that its activities address at least one of the following objectives:-
Applications must be from a community based organisation. The Council will not consider applications from individuals, projects that are political or religious projects that do not demonstrate social or economic benefits.
You can apply for a grant funding by completing the below grant funding application(click on the link), don't forget to read the guidance notes thoroughly and ensure you have ALL relevant documents requested before you submit your application.
Grant Application June 2020.docx
Grant application guidance notes June 2020.doc
Grant Monitoring Form June 2020.doc
In 2022 - 2023 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:
Blakelaw Club Juniors Football Club
SEARCH
Blakelaw Flats TARA
Blakelaw & North Fenham Community Council have also donated garden seating to an area within North Fenham
Red Sky Foundation (Defibrillator)
Blakelaw & North Fenham Community Council donated Christmas Trees to Hilton Primary Academy and Thomas Walling Primary Academy
In 2021 - 2022 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:
Holly Court
Blakelaw Flats TARA
Blakelaw Club Juniors Football Club
Hilton Primary School
Thomas Walling Primary School
Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council also donated a laptop to an apprentice via Projects4Change
In 2020 - 2021 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:
Projects4change - Youth Work
Blakelaw Club Juniors Football
In 2019/20 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:
Blakelaw Pensioners Association
Newcastle West Kinship Carers
Blakelaw Flats Tenants and Residents Association
Holly Court Club
165 Tenants and Residents Association
Fostering in Newcastle
Jelly Tots Messy Play
Little Learners Nursery - Blakelaw
Newcastle United Foundation
Newcastle Jobs Fair @ the Civic Centre Looking for a job, training, support or a step up the career ladder? Be part of one of the region’s largest jobs fairs hosted by Newcastle City Council, Your Homes Newcastle and Job Centre Plus on Wednesday 4th October at Newcastle Civic Centre, between 10am and 2pm. To book your free ticket go to Newcastle Jobsfair Tickets, Wed, Oct 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite or for help to book contact the Skills Hub on 0191 277 4125, skillshub@newcastle.gov.uk or text 07977 730 739
Newcastle City Council Housing Review
As you know the Housing Review consultation is underway and to help boost responses to the drop-ins can you please share the attached information with your networks.
For more information and links to the survey, please click on this link: Housing Review | Newcastle City Council
We have community information drop-in sessions planned for tenants, leaseholders and residents.
Friday 22 September 2023
West End Customer Service Centre, NE4 9JH
11.00am – 1.00pm
----------------x----------------
Monday 25 September 2023
St Martins Centre, Roman Avenue, NE6 2RJ
11.00am – 1.00pm
----------------x----------------
Tuesday 26 September 2023
City Library, 33 Newbridge Street, NE1 8AX
10.00am – 12.00noon
----------------x----------------
Thursday 28 September 2023
Kenton Customer Service Centre, NE3 3QJ
2.00pm – 4.00pm
Newcastle Jobs Fair
Newcastle Jobs Fair @ the Civic Centre
Looking for a job, training, support or a step up the career ladder? Be part of one of the region’s largest jobs fairs hosted by Newcastle City Council, Your Homes Newcastle and Job Centre Plus on Wednesday 4th October at Newcastle Civic Centre, between 10am and 2pm.
To book your free ticket go to Newcastle Jobsfair Tickets, Wed, Oct 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite or for help to book contact the Skills Hub on 0191 277 4125, skillshub@newcastle.gov.uk or text 07977 730 739
Tuesday Trailblazers (Tuesday Group)
Christmas Market Day - 9th December 2023
SEARCH Activity Bulletin - September 2023
The Newcastle Pantry is coming soon! We are a small social supermarket set up to help people on a low income save money on food shopping bills. We are part of the Newcastle West End Foodbank charity, but we have a separate brand and identity. Unlike a foodbank our members pay a subscription of £5 when they visit one of our pop-up pantries. In return they can choose a minimum of 10 items from a choice of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy items, tinned items plus other essential household items. Our pantry will accept Healthy Start vouchers allowing eligible households to pay for half of their membership (£2.50) this way. The remainder of their membership needs to be paid in the usual way.
Our first pop-up pantry will be launching at Blakelaw Community Centre in April. To help us celebrate and meet members of the community we’ve arranged a coffee morning on Tuesday 21 March between 10am and 21 noon. If you live in Blakelaw why not come and say hello, see how our pantry will look and find out how you can save money on your shopping.
If you support people living in Blakelaw who could benefit from the pantry please could you help us to promote this offer? I’ve attached a poster and some information on frequently asked questions about the pantry.
If you’re unable to make the coffee morning but would like to know more about the pantry and how it develops email: clare.fish@newcastle.gov.uk and we will add you to our pantry mailing list.
FAQ's - Newcastle Community Pantry
Newcastle Community Pantry FAQ's.docx
The return of the Community Defibrillator
Following the sad news that our original defibrillator had been stolen in April 2022, Blakelaw and North Fenham Community have successfully obtained a replacement life saving Defibrillator to help support the community and all the residents in the area of Blakelaw and North Fenham. With the support of the The Red Sky Foundation and the continued support from Your Homes Newcastle, the defibrillator has been placed on the outside of Moorland House.
