The Parish Council met on Wednesday 15th January to set a budget for the coming year and this is summarised below

      Expenditure Income      Net Expenditure
Administration    30,560    0    30560

Allotments          200      300       -100

Burial grounds      1,590       700        890

Open Spaces/Playgrounds   16350  12,000     4,350

Grants given       3,225     0     3,225

Street Lighting       6,300     0     6,300

Village Hall      24,890  13,000    11,890

Westminster Field/Pavilion  11,170    2,500      8,670

Public Conveniences      5,671     0      5,671

Bank Interest        0    4,600          -4,600

Miscellaneous        0       876       -876

TOTAL        99,956  33,976   65,980

Thus the Council will require £65,980 to cover its expenses for this year compared to £46,884 last year which is a massive 40% increase. However the effect on the Council tax charge is being reduced by funding part from reserves so that there will be a 21% increase from £49,100 to £59,800. This will still be less than £1 per week for the average band D property and the rise is only 17 pence a week.

The main reasons for the increase are  a new charge for the public conveniences following the District Councils refusal to continue funding   them,  urgent drainage work required at the village hall and the increased building maintenance costs resulting from vandalism.  There will be new play equipment at Shrubbery Road.

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