The Town Council have awarded the following grants during 2010/11.
2011/12 Precept (Council Tax)
At the Town Council meeting at the end of November there was a great deal of discussion about the precept (Council Tax) that New Alresford Town Council will levy for the next financial year - 2011/12.
The Council were split on whether to increase the precept or leave it unchanged at £245,000. A compromise was finally agreed and a very small increase of £1000 will be levied for 2011/12. In reality this will result in a very small reduction in the average Council Tax paid as there are more houses in the town to share the burden of the tax.
Components of the Budget
The Budget is made up of a number of items that there is little opportunity to change
| Staff & Administration | £103,000 |
| Property Insurance | £14,000 |
| Arlebury Park Centre | £38,000 |
| Recreation Grounds | £30,000 |
| Finance & Loan | £30,000 |
| Administration | £10,000 |
| £215,000 | |
| To this must be added | |
| Environment Budget | £13,000 |
| Tourism Budget | £10,000 |
| Grants & Donations | £ 8,000 |
| Total | £246,000 |
It should be explained that the bulk of the budget for recreation is to cover the cost recreation ground maintenance much of which is grass cutting. The Environment budget covers Litter & Dog Fouling, bus stop provision and cleaning, the allotments and some lighting. Tourism covers the maintenance of the Millennium Trail, a contribution to the Watercress Festival and Tourist Information, eg leaflets and their distribution.
To these figures have to be added the cost of utilities, (£19,000) rates (£,7000) and building maintenance (£5000) bringing the total budget to £246,000).
Our reserves have now been recovered to the recommended levels but we still make separate provision of some £5000 to handle the increased workload created by one member of the public in making complaints to the Audit Commission and the Standards Board.
Year end accounts for 2006/7 and 2007/8
The Audit Commission has finally signed off New Alresford Town Council’s accounts for 2006/7 and 2007/8. Following complaints made by Mr. Robin Atkins and Mrs. Pam Stevens the Audit Commission has after three years of investigation given the Council a clean bill of health. The District Auditor decided the accounts were not contrary to law but made a recommendation for consideration by the Council.
The full text of the Auditor’s report and recommendations together with the Finance Chairman’s report and the formal press release can be viewed here.
Grants for 2012/13
All grant applications for over £1,000 that wish to be taken into consideration for 2012/13 must reach the Town Offices by 31st October, 2011.