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Macclesfield Town Council Annual Council Meeting
Macclesfield Town Council Notice of Meeting
8TH May 2026
To Chair Cllr Emma Gilman and Councillors James Barber, Sarah Bennett-Wake, David Edwardes, Emma Gilman, Sam Hale, Alift Harewood-Jones, Mike Hutchison, Ruth Thompson, Mick Warren, Chris Wilcock and Fiona Wilson
You are hereby summoned to attend a meeting of
Macclesfield Town Council’s Annual Council meeting to be held at
Macclesfield Town Hall
on
18th May 2026
commencing at 7pm,
for the purpose of transacting the business shown on the attached agenda.
With thanks,
Laura Smith
Town Clerk
Agenda for the Annual General Meeting and Mayor Making to be held on Monday 18th May 2026 at 7pm at Macclesfield Town Hall.
This meeting is open to the public, but space may be limited. Should you wish to attend please inform the Town Clerk.
1. Election of the Mayor of Macclesfield for 2026/27
2. Election of the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield for 2026/27
The retiring mayor will adjourn the meeting whilst the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor receive their insignia of office.
The Town Clerk will call upon the Mayor of Macclesfield to read and sign their declaration accepting the office of Mayor of Macclesfield.
The Town Clerk will call upon the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield to read and sign their declaration accepting the office of Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield.
The meeting will then be re-convened.
3. Retiring Mayor of Macclesfield Remarks
4. Tribute by the Incoming Mayor of Macclesfield to the Retiring Mayor of Macclesfield and Consort
5. Appointment (if known) of the Mayor’s Honorary Chaplain, Mayor’s Cadet, Introduction to the Mayor’s Charity/ies to be Supported and Plans for the Year
6. Apologies for Absence
7. Declarations of Interest
Public Questions
The meeting will be adjourned to invite comments and questions from the public.
The meeting will then be reconvened.
NOTE: If you would like to speak during public session, please email [email protected] by 5pm on Thursday 14th May 2026. Every practicable effort will be made to try and arrange your inclusion.
8. Minutes of the Meeting of Full Council 9th March 2026
8. MInutes Full Council 09 03 26
Action: To consider the draft minutes and approve them as a true record of the meeting.
9. Governance Review
9.1 Risk register
Action: To approve the risk register.
9.2 Financial Regulations
9.2 MTC Financial Regulations Updated May 2026
Action: To approve the financial regulations.
9.3 Committee Membership
9.3. Committee Membership
Action: To approve the committee memberships
9.4 Rangers Policy
Action: To consider the rangers policy for approval.
10. Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ended 31 March 2026
Action:
10.1 To note the Internal Audit.
Exceeds size for website please email for a copy while we try to reduce it.
10.2 To consider the approval of the Annual Governance Statement Section 1 of the AGAR
10.2 Annual Governance Statement Section 1 Of AGAR
10.3 To consider the approval of the Accounting Statements 2025/26 Section 2 of the AGAR
10.3 Accounting Statements 2025 26 Section 2 Of The AGAR
10.4 To ensure the Accounting Statements are signed and dated by the person presiding at the meeting at which that approval is given.
10.5 To note the asset register.
10.6 To consider the movements in Ear marked Reserves
(EMR)
11. Internal Auditor
Action: To approve JDH Business Services as internal auditor 2026/27
The Council’s Internal Auditor is independent of the Council’s financial management and decision-making processes. Although the Internal Auditor also undertakes the role of Data protection advisor, this function is administrative and advisory in nature and does not involve financial control, accounting, or operational decision-making. The Council is satisfied that this dual role does not compromise the independence of the internal audit function
12. External Support Services
Action:
- To approve Wirehouse Employer Services for HR and H&S support
- To approve Shires Pay Services Ltd for Payroll Services
- To approve Blain Boland & Co Solicitors for legal support
- To approve John Greenhall & Co for finance and accountancy support
- To approve Zurich for Insurance
13. Cheshire Association of Local Councils (Chalc)
13. Chalc Membership
Action: To consider the renewal of membership of ChALC.
14. Other Memberships
14. Other Memberships
Action: to consider renewal of the following memberships
- National Allotment Society.
