Precept 2024. Parish Council Statement.

On your Council Tax bill you’ll see a sum of money under the heading “Feckenham”. This is the proportion of the bill that will be paid to the  Parish Council and is known as the “precept”.

This year the Parish Council took the difficult decision to substantially increase the precept in order to remain solvent and to allow essential projects to proceed. The Council’s income had remained practically static for many years and an increase was needed to allow the Council to continue to function effectively.

This increase in the precept for 2024 was discussed, agreed and minuted at Parish Council meetings, and published on the Parish Council website, the Village notice board, and Village magazine.

The percentage increase, as set out on the Council Tax Demands, is shown as 196%. However, in real terms the precept has been increased from £50 per year to £150 per year, or an increase of £2.00 per week per household.

The Parish Council are repeatedly asked why they do not do something about matters within the Parish, many of which require significant funds to undertake. Below are some of the matters which the increase in the Precept will be used for…

Flooding: The Council are currently in discussions with Landowners, Worcestershire CC, (WCC), Redditch B.C, (RBC), and North Worcestershire Management, (NWWM), regarding works to alleviate flooding, namely at Swansbrook Lane and the bridge on the B4090. The Majority of funding would come via N.W.W.M, but as previously the PC and RBC would need to contribute towards the works. In addition to this, the brook really needs annual maintenance to ensure free water flow. The estimated cost for this is in the region of £10,000 per year.

Traffic: A traffic group was recently set up by the PC to investigate highway safety measures. These works have now been costed by WCC at £70,000. We are investigating how such works may be funded, but again the PC, and possible RBC, would need to contribute towards any such works.

In addition to this the Traffic group identified that three new VAS signs were required to advise of traffic speeds on both the B4090, and Astwood lane. The PC have obtained funding for two units but we will need to purchase the third. Estimated costs, exclusive of erection and fitting, is £3,000.

Moors Lane: The Moors Lane Residents Association have applied for a grant of £5,000 towards the costs of £12,300 for emergency works to Moors Lane.

Play area: The PC have been approached regarding the possible “refit” of the play area on the recreation field to bring it more user friendly with modern equipment. The advice that we have been given is that this would cost in the region of £70,000. The PC further understand that match funding for this may be possible from RBC.

Groups and Organisations: The PC receives requests from various groups and events within the village each year. To make a difference and ensure the longevity of such activities a budget of in the region of £10,000 is anticipated, this being in line with last year’s grant requests.

Running the Council: Whilst councillors all undertake their work on a voluntary unpaid basis, a budget of £11,000 is allowed to pay for the Clerk and the Lengthsman to undertake their duties. The PC is also obliged to retain funds to cover twelve months of operating costs due to unforeseen circumstances.