This document was originally published on the 19th January 2018. At recent Parish Council meetings the councillors have discussed the setting of the precept for the financial year 2018/19. The Parish precept forms part of the overall council tax payable by residents. The Henbury precept is made available to the Parish Council to spend in the interests of all residents. The current precept is £29.28 per household per year, based on a band F property which represents the largest band of properties in the Parish. For comparison, the precept in other areas for 2017/18 was:
Henbury £29.28
Marton £42.19
Chelford £52.32
Alderley Edge £96.76
Nether Alderley £65.87
As you can see, the precept we receive is significantly below that of others. We are required to pay for certain statutory items and salary which takes over 50% of our current annual income of just over £7000 per annum.
During the last year, the Parish Council has mounted a vigorous campaign along with other interested parties, in registering objections to the proposed developments off Chelford Road. We have commisioned reports from independent air quality and traffic monitoring organisations to highlight the apparent flaws in documents submitted by the developers to support their applications. We have installed wifi into the Church hall, and supported courses aimed at encouraging residents to discover what is available online, and how to use the internet and other computer/laptop resources.
In addition, the Parish Council financially support the provision of this website, which is aimed at improving communication for all residents. Wifi fi has been installed in the Church hall for all users. Tea and It courses are using this facility free of charge to assist with digital awareness. The Parish Council is obtaining a defibrillator for the village community with 24 hours access and with persons trained in its use.
We have an active maintenenace and environmental programme in the Parish that is increasingly under pressure. Cheshire East are also under increasing financial pressure on services, and their support cannot be relied on in future. Much of the current work on housekeeping in the village is supported by keen individuals who are advancing in their years. The environmental programme is always one we are keen to expand on, as this will provide long term benefits for all residents..
This year has seen the Parish Council use reserves which will need replacing in future. We are looking to commission further air quality reports to support our objections to the development of the green belt, and are looking to fund additional maintenance in the village.
With this in mind, it is proposed that the precept for 2018/19 be set at £45 on average. Whilst in percentage terms this may seem significant, it is an increase of approximately £15.50 per household per year. The Parish Council are unanimous in their view that this increase will benefit all residents, as the monies are to be used directly in Henbury Parish. Residents who may wish to comment may contact the Parish Council members directly.