Shadow Parish Council Precept

Posted by Paul Fuller on Thursday, 23rd November 2006, 08:25

Northwood Village Management Committee requests input on at what level we should set our local allowance for next year.

Last year we set a very low precept owing to the fact that most members of the then Community Partnership had few projects and wanted to focus our time on establishing a Management Committee that mirrored a Parish council until emparishment. In addition to this, timescales were very tight to decide what our precept would be, and much of what we were led to believe by the Isle of Wight Council did not become reality.

The largest expense, for any Parish Council, is the expense created by paying a Clerk. The NVMC tried to supercede this by trying to get a volunteer to do this, but was unsuccessful. This has meant that we need to set aside around a third of any budget to pay this person. One of the caveats within our Clerk’s Job description for the year ahead is that a few of their hours for which they are paid, there is an expectation to apply for Grants. After completion of the Parish Plan, this will be much more relevent!

Other things the Community doesn’t see is Insurance, Training, but is increasingly considered essential for the smooth running of any vouluntary group, particularly with the responsibilities we have inherited! After all of these ‘Essentials’ are paid for, together with ongoing costs there isn’t very much left over for us to do the things we really wish to do for Northwood.

In comparison to most Management Committees or Parish Councils our budget is on the very low side, our £3000 + (£5000 IWC Contribution), Budget last year was the lowest on the Island (except for Newchurch). Even at £8000 + £5000 (IWC-C) our precept would be a third less than similar wards in Gurnard or Cowes.

As a body of residents, we really want to know what your views are on next year’s draft budget. Where we can, we will try our level best to listen to your views and implement any changes that your household feel relevant. We are not a closed body, doing our own thing – we endeavour to be open and accessible to all and welcome any suggestions.

Our meetings (on the first Tuesday of each month) are open to all, and personally welcome the opportunity to listen to any concerns that you may have.

Even though both our Clerk and our Councillor Roger Mazillius are paid from the Council Tax coffers for their work, they both give much of their time freely. All others from the NVMC do this wholly on a voluntary basis and would welcome any support or suggestions that you could offer to make Northwood even better.

PAUL FULLER, 74 WYATTS LANE, NORTHWOOD;
TELEPHONE 289595; E-MAIL PAULFULLER@ONWIGHT.NET