Finance Explained
How We Manage Our Finances
Our council is committed to managing public money responsibly, transparently, and in a way that delivers real value for our community. Each year we set a budget that balances essential services, ongoing maintenance, and new projects that support the wellbeing of residents. This includes everything from grounds maintenance and community facilities to biodiversity initiatives, events, and local improvements.
If you’d like to understand how the precept (the council’s portion of your council tax) is calculated and what it funds, you can read more on our Precept page.
Transparency and Public Information
As a public body, we follow strict transparency requirements so residents can see how their money is being used. We publish key financial documents throughout the year, including:
- Annual budget and spending plans
- Details of any contracts or payments over £500
- Financial reports and meeting minutes
- Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR)
These documents help ensure that our financial decisions are open, accountable, and easy to understand.
Annual Audit and AGAR
Every year, the council undergoes both an internal audit and an external audit to confirm that our financial processes are lawful, well‑managed, and properly recorded. The results are published in our AGAR, which includes:
- A statement of accounts
- Governance assurances
- Internal audit findings
- Public rights information
Residents have the right to view audit reports, annual accounts and AGAR documents. You can find all of these in our Finance Document Libraries.
Maintenance, Services, and Local Projects
A significant portion of our budget supports the day‑to‑day running of the parish. This includes:
- Grounds and open‑space maintenance
- Repairs and upkeep of council assets
- Support for community groups and events
- Environmental and biodiversity projects
- Safety and accessibility improvements
These ongoing costs ensure that our shared spaces remain safe, welcoming, and well cared for.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
The council also receives Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds when new development takes place in the parish. CIL money is separate from the precept and must be spent on infrastructure or projects that support the growth of the community. This can include:
- Footpaths, cycleways, and accessibility improvements
- Play areas and recreational spaces
- Biodiversity and environmental enhancements
- Community facilities and equipment
All projects using CIL money must be heavily evidenced to be necessary as a direct result of a growing population.
We publish details of all CIL income and spending so residents can see how these funds are being invested locally.
Want to see our finance documents?
Head to our Finance Documents page where you can see all documents relating to our past audits, AGAR submissions, and our latest budget.
Documents Library
Browse our public folders directly to find the full history.
Agendas
All the public agendas published for full council meetings
Approved Minutes
All full council minutes, approved and ratified by the council
Annual Accounts
All finance documents detailing expenses, budgets, annual accounts and tax returns.
AGAR
All documents related to the AGAR process
Policies
All our governance policies, code of conduct and standing orders.
Cemetery
Key documents about the cemetery rules and fees.
Contracts Awarded
Details of our larger contracts, tendering documents and project planning
Internal Audit Report
All documents detailing the auding process and notices of conclusion of audit