News

Our January parish council meeting focussed on the budget for 2022-23 and setting the precept. The parish council agreed an increase of 20.68% which equates to an additional 46p/week on a Band D property. The Councillors consider in great detail the costs of providing/maintaining the services currently offered such as the play area, public toilets, streetlights, grounds maintenance, newsletter production and the Pavilion Community hub.  The Parish Council endeavour to provide value for money.  There is always the balance between the need to move forward and maintain the facilities/services that make this parish such a vibrant and thriving place to live, with keeping costs down.

Many costs such as energy, maintenance contract charges and materials are set to rise in the next 12 months and the precept needs to be set to accommodate these additional charges.  One of the main outgoings for the council is staffing costs in order to provide the range of services undertaken on behalf of the community and discharging the legal duties placed on a council.  The legal and financial framework that a public organisation operates within is increasingly complex and appropriately qualified and trained staff are necessary.  In addition, increased staff time has been involved in running a public building and the range of activities on offer.  The Pavilion is now being used daily to provide valuable support and cultural activities for local residents.  If you haven’t been in yet, please do come along to see what is on offer.  

If you have any questions/comments about the precept/2022-23 budget (available for viewing on the parish council website) please contact Cllr Duncan Fletcher (Chair) on dfletcher@ pontesburypc.org.uk  

or clerk@ pontesburypc.org.uk