What we spend and how we spend it

The Council does not borrow, or receive grants: if any grants (donations) are given, they will be detailed in the budget as set in January. It does not issue contracts, but seeks quotations for such occasional work as needed. There may be a small contingency in the budget for Councillors expenses - attendance at a course or other relevant event - but Member’s do not receive allowances or expenses beyond this.


Each January meeting of the Council sees a discussion of the current expenditure to date, the Budget for the forthcoming financial year April-March, the anticipated bank balance to be carried forward and the Precept to be formally sought from North Somerset Council to provide Parish Council funding.


An Accounting Spreadsheet, containing budget, Precept and Actual Expenditure to date during the financial year is circulated to every Councillor prior to each meeting. The precept is received from North Somerset Council via BACS 50% in April and 50% in September. All expenditure is via cheque, direct debit or standing order or online - there is no petty cash. All cheques are approved, signed (by 2 Councillors) and minuted at the meeting prior to the relevant payment falling due.


After the end of each financial year all accounting paperwork is sent to to an Internal Auditor approved by the Council for scrutiny of data accuracy and the adoption of best-practice in management and presentation. The Council's accounts are not large enough to require an external audit, but self-certification to this effect has to be notified to the Government appointed external auditors, together with confirmation that the correct accounts publication protocols are being followed.