Cost Of Living Guide
Please see the below statement from the Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, on his commitment to support residents with the rise in the cost of living. The guide is a live document and will regularly be updated by the City Council.
Please find a link to our Cost of Living Guide.
"The guide is a living document which will be updated regularly. I am keen to share this piece of work as widely as possible to make sure our residents all have access to up-to-date information and advice. Please make use of this guide in the work you do supporting residents and check back for updates.
The Cost of Living Crisis is one of my administration’s three overarching priorities. I hope we can work together across the city to support our communities through these toughest of times.
The work of people and organisations like yours across our city has been amazing for many years and highlighted even more so throughout Covid. It is even more essential now with so many more pressures, the cost of food, energy, fuel, these are unprecedented times. Everything you do to help our communities is hugely appreciated.
It is only by working together for each other that we will get the support and advice to everyone who needs it.
I would like as Leader of the City Council to personally thank you for all that you do and I know will continue to do.
If your organisation offers services or activities that will help residents impacted by the cost of living crisis and you would like them to be included in the guide please get in touch with Beverley Ogle on beverley.ogle@newcastle.gov.uk providing information on the service or activity offered and how residents can access them.
Thank you
Nick"
Cllr Nick Kemp
Leader of Newcastle City Council
Alcohol Awareness Leaflet
Alcohol Causes Cancer 2022 PARTNER TOOLKIT FINAL LA7[4552].docx
RCH
Tik Tok Awareness Leaflet
Thomas Walling Primary School - Queen's Green Canopy
Mr Serfontein, Deputy Lieutenant, attended Thomas Walling Primary Academy on Monday 11th October, 2021. He addressed an assembly of pupils, explaining the significance of the Queen's Green Canopy and included some very interesting facts about trees. The children thoroughly enjoyed joining in with his 'wow' moments and felt very excited and privileged to be the recipient of one of only 70 birch trees as part of this important initiative. Following the assembly, Mr Serfontein planted the birch tree (betula ermanii) with members of the School Council. It now has pride of place on 'the hill' outside of the school's dining hall, where it can be viewed every day.
More information about the Queen’s Green Canopy, ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’, can be found at this website:
Useful Links
Newcastle City Council, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QH
Telephone No. 0191 278 7878
www.projects4change.org
Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council aim to provide a community newsletter 4 times per year. If you would like to contribute to our newsletter. Please email bnfcc@outlook.com with your request. Our Newsletters are below:
March 2020
BNFCC Newsletter MARCH 2020[10699].pdf
June 2020
BNFCC Newsletter JUNE 2020[11955].pdf
October 2020
Christmas Update December 2020 and 2021 Calendar
January 2021
BNFCC COVID final Flyer January 2021.pdf
Spring2022
BNFCC Spring Newsletter 2022[5460].pdf
Summer 2022
BNFCC Summer Newsletter 2022[5461].pdf
March 2023
INTRODUCTION TO WELLBEING COACHING
DELIVERED BY MARO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
We are now working with MARO Personal Development to offer residents of Blakelaw and North Fenham this free course.
Are you interested in a role as a wellbeing coach? If so enrol on our FREE online introductory course.
A wellbeing coach can help people achieve their goals in life by applying the principles and processes of life coaching to achieve lifestyle improvements. The wellbeing coach stands by the client as an advocate of their health and wellbeing whilst inspiring and supporting their growth and development.
Our FREE introductory course will give you an awareness of the role of the wellbeing coach.
Course Start date – Ongoing dates - please just ask
Course length - There is a 2-week window for you to complete the course and you can access the course any time to undertake your learning.
Course duration - The course should take you around 4 - 5 hours to complete.
Course Modules–
Introduction to the course
The Role of a Wellbeing Coach
The Benefits of Wellbeing Coaching
Hot Topics in Wellbeing Coaching
Wellbeing Coaching in the Community and Workplace
Building a Wellbeing Coaching Business
Next Steps
Course assessment - There an external assessment at the end of the course in a format of a quiz.
Course access - You will access the course through our Moodle platform the URL is https://www.maropersonaldevelopment.online.
On completion - On completion you will be emailed a MARO Personal Development Certificate.
About us - if you would like any more information about MARO our information is on our website maropersonaldevelopment.com . If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us, via email or by phone on 0191 903 5629 or +447368306854.
Christmas has started in the world of Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council. On the 25 November, off we went on a special journey to Northern Christmas Trees based in Gosforth to select 2 very special Christmas trees. These special trees were being donated by the Community Council and heading off to 2 special venues to brighten up the faces of the staff and children at Hilton Primary School and Thomas Walling Primary School. The trees were picked and delivered to the schools at the beginning of December and I’m sure you’ll all agree they are beautiful. It was a pleasure to be able to donate these gorgeous trees to our community.
Despite the recent Coronavirus uncertainty Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have continued to work hard supporting various organisations within the community, below is an update of what has been happening including some photographs for everyone to see.
