Finance Committee Leadership Confirmed as Council Agrees Grants Task Group and Allotment Rent Changes
At Tuesday's meeting, Ashington Town Council's Finance and General Services Committee re-elected Councillor Lynne Grimshaw as Chair and elected Councillor Louis Brown as Vice-Chair.
The Finance and General Services Committee is one of the Town Council's key decision-making bodies, with full delegated powers across a wide range of responsibilities that directly impact the community. The committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 6.00pm and includes all councillors in its membership.
Committee Responsibilities
Finance Management The committee oversees all day-to-day financial administration of the Council, including budget monitoring, monthly payment schedules, and recommendations for the annual budget. It also manages staff terms and conditions, contracts, and the awarding of grant aid funding to local organisations supporting cultural, charitable, sporting and leisure activities.
Last night's meeting also agreed to establish a task and finish group to review the Council's grants policy following feedback received last year, and to refresh what the Council does before launching the availability of grants in July. The group will comprise Councillors Caroline Ball, Marjorie Chambers, Kerry Davison, Karl Green and Lynne Grimshaw.
Recreation and Leisure Services Responsibility includes overseeing recreational facilities such as allotments, play areas, parks and green spaces, as well as managing major town events including the Annual Fayre Day and Christmas Lights Switch-On.
Last night's meeting agreed to a £4 annual increase in allotment rent from 2026 for managed sites and to freeze this increase for 3 years. It was also agreed to hold the ground rent for self-managed sites at £10 per plot per year. This decision was deferred from last year and follows consultation with allotment holders across all Ashington Town Council allotment sites.
Environmental Services The committee manages environmental improvements including bus shelters, public seating, litter bins, memorials, CCTV systems, and the partnership agreement with Northumberland County Council.
Councillor Lynne Grimshaw brings continued experience to the Chair role, while Councillor Brown's appointment as Vice-Chair ensures continuity for the committee's diverse portfolio of responsibilities.
The next Finance and General Services Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 8th July, at 6.00pm in the Council Chamber – meetings are open to the public.
