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Proposed budget following distribution of Hyphen

In November every year the Town Council has to submit its Precept requirements to BCBC.  This is before BCBC sets its Budget and anything that BCBC intends to cut during its Budget preparations is unknown to the Town Council beforehand. The precept is governed by the Town Council budget. Any additional expenditure not budgeted for by the Town Council or indeed any impact of service cuts to the community of Pencoed will have to be met from the balances brought forward.

In 21/22 the Precept was increased by £5000 to cater for some increases brought about by the Pandemic. In 22/23 the precept/budget was not increased as it was felt that in the economic climate being faced it would not be appropriate. The precept was again not increased in 23/24, which meant that the budget would remain the same, however, during 23/24 it was known that the Council’s expenditure was likely to be exceeded, the budget and any overspend would need to be financed from balances.

For the Budget 24/25, in the knowledge that again there would be an increase in expenditure on certain heads of account a comprehensive overview was undertaken to establish a meaningful draft Budget in accordance with the The Finance & Governance Toolkit for Community and Town Councils Nov 22 edition, consequently, in the document issued there are a number of increases which are related in the main to the actual expenditure likely to be incurred during 23/24. In April 24 the draft Budget for 24/25 will be reviewed as a result of any balances remaining.

Increases that have occurred to date in 23/24 are attributable to:

• Extra member of Staff due to undertaking caretaking duties at the Pavilion, Felindre Road
• Creation of a Community Hub/Warm place in the Pavilion, Felindre Road
• Grounds maintenance costs at Felindre Road to cater for Rugby and Cricket
• Health and Safety issues at Pavilion, Felindre Road (Fire Alarm, upgrading of Consumer Unit)
• Ongoing maintenance of the Pavilion and provision of heating
• Additional expenditure required to dispose of Litter collected.
• Increased utilities costs
• Costs associated with the document 2020 Vision for Pencoed
• Requirements brought about by Legislation i.e. Wales Act 21

The Council has become aware of some areas of concern and would be respond as follows:

• Election fees we have to provide for by -elections
• Training requirements have been brought about by Wales Act 21
• Playing fields at Felindre Road remain the r4spnsibility of Pencoed Town Council under a management agreement with BCBC
• Xmas lights repairs were needed to some of the lights with additional utilities costs. Possibility of more costs being incurred as the lights are getting older.
• Whilst Pencoed Town Council is not required to have a wellbeing plan, during the period under review, however, we have provided funding for the Summer Play School, provision of FREE access to the Public and Mini and Junior Rugby. During the Pandemic our operative delivered essential goods from a local store at no cost to the recipients or the business. In the 24/25 Budget has been earmarked to continue with existing facilities and the development of a Warm Hub. For accounting purposes finance will be provided from various budget headings

If any member of the public would like further clarification on Budget matters, you should raise them directly with clerk; clerk@pencedtowncouncil.gov.uk