Issue - meetings

This item reports on the income and expenditure position as at 31 August 2025 and seeks guidance on the preparation of the budget and precept for 2026/27.

The Conservators received a report on the income and expenditure position as at 31 August 2025 and seeking guidance on the preparation of the budget and precept for 2026/27.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Grounds Maintenance. A Member of the Conservators asked about the rise in fuel costs in the budget compared to last year. The Member queried why the cost had been raised and why it is projected to stay at the higher amount for the 2026/27 budget, when the actual amount spent on fuel is much lower as it stands currently. The Chief Accountant explained that there are fuel cards used for the machinery and the Assistant Head of Services – Streetcare will look at and consider which machines and vehicles have been used to ensure the appropriate fuel amount is charged. She continued to explain that the figures are provided as an indication from the Council’s Waste and Transport Manager, as he manages all of the Council’s vehicles, and may err on the side of caution to keep in mind potential fluctuations in fuel prices. The Chief Accountant agreed to take the query away and speak to the relevant officers to learn if that figure could be lowered.

b)            General Office Expenses. A Member of the Conservators asked about the Keepers’ Hut General Office Expenses. The Member highlighted that nothing was spent last year and asked what this money was for and whether it is necessary and what justification there is for setting the budget at a much higher figure than has been spent in recent years. The Chief Accountant informed the Conservators that they would raise this query with the Assistant Head of Services – Streetcare to determine what these funds are for and garner a justification as to why they are needed.

c)            Consultative Committee. The Chair raised that there had been discussions at the E&WD Consultative Committee about potentially adding a new budget line for new litter bins on the Downs. The Chair stated that there is a new income stream for the Conservators thanks to the vending on the downs scheme which could be used to provide some improvements on the downs.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Note the mid-year (Q2) income and expenditure position;

(2)      Provide guidance on the preparation of the budget for 2026/27;

(3)      Note the conclusion of the 2024/25 external audit of the accounts.