Annual Governance & Accountability Return

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The Local Audit & Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2015 set out the responsibilities of all local councils in respect of their accounting and auditing procedures.

Each year, the Council’s financial accounts and statements must be examined by an independent internal auditor appointed by the Council.  For the year 2024/25 LIGHTATOUCH was appointed.

The Council is also required to complete an Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) which includes the findings of the Internal Auditor, together with Governance Statements and Financial Statements. The AGAR is then submitted to the independent external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission for examination.

A summary of this year’s audit process is detailed below, together with copies of the relevant documents.

Year Ending 31st March 2025

The Council’s Financial Statements and Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) submission for the year-ending 31st March 2025 had been checked by LIGHTATOUCH and subsequently approved by the Full Council at its meeting held on 18th June 2025.

The completed AGAR, together with the relevant supporting documentation, will be submitted, no later than 30th June 2025 to the external auditor, BDO LLP who are required to complete their review by 30th September 2025.

Following this submission, Lymington and Pennington Town Council are publishing the Notice of Public Rights and Publication of the Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return along with the draft (not yet externally audited) sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR –Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 (Section 1)) and Accounting Statements 2024/25 (Section 2) with the Summary of Your Rights stating that any person interested has a right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the 2024/25 Financial Year. This will run for a period of six weeks commencing on 20th June 2025 to 31st July 2025. Any person who wishes to review the documentation is advised to contact the Responsible Finance Officer to make an appointment.

BDO LLP are due to complete their audit of the AGAR for 2024/25 by the 30th September 2025.  The report will be published soon after with the audited AGAR being available for public access for a period of not less than 5 years from the date of publication stated above.

Lower Pennington Lane Roadworks

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Following the carriageway resurfacing carried out in 2024, Hampshire County Council - HCC has advised that further post-resurfacing verge works will be taking place on Lower Pennington Lane, from the junction with Fox Pond Lane to approximately 70 metres past the entrance to Hurst View Caravan Site.

These works are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 17th June 2025 and are expected to last two days. During this period, the road will be closed to through traffic between 9:30am and 4:00pm each day. Access will be maintained where possible, but please be aware that short delays may occur. The road will remain open outside of these working hours.

For detailed information, please visit the One.Network website:
👉 https://one.network/?GB143504258

Two manholes which were previously surfaced over during the initial works still require adjustment. These will be completed separately during night-time works.

While every effort will be made to keep to the published schedule, works may be postponed at short notice due to weather conditions. If any significant changes occur, they will be reflected on the yellow information boards located at the site.

Advance signage will be placed to notify road users before the works begin.

HCC thank residents and visitors for their patience and cooperation.

Footbridge Closure at Farnley’s Mead

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The footbridge at Farnley’s Mead has been closed due to its deteriorating condition. Ensuring public safety is our highest priority, and the closure has been implemented to prevent any potential risks to residents and visitors.

Our officers are working diligently to progress the necessary repairs and replacement. However, work can only proceed as quickly as the procurement process allows, including obtaining quotes and scheduling contractors for fitting and replacement.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of the community during this time and will provide updates as soon as further information becomes available.

Find out when the new waste collections will start for your household

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Over the next couple of weeks New Forest District Council will be sending residents in the phase 1 area (Lymington and Pennington) information on how new waste collections will work for their household, key dates, and support for eligible households. More information is available on their website: https://newforest.gov.uk/article/3809/Changes-to-recycling-and-rubbish-collections-from-2025-to-2026


Local Plan - Issues and Scope Regulation 18 Consultation

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As part of the process for creating the next Local Plan, New Forest District Council has published its Issues and Scope Regulation 18 Consultation Document which is open for public consultation from Monday 17 February 2025 to Friday 4 April 2025. The document can be both viewed and comments made on here: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/localplan.

The new Local Plan will set the Council’s development guidelines, allocate sites, and establish the vision for the New Forest District outside of the National Park. This Issues and Scope Consultation is the first formal public consultation in this process and provides an opportunity to comment on what our main priorities should be and suggest solutions to challenges faced by the plan area. Responses made on this Issues and Scope Consultation will be taken into consideration as work on the new Local Plan progresses. 

Drop-in events

As part of the Issues and Scope Consultation, we are also holding a series of public drop-in events across the plan area from 2pm-7pm on the following dates. These events will be staffed by members of our planning team and provide people with the opportunity to come and find out more about the Local Plan Issues and Scope.

