PRECEPT 2016/17 FAQ
Q
Why the large increase from this year to last?
A
The Town Council has adopted a set of Priorities and Objectives committing
the Town Council to deliver improvements for the benefit of town, groups and
organisations and to do this monies are needed.
Added to which there are functions that either the District Council or County
Council are no longer providing, and that the town Council is now doing or will
be doing in the next year, for example; grass cutting of the verges in and
around the town.
Q
The staffing budget is much higher than last year… why?
A
The Town Council decided to take on the responsibility of managing and
operating the toilet facilities within the town and seafront after the threat of
closure of three of these facilities by the District Council. To do this we have
taken on extra staff who look after the toilets as well as undertake
maintenance in around the town centre and town itself.
We employed a Town Clerk Designate to work alongside the Town Clerk for a
period of 7 months.
All staffing costs (PAYE, pensions, National Insurance) arising from this new
budget are included as well.
Also included are monies to cover the current suggested public sector pay
increases which have yet to be agreed, so we need to budget for them just in
case.
Staff who are eligible will be auto-enrolled onto the council’s pension scheme.
Staff who are not eligible have a legal right to request enrolment, so the
Council needs to budget for both of these accordingly.
Q
Are we going to see any benefit from the increase in the Events budget?
A
Yes. There has been a realisation that the Town Council needs to be
supporting local event organisers and organisations, helping with initial
funding, promoting events and enabling sustainability for the future.
The Queen’s 90th Birthday this year is a fantastic opportunity to showcase
what we can do and do well. Not forgetting our other large events and even
smaller events that take place throughout the year.
Q
How are you going to help the young people of the town?
A
The Town Council has increased the budget which is designated to be used
for the purpose of investing in young people’s facilities. The Town Council’s
Priorities and Objectives makes clear reference to supporting the young
people of the town.
Q
Reserves… what are these and why is money being put into them?
A
The Council has a legal responsibility to maintain reserves at the level of three
months’ operating costs. If the Precept increases then the reserves need to
as well.
Q
Administration costs of £44k… why?
A
The Town Council ‘Administration’ costs cover everything from staff and
Councillor training, stationary, all of the Bitton House office hardware and
software, licences and permits, uniforms (protective clothing) consumables,
cleaning, vehicle costs as well as including monies for the development of a
new website as the current Town Council one is not compliant with statutory
requirements.
The list above is by far not exhaustive as administration covers the
administering of many of the Town Council’s functions.
Q
What do we get for the £144k Town Centre Services and Management?
A
Improvement to and repairs and renewals towards all of the towns toilet
facilities as well as paying National Non Domestic Rates to the District Council
levied upon these facilities, other town centre provisions i.e. upgrading of
CCTV, maintenance of benches, general cyclical maintenance in and around
the town, provision of decorative and Christmas lighting, bus shelters, monies
for general repairs, floral displays in and around the town and seafront, a fund
for town centre enhancement, repairing vandalism in and around the town,
works required of the Town Council by the County Council, flood defences,
paying contractors needed to carry out works as required for example; high
level street works and covering the cost of leases on town centre property
including store facilities.
Q
Could the Town Council increase income generation?
A
Yes. The Town Council has been looking at fees and charges, especially in
areas whereby a service is provided for example; hire of rooms at Bitton
House. Improvements to the marketing of Bitton House (for weddings and
parties) has also been considered, so as to generate more income.
Q
Why do you need £10k contingency?
A
We have a duty to ensure that there are monies to cover any expense over
and above what has been budgeted for. Contingency monies can be used to
cover the cost towards civil contingency say for example in the event of a
flooding event which may require the Town Council to resource extra staff and
equipment.
Q
What are Repairs and Renewals then?
A
Bitton House, Bitton Park and the Orangery are all covered under this budget.
The house is need of new carpets, removal of asbestos from the basement
and the loft areas, a conservation survey required so as to ascertain what
works are needed on the house in the future and the likely cost of those works
as well as to unlock grant monies from the Heritage Lottery.
There is a legal requirement to have an assessment undertaken on the trees
in the park and to ensure that the trees are safe as well as fill in pot holes, to
make sure that there is adequate signage in and around the park and house,
as well as repair and maintain the park and house to a satisfactory standard.
The house is Grade II * listed which means that all works have to comply with
legal conservation requirements.
General maintenance to the Orangery and the Park Hill toilets are also
covered by repairs and renewals.
Q
Grants… what is this?
A
This is a sum of money for local organisations to apply for. The Town Council
offers small grants up to the sum of £500.
Q
Section 137?
A
Town and Parish Councils have what is known as the ‘power of last resort’ or
Section 137 and is used to fund items for projects for which they have no legal
powers or authorities to be able to do so for example; helping out local scout
groups, playgroups and groups and organisations especially geared towards
young people.
Q
What are you doing to save money?
A
The Town Council is always looking at ways to save money or improve
efficiency so as to save money. For example; Teignmouth Town Council has
engaged with a utility broker who specialises in reducing utility costs, with
saving of £6k being found as a result. Changing over to SIM only on mobile
phones will save approximately £1k. The Town Council is always looking into
changing suppliers and is always shopping around for the best possible deals.
Furthermore, the Town Council ensures that a minimum of three quotes are
sought for large ticket items or contractors, so as to make sure that we are
obtaining best value.