The abilities of a parish council to raise (through the Parish Council Precept (a very small part of the Council Tax) and spend money is very tightly regulated, as is the manner in which members of a council must conduct themselves. The manner in which a council conducts its business is set out in a document agreed by the council from time to time known as Standing Orders. The Council prepares an annual budget and raises money (shown as part of the council tax) which it uses towards the upkeep and support of the village.
Parish Council pays for some of the Highway and Open Spaces maintenance, improvement projects, benches, supporting other Village Groups and working with Borough Council to make our voice heard. It also makes grants to organisations that the community uses and funds the Village Plan to consult the community on what they want.
Some of the Village Groups that the Parish Council have previously supported are listed below.
- Village Hall
- Royal British Legion
This support generally falls under what is called “Section 137 Powers – to spend money on anything for the benefit of residents” these are strictly controlled and this limited funding is shared among the various groups and projects identified. The following guidance contained within the NALC Legal Note 31 about use of Section 137 Powers.
The Parish Council is consulted by the Bedford Borough Highways department on works within the parish and nominates tasks to be undertaken. It also monitors the public footpaths.
The Village Hall, which is owned by the Parish Council is operated by a separate body – the Village Hall Committee.