When setting the budget for this year, we needed to take into account the financial impacts for the following 12 months, and we looked further ahead too – to plan for the next five years. We were faced with a difficult decision; to pare back services and keep the precept down, or to increase the figure and continue to put the needs of the Parish and our residents at the top of the agenda. 

 

GLPC looked carefully at all options, and made the decision to raise the precept by £29.01 a year. The increase represents an additional £2.41 cost per month to parishioners, which will allow us to ensure the smooth running of the Parish during the pandemic, and beyond. 

 

GLPC Chairman Marc Whelan said: “We acknowledge it is a huge balancing act to supply and build on our service to the Community and it is with a heavy heart we announce this rise, but we must move forward and build for you, the resident. It gives the Council opportunities to do more in future years to potentially bridge the gap of lost or devolved services from MKC. Rest assured all Councillors are volunteers in name and take no wage or expense from the Parish Council, we are all tax payers in our area and value the resource GLPC can supply. The extra money raised will give GLPC the resource to employ extra staff in the office and out in the field to combat our ever growing need to focus on what matters to us, more of what is essential so the residents that need us in the new normal or outside their normal everyday lives, we can build for the future. Inevitably we feel that as MKC continue to cut back on everyday services, your Parish Council may end up with picking up the slack. Preparation is key. 

 

"The Parish Council overwhelmingly believes that this budget will allow us to focus on supporting our Parish and delivering services for you next year and for years to come, without large swings in bills for you. The extra £2.41 per month on a band D house will make a huge difference to our finance settings. It provides a level of certainty and stability for the Council, so we can work together to deliver what is needed for the community, working with you, the resident to target the vital aspects and required services 

 

"We are looking forward to a normalised future and have developed an outline 5-year plan to ensure that the Council is reaching all areas of the Parish with delivery of wide ranging services and offering continued opportunities for recreation. The Council voted overwhelmingly to agree to the rise needed to help us achieve this for you, the resident,” Marc added.