What the council expects to spend

 Where the money will go

The Old Buckenham Annual Precept Meeting was held on Wednesday 13 October at the Village Hall.
All councillors were present (except Jonathan Kemp who had sent his apologies) along with three members of the public.
James Watling, the parish clerk and Responsible Finance Officer, said his proposed budget recommendations were based on the current economic situation and the concerns of residents on low fixed incomes who were facing increased costs in essential items.
Discussion of grant applications. There had been three grant applications. Two were from the Village Hall, one for improvements to the toilets and one for repairs to the car park. There was also one from All Saints Church for the felling of a tree which is considered dangerous.
Salaries. It was agreed unanimously that this be remained fixed the same as previous year (£5060).
Community Car Scheme. It was agreed this would be set at £800.
Room hire. It was agreed unanimously that this be set at £270.
Insurance. There would be a large increase because of the liability for the play area and the increase in the assets of the Parish Council. The sum was set at £960, this was agreed unanimously.
Audit Fees. Sometime in the future the external audit would no longer be carried out by government appointed auditors and parish councils would have to appoint a firm of accountants to carry out the audit. It was not clear when this would happen but it was agreed to set aside £400 for this.
Administration costs. These were set at £150.
Training. This would be set at £200 to allow for three training courses for councillors in the next year.
Subscriptions and grants. The following were agreed.

• Subscription to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) would be £250
• Village hall grant for toilet improvements was agreed unanimously at £1,000.
• A grant of £750 would be made towards the cost of repair to Village Hall car park.
• A grant of £500 would be made to All Saints Church towards the cost of necessary tree felling.

Newsletter paper. It was unanimously agreed to set a sum of £318 for the purchase of paper for the village newsletter.
Printing, postage and stationery. This was set at £225.
Rent for recreation area. It was agreed that this be set at £385.
Miscellaneous. This was set at £500.
Contingency fund. This would be reduced from last year’s figure of £1,500 to £400.
Travel expenses. It was agreed unanimously that this be set at £250.

Total precept. The total precept was agreed at £12,656, an increase of 3.5% above last year.