I’m Peter Wheelhouse, the town clerk at Frome Town Council (FTC). Usually these updates would come from the meeting chair, in this case guest chair Cllr Sara Butler, but we’re awaiting a by-election at Somerset Council for Frome West and the rules governing councils mean we must always be neutral while constituents decide on their vote, so I’m taking on this regular ‘reflection’ on the 5 August meeting. There were a number of interesting discussions and decisions on 5 August that I’d like to share with you.
Firstly, councillors voted unanimously to adopt and promote the Frome Anti-Racist Charter, developed by Anti-Racist Communities (ARC). The charter encourages organisations to stand against racism, promote inclusion and support people experiencing discrimination. Councillors also heard about the group’s ongoing work with local schools, businesses and community organisations.
The council also approved the process and timetable for developing its 2027/28 budget and work programme. The agreed approach will provide opportunities for councillors, committees and the wider community to help shape priorities before the budget is finalised in January, ensuring the process is as open and inclusive as possible.
Alongside this, councillors agreed a process for developing a medium-term Financial Plan. This work will help the council strengthen its long-term financial planning and provide a framework to support future decision-making while giving future administrations the tools they need to plan effectively.
Council also approved the submission of the wording required for a Public Works Loan Board application to support future improvements to the Market Yard toilet block and surrounding area. The loan will only be drawn down once the necessary lease arrangements, design work and project costs have been agreed, allowing the council to prepare for the next stage of the project while continuing to develop proposals with partners.
I was pleased to share a review of progress against the Council Plan 2025-27 at the 5 August meeting, looking at progress made with the five strategic priorities for FTC. I was delighted to note that we are reaching or exceeding several of the plan’s targets already, including greatly increased use of the Key Centre, progress with Frome Riverside, tree planting, support for households to improve their energy efficiency and the development of the Movement and Place Plan.
Watch the meeting in full on the FTC YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/council-meeting-5aug26
| Agenda item | Read the paper | Approved? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. To waive standing orders to enable a councillor other than the Chair to chait the meeting | n/a | Yes |
| 2. Elect a chair for the meeting | n/a | Yes |
| 3. Apologies for absence. declarations of interest and minutes of the July meeting | Read the July minutes | Yes |
| 4. Questions and comments from cllrs and member of the public | n/a | n/a |
| 5. To consider a proposal to support an anti-racist charter | Read the paper | Yes |
| 6. For approval – new budget-setting process for 2027/8 | Read the paper | Yes |
| 7. To decide a process for developing a medium-term financial plan | Read the paper | Yes |
| 8. For approval – application for a Public Works loan to develop the Market Yard toilet block and associated areas | Read the paper | Yes |
| 9. Review – objectives of the Council Plan 2025-27 | Read the paper | n/a |
| 10. Proposal for town centre community art programme | Read the paper | Yes |
| 11. To approve amendments to standing orders | Read the paper | Yes |
