The Parish Council has requested an increase in the precept for 2023/2024 to £18,100.
The precept is a component of the total council tax levied on residents in the local council area. Local councils do not receive any direct funding from central government and therefore are reliant on the local precept and any other income they generate from the services or facilities that they provide.
The services provided by the Parish Council include street lighting, allotments, the MUGA and play areas, and general maintenance of village greens, verges and hedges . The precept has increased over recent years to cover the maintenance in particular, as this has historically relied on the goodwill of local residents. The costs quoted by external contractors were significant, and as a result the decision was taken to appoint a groundsman, although there was still large deficit in the precept which needed to be addressed. With the Council taking responsibility for maintenance, we have been able to ensure that it takes place regularly throughout the year.
The Parish Council is also required to maintain a general reserve to cover unexpected expenditure (such as assets which require replacement), and this reserve is funded through the precept. This is reviewed regularly to ensure the surplus funds do not grow beyond what is required .
Capital expenditure is usually funded through separate grants (for example the community orchard) or Community Infrastructure Levy funding (for example the playground equipment).
The increase in the precept for 2023/2024 also arises as a result of increased energy and insurance costs, and the need to replenish the general reserve.
