The Local Government Finance Act 1992 requires the Parish Council to set and publish its annual budget. In accordance with the Model Financial Regulations, the Responsible Financial Officer must prepare detailed estimates of all expected receipts and payments for the financial year ending 31 March 2027. These figures have been reviewed by Councillors to ensure that the budget reflects the Council’s statutory responsibilities, ongoing commitments, and anticipated community needs.
During the current financial year, the Council has undertaken two major pieces of work relating to flooding—an issue of continuing concern within the parish. The first was the commissioning of a technical flood report to support the Council’s response to a significant planning application for new housing, where the Council considers the location potentially unsuitable. The second report was commissioned to examine the longstanding and recurrent flooding around South Gorley, with a view to identifying potential mitigation measures.
In addition, the introduction of a new cost-code system has improved the accuracy and transparency of financial reporting. This allows the Council to track expenditure more precisely and will support better-informed budgeting and financial planning going forward.
The Parish Council proposes to raise the precept from £28,500 for the current financial year to £36,000 for the budget 2026-27. For each dwelling in the Parish, on average this represents an annual rise in round pounds of £10 from £45 this year to £55 next year.
This reflects both the general inexorable rise in operating costs faced by councils nationally and the wider scope of project work required. This will include continuing to progress the work on flooding, and to undertake further parish improvements – such as the installation of dragon’s teeth to preserve verges and prevent unlawful parking.
The Council remains committed to managing its finances prudently, ensuring that all expenditure is necessary, proportionate, and in the best interests of parish residents. This Budget 2026/27 was created prior to the full force and effect of the Government’s Budget on 26 November 2025 being known. As such, the Council reserves the right to review and amend its Budget in the light of future events as they unfold which will include but not be limited to Local Government Reorganisation and National Government finances.
Sarah Pinfield
Clerk and RFO
