The parish council precept is the portion of local council tax collected by the principal authority, in this case, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), on behalf of the parish council. It forms the main source of income for the parish council and is used to fund local services, amenities, and projects that benefit the community.

Here's how it works:

1. Budget Preparation

Each year, the parish council prepares a budget that outlines its expected expenses for the upcoming financial year. This includes funding for community projects, maintenance of facilities (e.g., parks, village halls, cemeteries), staff salaries, insurance, utilities, and any reserves for unexpected costs.

2. Determining the Precept

• After identifying its financial needs, the parish council subtracts any expected income (e.g., grants, fees from facility hires, or other funding streams) from its total budget.
• The remaining amount becomes the precept—the sum required from local taxpayers to cover the parish council's costs.

3. Submission to WNC

The parish council submits its precept demand to West Northamptonshire Council, which incorporates it into the overall council tax calculations for the area.

4. Collection by WNC

• WNC collects the precept through the council tax system as part of the tax bills issued to residents.
• The precept appears as a specific line item on the council tax bill, indicating the amount allocated to the parish council.

5. Use of Funds

Once collected, the funds are transferred to the parish council. The parish council is responsible for spending the precept on services and initiatives that directly benefit the local community, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Key Points for Residents:

• Impact on Council Tax: The parish council's precept contributes to the overall council tax bill for households. Changes to the precept can result in a small increase or decrease in the amount residents pay.
• Local Services: The precept allows parish councils to deliver and maintain services that might not otherwise be funded by larger authorities, such as WNC.
• Accountability: The Parish council is required to justify the precept amount and demonstrate how it will be used to benefit the community.

Below are some of the areas we spend the money we receive on:

• Grass Cutting – throughout the village
• Play Areas – Stanwell and Astrop Road
• Street Lighting - Power and Maintenance
• Cemetery – upkeep and grass cutting
• Parish Meeting Rooms – Fire Inspection, Rates, Water, Electricity
• Printing, Legal, Telephone and sundries
• General Maintenance in the village
• Paths and Rights of Way - Where applicable
• Litter Bins and Dog Litter Bins
• Tree Maintenance & Hedges
• Remembrance Sunday
• 2 Defibrillators and their maintenance
• Grants
• Audit Fees
• Staff training and salaries