RESPONSE FROM THE COUNCIL
49% INCREASE IN RPC PRECEPT REQUEST.
The Council has received numerous requests to explain the reasons why there has been such a large increase in the precept request for the 2025/6 year.
Although the % increase seems large it equates to a rise from £42.90 to £63.92 = £21.02 per year or = 40 pence pwk or £1.75 per mth. (Band D Property)
Taking into account the current economic state of the country and indeed the current and expected rate of inflation, this increase is required and has been reluctantly agreed by the Council. The reasons why are as follows;
- Precept has remained constant for the past few years with no increase for the cost living.
- Reserves have been used to prop up the Budget so that the precept could remain artificially low.
- Using Reserves is an unstable and unsustainable to finance the budget.
- Council is required by statute to hold a satisfactory level of Reserves.
- Some of the Councils services providers contracts will be renegotiated at more favourable rates during the year.
- Council is embarking on the acquisition of a long term lease for the Community Venue Centre.
- The Venue will be enhanced and refurbished over a 10 year programme of works.
- Council service will be more proactively managed and marketed.
- Council is going through dramatic changes to redirect resources to improve its transparency and governance as required by legislation
- Council is to improve the scope and direction of Community Events and Availability of Resources
- Council will be more openly engaging more with the Community and Vunerable groups of all ages and disabilities.
As I constantly remind people Rudheath Parish ( small town) Council is a Small Council with Big Ideas both for itself and the Community it serves.
Shaun Clough
Clerk, RFO .
