Understanding the Parish Council Budget for 2026/27
Billing Parish Council has a statutory responsibility to prepare an annual budget, which determines the level of precept we request. This funding enables us to deliver essential services, support community activities, and maintain the facilities that residents rely on.
Below is an overview of our plans for the 2026/27 financial year.
What is the Parish Precept?
The precept is the portion of your Council Tax that is allocated to the parish council. It is collected by West Northamptonshire Council on our behalf, alongside contributions for other local services such as Police and Fire. Your Council Tax bill clearly sets out the amount that goes to the parish council.
How is the Budget Decided?
Setting the budget involves careful consideration of community needs, rising costs, and long-term responsibilities. We review service requirements, maintenance commitments, and economic pressures to ensure we continue to provide good value for residents.
For 2026/27, the council has set a total budget requirement of £ 240,808 and a precept demand of £209,839.
Where Does the Money Go?
Income:
- Precept: £209,839
- Other income (grants, donations, interest): £30,969
- Total Income: £240,808
Expenditure:
- Administration (staff costs, office overheads, election costs: £105,971
- Parks & open spaces (tree works, maintenance, equipment, street furniture, play equipment, incl. £40,000 reserve): £114,110
- Community (summer fayre and parish magazine): £5,937
- Bernard Weston Pavilion: £11,620
- vehicle: £3,170
- Total Expenditure: £240,808
Net to be met from reserves: £0.00
What Does This Mean for Residents?
For a Band D property, the annual contribution to the parish precept will be £72.16, equivalent to 19.7 pence per day. This amount supports a wide range of community services, events, and maintenance work across the parish.
We Value Your Input
Your views help shape our priorities. Residents are welcome to attend parish council meetings, share ideas or concerns, and get involved in community projects.
Council Tax Support
Some households may be eligible for reductions, discounts, or exemptions. Further information is available on West Northamptonshire Council’s website:
council tax reductions, discounts and exemptions
Earmarked Reserves
Billing Parish Council maintains a number of Earmarked Reserves to ensure responsible financial planning and long term stability. Earmarked Reserves are funds set aside for specific projects, future commitments, or known liabilities. Unlike the General Reserve, which supports day to day financial resilience, Earmarked Reserves are allocated for clearly identified purposes.
These reserves help the Council to:
- Plan ahead for major projects or asset maintenance
- Manage future repairs and replacements without sudden financial pressure
- Support strategic priorities agreed by the Council
- Ensure transparency in how public money is allocated and safeguarded
Each year, the Parish Council reviews its Earmarked Reserves as part of the budget setting process to make sure the amounts set aside remain appropriate and represent best value for residents.
Click here for the full itemised 2026/27 Ear Marked Reserve List