AT THE FORMER NATWEST BUILDING, ST THOMAS’ SQUARE
Members Present: Cllr Malcolm Ross, Cllr Phil Jordan (Chair), Cllr Jess Higgins, Cllr Charles Chapman, Cllr Michael Lilley, Cllr Lou Temmel, Cllr Diana Conyers, Cllr Jen Hughes
Also in Attendance: Tara Bloomfield (Responsible Financial Officer), Robert Clark (Finance Assistant) Members of the Public - 4
Public Questions
A member of public asked the following question: Having the purchased the former NatWest bank building in 2024, when will RTC move into Natwest and out of Lind St building. Furthermore, does the 2025/26 budget figure of £143k include capital works.
The Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) explained that yes in the budget there is £94k in the budget for capital works at the building. A way forward is being put together on how the refurbishment will be done, with the architect drawing up plans and sources of financing the project are being explored.
No apologies were given.
None declared.
None requested.
Cllr Conyers asked for an update on the situation on the sunken boat in the Marina. The RFO explained that the operations manager is currently speaking with both RTC and the berth holder’s insurance companies.
Cllr Lilley asked that the operations manager looks into further signage at the Marina to advise people not to enter the area when the tide is out due to some members of public becoming stuck in the silt. Cllr Lilley further asks that when setting the budget this year, we consider the value for money across all areas.
The minutes of the meeting held on 17th June 2025 were reviewed.
RESOLVED:
The list of payments for the period 01/05/2025-30/06/2025 were presented and approved.
The bank reconciliations for the periods ending 31/05/2025 & 30/06/2025 was presented and approved.
Members were given a copy of the officer report for the procurement of a new internal auditor. Despite going out for several quotations, only one was received back to the council, however this company had come highly recommended by the previous internal auditor, Lightatouch.
RESOLVED:
The committee was presented with an updated version of the councils grant awarding policy to review and recommend to the Full Council.
RESOLVED:
In March 2024, there was a large raw sewage leak into the previous home of Network Ryde, 147 High Street. Upon investigation the leak was originating from the Job Centre who resided next door. When it was discovered where the leak was generating from, the manager of the Job Centre approved Ryde Town Council to undertake any necessary works to stop the leak and the clear out the ingress into the cellar of 147.
Despite efforts of officers, the debt remains unpaid by DWP who own the building and members of the finance committee were asked to consider writing of the value of
£600+VAT as bad debt.
RESOLVED:
The committee were given a report from the facilities officer regarding procurement of the council’s security contract for the period 2025-2029.
It was recommended that the council continue to work with the existing provider of the service, Vectis Security, with a cost of £9,057.30 (inc VAT) per year.
RESOLVED:
Councillors we asked to appoint members to undertake the quarterly scrutiny checks of the councils purchasing process:
Relevant Quarter | Month of check | Councillor appointed |
Quarter 1 | August 25 | Cllr Lilley |
Quarter 2 | October 25 | Cllr Hughes |
Quarter 3 | February 26 | Cllr Higgins |
Quarter 4 | April 26 | Cllr Temmel |
There are four key aspects of change that have required a review and amendment to the 2025/26 budget, they are as follows:
Higher spend from earmarked reserves in 2024/25 than anticipated, and a requirement to replenish these as much as possible for the financial security of the council.
An increased amount of berth holders has left the marina in the first few months of 2025/26 which has impacted the revenue retrievable – seeing an estimated downfall of
£28k
The decorative lighting contract could not be amended as hoped, meaning an additional
£24k is payable in 2025/26 for the full festive lighting scheme
Interest payable on the Natwest Bank purchase was incorrect in the original budget, seeing an increase of £16k in costs payable
Members of the finance committee were asked to review the proposed amended budget that factors in the above items and recommend the changes to Full Council
RESOLVED:
263/23 DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting would be held on 9th September 2025.