- SLCC
15. Annual report
Please email for a copy as exceeds maximum size for website.
To note and receive the 2026/27 Annual Report of the Town Council.
16. Disability Information Bureau Grant Request
16. DIB Grant Proposal To MTC May 2026
Action: To consider the grant proposal
17. South Park Pavilion
17. South Park Paviliion
To follow shortly
Action: To consider the proposals in the report.
18. Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting of Macclesfield Town Council is 7pm,8th June 2026 at Macclesfield Town Hall.
Macclesfield Town Council Annual Council Meeting
Minutes for the Annual General Meeting and Mayor Making held on Monday 18th May 2026 at 7pm at Macclesfield Town Hall.
In attendance:
Cllr James Barber-Chadwick
Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake
Cllr Emma Gilman
Cllr Sam Hale
Cllr Alift Harewood
Cllr Mike Hutchison
Cllr Mick Warren
Cllr Chris Wilcock
Cllr Fiona Wilson
1. Election of the Mayor of Macclesfield for 2026/27
Cllr James Barber-Chadwick was elected as the Mayor of Macclesfield for 2026/27
2. Election of the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield for 2026/27
Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake was elected as the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield for 2026/27
The retiring Mayor adjourned the meeting whilst the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor receive their insignia of office.
The Town Clerk called upon the Mayor of Macclesfield to read and sign their declaration accepting the office of Mayor of Macclesfield.
The Town Clerk called upon the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield to read and sign their declaration accepting the office of Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield.
The meeting was then re-convened.
3. Retiring Mayor of Macclesfield Remarks
Cllr Emma Gilman reflected on what an absolute privilege it had been to serve the people of Macclesfield and to attend so many community events and meet so many inspiring people. Highlights included supporting local groups and organisations, attending festive and charity events, presenting her Civic awards to young people, and taking part in community celebrations across the town. She also reflected on the moving occasion of presenting the Freedom of the Town to Rob Smethurst and Macclesfield FC. A significant focus of the year was supporting her chosen charities, Friends of Park Lane Special School and CRY, which she said were very close to her heart, and she thanked everyone who had contributed to helping both organisations throughout the year. She also spoke about the recent charity dinner, which successfully raised £4,000 for her chosen charities.
The Mayor paid tribute to the many people who had supported her during her term of office, including fellow councillors, council staff, friends and family, with particular thanks to Nicola, Abi, Laura and Adrian, who had served as her cadet throughout the year, for their support and guidance. A special mention was also made of her husband, whose support behind the scenes had made the year possible. In closing, she gave heartfelt thanks to the children of Macclesfield, saying that her mayoral year had been all about them and that they had made the experience truly memorable.
4. Tribute by the Incoming Mayor of Macclesfield to the Retiring Mayor of Macclesfield and Consort
Cllr James Barber-Chadwick, the newly elected Mayor, paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Cllr Emma Gilman for her dedication and leadership over the previous twelve months. He acknowledged the personal adversity and health challenges she had faced during her mayoral year, particularly in recent months, and praised her for remaining authentic and committed throughout her time in office. Referring to comments from residents describing her as “the best Mayor ever”, he remarked that she had left “big shoes to fill” for both himself and future mayors.
Councillor Barber-Chadwick highlighted the Mayor’s strong focus on young people during her term of office, noting that her introduction of awards centred on young people had been a particularly positive development. He also commended her fundraising efforts for her chosen charities, describing the amount raised as “absolutely amazing”, and noted that he was proud to continue supporting one of those charities, CRY, during his own mayoral year.
In closing, Councillor Barber-Chadwick thanked Councillor Gilman for her support during his time as Deputy Mayor and said it had been a privilege to attend events alongside her and learn more about the role. He praised the care and commitment she had shown towards both the community and the town, offering his sincere thanks on behalf of the Council.
5. Appointment (if known) of the Mayor’s Honorary Chaplain, Mayor’s Cadet, Introduction to the Mayor’s Charity/ies to be Supported and Plans for the Year
Mayor James Barber-Chadwick said it was a great honour to be elected Mayor of Macclesfield, describing it as something he had never expected when first elected to the Town Council in 2019. He spoke of his pride in serving the town in which he was born and paid tribute once again to outgoing Mayor Emma Gilman for her outstanding year in office.
