Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for the 2021/22 budget and the recommended precepts on the constituent bodies.

The Conservators received a report seeking approval for the 2021/22 budget and the recommended precepts on the constituent bodies. 

The Committee received a verbal introduction from the Chief Accountant.

The following matters were raised by the Conservators:

a)            Business rates: Following a question from a Conservator, the Officer confirmed that business rates had been payable on public conveniences up until this year, however this is no longer the case following changes by central Government. 

b)            Racehorse training: Conservators noted the current allocated training period for racehorse trainers. The Conservators noted that, should the Jockey Club need to formally request additional resources on the downs, a formal report detailing the additional resource requirement and proposed funding would need be brought to the Committee at a future date.

Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously that the Conservators:

(1)      Agreed to note the latest income and expenditure position for 2020/21;

(3)      Agreed to note the conclusion of the 2019/20 external audit of the accounts.

Following consideration, it was resolved 7 Members voting for, 1 Member voting against and the Chairman not voting that the Committee:

(2)      Approved the 2021/22 budget, as set out in Appendix 1 to this report, with a request for a 2.4% increase in precept from the constituent bodies as follows:-

i.             Epsom and Ewell Borough Council: £260,140

ii.            Epsom Downs Racecourse: £130,070

iii.          Epsom & Walton Downs Training Board: £43,360