Christmas Trees Christmas has started in the world of Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council. On the 27 November, off we went on a special journey to Northern Christmas Trees based in Gosforth to select 2 very special Christmas trees. These special trees were being donated by the Community Council and heading off to 2 special venues to brighten up the faces of the staff and children at Hilton Primary School and Thomas Walling Primary School. The trees were picked and delivered to the schools last week and I’m sure you’ll all agree they are beautiful. It was a pleasure to be able to donate these gorgeous trees to our community.
Anyone for a Christmas Selection Box Did you know there are around 900 children attending the both Thomas Walling and Hilton Primary Schools and Little Learners Nursery in the Blakelaw and North Fenham Parish boundary area. With a little help from the Community Council, Santa Claus managed deliver to the schools and the nursery a selection box for everyone – we hope that you all enjoy your sweet treats.
Christmas Tree Hamper Appeal It is with great pleasure that Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council were able to donate £500 worth of food to support the Christmas Tree Hamper appeal in aid of the community’s older residents who will be spending Christmas on their own this year. We hope that those receiving a hamper this year enjoys all the surprises inside.
It is with great sadness that as Chair of Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council I am having to make this statement. The community council (council) have recently been made aware of a Facebook post made by an ex-community councillor that made a number of inaccurate statements. Whilst it would not be usual practice for the council to comment on such nonsense, given this post created quite a significant amount of discussion with feedback being received from residents that the ex-councillor continues to speak ill of the council it was felt that we had no other option but to respond. My apologies that this will be a longer statement than I would ever wish to make but feel it’s important to share the councils version of events.
Firstly, I need to point out that Parish and Community Councillors are NOT volunteers, they are elected in to the position of councillor by the electorate ie the residents of Blakelaw and North Fenham. In July 2022 I was alerted to a serving councillor receiving £660 of grant funding from a grant recipient at Christmas 2021. The original grant application had stated that the organisation would be spending the funding on a lunch out, if an applicant wishes to change the use of the funding then they must contact the council to ask permission. On receiving the monitoring forms from the organisation, it appeared that a serving councillor had received the funds to provide a Christmas lunch, this was confirmed by the organisation. As Chair, I am required to investigate the claim especially as this particular issue has been raised and discussed on a number of occasions with councillors agreeing that NO councillor should financially benefit from any grant funding being awarded by council – this councillor attended every meeting that this matter was discussed and knew this funding application had been granted. Whilst this practice is not legally wrong it is viewed as being morally wrong within the remit of the council. On meeting with the councillor, a number of statements they made concerned me and at the end of the meeting I informed them that due to comments made by them, the fact that I had spoken to this councillor before about their conduct and my concerns, I as Chair would be referring them to Newcastle City Council’s(NCC) Standards Board for “misappropriation of council funds” NOT for aggression although the councillor did become aggressive when challenged. This type of referral is a confidential matter between the parties and the councillor will have been reminded of this when spoken to by NCC. Whilst this councillor was spoken to NO investigation ever took place, this was NOT because there was NO case to answer but because the councillor resigned prior to any investigation taking place. To be clear this is an unpleasant process for everyone but a one I felt needed to be undertaken on this occasion.
In relation to comments made with regards to the “toxicity” of the council and a subsequent 3 resignations for this same reason, the council did contact each person regarding their resignations. One person confirmed that the reasoning for their resignation was due to other commitments that they had and NOT due to the reasons stated in the ex-councillors Facebook post, the other 2 people did not respond to my request for further discussion and evidence of this type of behaviour. At no point during these councillor’s term of office have they ever raised concerns regarding toxicity and/or bullying and when at a recent staffing meeting were shocked and surprised when the clerk raised as a concern the conduct of some councillors. The council takes these types of allegations very seriously and are currently awaiting advice from NCC on how to self-refer to their Standards Board which will hopefully review processes, practices and comments made although I am confident that the council have not conducted itself in a manner that would question its reputation or the work it does within the community.
In relation to comments made about being jealous following the awarding of a BEM – why would those who serve on the council be jealous of another serving councillor, are we not meant to be working together? The council shared congratulations along with many others. I do find this statement very odd as councillors undertake the work they do on behalf of residents to help, support and enhance residents lives and the area they live in not to receive awards!!!!
We have also received feedback from a resident that this ex-councillor has also stated that we refused a funding application for the play group for the recent October half term. I can confirm that the council did not receive an application for funding from the playgroup. The council will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will be monitoring the various feedback we do receive. The people of Blakelaw and North Fenham deserve the best and the council want to continue working hard to support the community in achieving this. We would welcome the opportunity to work alongside as many organisations as possible to enhance the lives of residents but this works both ways.
Finally, the council is a tier of local government and are expected to follow very specific process, practice and regulation, just like any other government institution. To ensure that the resident we serve are receiving the best possible support and value for their precept payment questions need to be asked and challenges to information are required. We do not have an endless pot of money and any spend has to enhance those residents lives who pay the precept.