26th February - Fordingbridge - Avonway Community Centre, SP6 1JF
27th February - Lymington - Lymington Community Centre, SO41 9BQ 
28th February - Hythe & Didben - St Andrews Church, Dibden Purlieu, SO45 4PT
3rd March - New Milton - New Milton Memorial Centre, BH25 6DE
4th March - Totton - West Totton Community Centre, SO40 8WU
5th March - Marchwood - Lloyd Recreation Hub (Lloyds Rec Ground), SO40 4SX
7th March - Ringwood - Greyfriars Community Centre, BH24 1DW 

Call for Sites

Alongside this consultation, we will also be running a further Call for Sites which is an opportunity to suggest possible additional sites to the Council that may be suitable for development or that could be used in a more productive way or for a more beneficial use. Any sites previously submitted in late 2024 do not need to be resubmitted. More information on the Call for Sites 2025 and how you can put forward sites for consideration is found at: www.newforest.gov.uk/article/2766/Further-Call-for-Sites. The closing date for site submissions is Friday 4 April 2025.

Formal consultations to be requested on proposed mergers of infant and primary schools

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Local residents in Fareham and Lymington could be asked for their views on the possible mergers of two infant schools with two junior schools in their areas

Feb 4 2025

 On Wednesday, 12 February, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Roz Chadd, will consider whether to approve formal consultations on the proposed mergers of Orchard Lea Infant and Junior Schools in Fareham, and Pennington Church of England Infant and Junior Schools in Lymington.

It comes as both Orchard Lea schools have been identified for potential investment as part of the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme, which carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools. Currently, the infant and junior schools belong to the same federation and share the same headteacher and governing body but operate out of two separate buildings. Should the Government funding be agreed, the preferred option for both Hampshire County Council and the schools’ governing body would be to create a single primary school based in one building, ensuring fewer running costs and therefore providing greater financial sustainability in the long term. If approved, the new school would accommodate a projected demand of 60 pupils in each year group (Reception to Year 6) and would open in July 2028.

The proposal to merge Pennington Church of England Infant and Junior Schools has arisen following a decline in pupil numbers. As school funding is directly linked to the number of pupils, this has resulted in significant budget pressures at both schools with associated impacts on their long-term stability. Merging the two schools would ensure a more resilient financial position, staffing structure and settled pupil numbers. If agreed, this would be achieved by closing the infant school and extending the age range of the junior school to become a primary with 30 children in each year group (Reception to Year 6), with effect from 1 January 2026.

Both proposals would remove the current requirement for pupils to move from Year 2 in an infant school to year 3 in a new junior school, providing greater stability and continuity for children as they transition between these year groups. 

The proposal to formally consult is supported by all schools’ governing bodies and follows two informal public consultations which took place last year, gathering initial feedback on the proposed amalgamations. 

Should the two formal consultations be agreed, public notices would be published on the County Council’s website on Friday, 21 February allowing parents, the local community and others with an interest in the schools to give their views on the proposals. The County Council would write directly to parents and school staff to confirm details of the consultation.

Full details of the recommendations to formally consult on the proposals for the Orchard Lea and Pennington schools can be found on the County Council’s website.

Tracey Robertson Honoured as Citizen of the Year by Lymington and Pennington Town Council

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Lymington and Pennington Town Council is delighted to announce that Tracey Robertson has been awarded the prestigious Citizen of the Year Award for her outstanding dedication and contributions to the community.

Tracey’s commitment to bringing people together and her tireless efforts in organising community initiatives have made a lasting impact on the town. Her most notable achievements include completing the Lymington Soldier project, a powerful tribute that has resonated deeply with residents. Tracey’s work has also been pivotal in the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) events, such as the RBL 100-year anniversary celebrations. These included military vehicles parading through the High Street, a special church service, and community festivities at the Lymington RBL with food, entertainment, and an open invitation to all.

Additionally, Tracey spearheaded a unique fancy-dress five-mile sponsored walk, visiting pubs throughout the town, raising vital funds for the Poppy Appeal. Her efforts have extended to St. Thomas Church, where for two consecutive years she has helped create a stunning display featuring a soldier covered in poppies. This project has become a symbol of unity, remembrance, and pride for the town.

“Tracey Robertson exemplifies the very best of community spirit and dedication. Her hard work, creativity, and ability to bring people together have enriched the lives of so many in Lymington and Pennington. This award is a small token of our immense gratitude for everything she has done to strengthen the bonds of our community and honour those who have served. Congratulations, Tracey—you truly deserve this recognition.”
— Town Mayor, Jack Davies

The Citizen of the Year Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to make Lymington and Pennington a better place for everyone. Tracey Robertson’s passion, energy, and unwavering commitment are an inspiration to all.

Town Mayor presenting a shield to Tracey Robertson for her award

The Town Council extends its heartfelt thanks to Tracey and looks forward to seeing her continued efforts in the years to come.