The Simpson and Ashland Parish Budget 2017/18
The Parish Budget for Simpson and Ashland Parish Council was agreed at the January 2017 Parish Council meeting to increase the precept for 2017/18 by around £0.49 per a week for a Band D property.
The future is quite uncertain as Milton Keynes Council (MKC) still has to decide where it is going to make its multi-million pound savings between now and 2019/2020, with the likely effect that some of its statutory services (for example adult social care) will also have to change. MKC is also considering devolving some of the services it currently provides to town and parish councils. The timetable for this has shifted as it now it looks as if these changes may not happen until April 2018.
Simpson & Ashland Parish Council (SAPC) are keen to ensure that the parish is well placed to take up the challenge that a shift in services might bring and so we have been considering what we can do to prepare for this. We know from feedback that we receive from those who live, visit and work here that the open spaces in Simpson & Ashland are greatly appreciated, and there is a real desire to see them maintained and cared for in a sustainable manner. Maintenance of open spaces will form one of the devolved services, so we have decided to put SAPC on the front foot and over the coming twelve months we will begin to take over some of the services that keep our open spaces in good order.
To ensure that we get best value for money we are having discussions with those parish and town councils that already manage the maintenance of their open spaces and it might be that we join commissioning with them, but all of this is up for discussion. Having greater control of the services in the parish also means that we can all input into what services we would like – and for example with open spaces, how often the grass is cut or the shrubs are trimmed. We will also be moving to a position where these services are funded directly out of the parish precept (the amount that you pay that as part of your council tax that is returned to the SAPC). To ensure that we have the funds available to enable us to meet the challenges of taking over devolved services, SAPC has agreed to a rise in the parish precept for the 2017/18 financial year.
Over the last two years, the PC has built up its financial reserves so it could spend money on the village hall and other activities, for example, the welcome programme in Ashland. This rise will enable the PC to continue to provide all the services that you have come to expect, as well as getting us to a position where we will be able to pay for the additional services we are taking over. But the PC cannot do this alone and we will be providing many opportunities for you to get involved, and to let us know your thoughts on what services are important to you and how these could or should be delivered in the future.
Below are the latest financial statements. For past statements please contact the Parish Clerk.
Financial Summary 31.10.18
Payments 31.10.18
Parish Councils are required to complete an Annual Audit Return each year. This must be audited by an external auditor and there is a period of inspection for residents to view the council's expenditure of the previous year. To learn more go to the Annual Audit Return page.
If you have any questions on the Budget please contact the Parish Clerk. We are always happy to receive comments and suggestions as to what you would like the Parish Council to provide regarding services etc. and Councillors will of course be happy to talk to you about what you would like in the parish. Either contact a Councillor direct - click here for contact details or come to one of our meetings - click here for schedule
The future is quite uncertain as Milton Keynes Council (MKC) still has to decide where it is going to make its multi-million pound savings between now and 2019/2020, with the likely effect that some of its statutory services (for example adult social care) will also have to change. MKC is also considering devolving some of the services it currently provides to town and parish councils. The timetable for this has shifted as it now it looks as if these changes may not happen until April 2018.
Simpson & Ashland Parish Council (SAPC) are keen to ensure that the parish is well placed to take up the challenge that a shift in services might bring and so we have been considering what we can do to prepare for this. We know from feedback that we receive from those who live, visit and work here that the open spaces in Simpson & Ashland are greatly appreciated, and there is a real desire to see them maintained and cared for in a sustainable manner. Maintenance of open spaces will form one of the devolved services, so we have decided to put SAPC on the front foot and over the coming twelve months we will begin to take over some of the services that keep our open spaces in good order.
To ensure that we get best value for money we are having discussions with those parish and town councils that already manage the maintenance of their open spaces and it might be that we join commissioning with them, but all of this is up for discussion. Having greater control of the services in the parish also means that we can all input into what services we would like – and for example with open spaces, how often the grass is cut or the shrubs are trimmed. We will also be moving to a position where these services are funded directly out of the parish precept (the amount that you pay that as part of your council tax that is returned to the SAPC). To ensure that we have the funds available to enable us to meet the challenges of taking over devolved services, SAPC has agreed to a rise in the parish precept for the 2017/18 financial year.
Over the last two years, the PC has built up its financial reserves so it could spend money on the village hall and other activities, for example, the welcome programme in Ashland. This rise will enable the PC to continue to provide all the services that you have come to expect, as well as getting us to a position where we will be able to pay for the additional services we are taking over. But the PC cannot do this alone and we will be providing many opportunities for you to get involved, and to let us know your thoughts on what services are important to you and how these could or should be delivered in the future.
Below are the latest financial statements. For past statements please contact the Parish Clerk.
Financial Summary 31.10.18
Payments 31.10.18
Parish Councils are required to complete an Annual Audit Return each year. This must be audited by an external auditor and there is a period of inspection for residents to view the council's expenditure of the previous year. To learn more go to the Annual Audit Return page.
If you have any questions on the Budget please contact the Parish Clerk. We are always happy to receive comments and suggestions as to what you would like the Parish Council to provide regarding services etc. and Councillors will of course be happy to talk to you about what you would like in the parish. Either contact a Councillor direct - click here for contact details or come to one of our meetings - click here for schedule