Cllr Barber-Chadwick also thanked his former ward colleague, Sandy Livingstone, who had recently stepped down from the Council following a new job role. He described former Cllr Livingstone as an important mentor during his years on the Town Council.
The Mayor announced that his chosen charities for the forthcoming year would be CRY and My CWA. He explained that his support for CRY was deeply personal following the loss of his cousin Daniel the previous year and said he hoped to raise significant funds and awareness for the charity. He also highlighted the important work undertaken by My CWA in supporting victims of domestic abuse across Cheshire East.
Cllr Barber-Chadwick outlined that his mayoral theme would focus on Macclesfield as a strong and united town that continues to overcome challenges and adversity. He spoke positively about the town’s achievements, including the success of Macclesfield FC, and said his theme would centre on unity, resilience and civic pride, particularly as the town looks ahead to its UK Town of Culture bid. In closing, he stated his intention to be “a people’s Mayor”, focused on supporting communities across Macclesfield and remaining accessible and engaged throughout his mayoral year.
6. Apologies for Absence
Cllr David Edwardes
Cllr Ruth Thompson
7. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Mick Warren declared an interest as a long term associate of Aoife Middlemass, speaking on item 16.
Public Questions
The meeting was adjourned to invite comments and questions from the public.
Aoife Middlemass from Disability Information Bureau spoke on item 16.
The meeting was then reconvened.
8. Minutes of the Meeting of Full Council 9th March 2026
Resolved: The draft minutes were approved as a true record of the meeting.
9. Governance Review
9.1 Risk register
Resolved: The Risk Register was approved.
9.2 Financial Regulations
Resolved: The Financial Regulations were approved.
- Committee Membership
Resolved: The Committee Memberships were approved.
- Rangers Policy
Resolved: The Rangers Policy was approved.
10. Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ended 31 March 2026
Resolved:
- The Internal Audit was noted.
- The Annual Governance Statement Section 1 of the AGAR was approved.
- The Accounting Statements 2025/26 Section 2 of the AGAR were approved.
- The Accounting Statements were signed and dated by the person presiding at the meeting at which that approval is given.
- The asset register was noted.
- To consider the movements in Ear marked Reserves (EMR)
11. Internal Auditor
Resolved: JDH Business Services as internal auditor 2026/27 was approved and the following was noted.
The Council’s Internal Auditor is independent of the Council’s financial management and decision-making processes. Although the Internal Auditor also undertakes the role of Data protection advisor, this function is administrative and advisory in nature and does not involve financial control, accounting, or operational decision-making. The Council is satisfied that this dual role does not compromise the independence of the internal audit function
12. External Support Services
Resolved:
- Wirehouse Employer Services for HR and H&S support was approved.
- Shires Pay Services Ltd for Payroll Services was approved.
- Blain Boland & Co Solicitors for legal support was approved.
- John Greenhall & Co for finance and accountancy support was approved.
- Zurich for Insurance were approved.
13. Cheshire Association of Local Councils (Chalc)
Resolved: ChALC membership was approved.
14. Other Memberships
Resolved: The following memberships were approved:
- National Allotment Society
- SLCC for Clerk and Assistant Clerk
15. Annual report
The 2026/27 Annual Report of the Town Council was noted.
16. Disability Information Bureau Grant Request
Resolved: The grant proposal was approved.
17. South Park Pavilion
Resolved: The proposals in the report were approved as follows:
Notes the appointment of Stephen Hooker as Project Manager and the completion of the tender process.
- Acknowledges that all tender submissions significantly exceed the available budget and that the current pavilion scheme is not financially deliverable.
- Approves that the Council does not proceed with the current pavilion project.
- Approves that the Council does not draw down the approved loan for this scheme.
- Supports engagement with Cheshire East Council to explore a hybrid, collaborative delivery approach for a park hub facility.
18. Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting of Macclesfield Town Council is 7pm, 20th July 2026 at Macclesfield Town Hall.