Issue - meetings

This item reports on the income and expenditure position as at 31 August 2022 and seeks guidance on the preparation of the budget and precept for 2023/24.

The Conservators received a report setting out the income and expenditure position as at 31 August 2022 and seeking guidance on the preparation of the budget and precept for 2023/24.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Update on EAFRD funding. In response to a question from a Member, the Conservators were informed that the claim had now been submitted to the Rural Development Programme for England and the award of funding from the grant body was awaited.

b)            Tree works. The Conservators noted that funding for low and medium priority tree works were included in the budget for 2023/24. Funding for high priority works was included in the forecast for current financial year. Officers recommended that if any works required a spend over the existing budget, a separate report should be presented to the Conservators for consideration.

c)            Precept contributions. The Conservators noted that it was forecast that a 6% increase to precept contributions would be required to achieve a balanced budget in 2023-24.  It was noted that this was lower than general inflation due to existing agreements with regard to increases to staffing costs and a limited exposure to utility bills.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Note the mid-year income and expenditure position.

(2)      Provide guidance on the preparation of the budget for 2023/24.

(3)      Note the conclusion of the 2021/22 external audit of the accounts.