📋 Kingsley Parish Council Budget and Precept 2026-2027 📈

Kingsley Parish Council has approved its budget and precept for the 2026/27 financial year.

The Council is required to set a balanced annual budget to deliver local services and meet its statutory responsibilities. Funding is generated through a combination of the parish precept, cemetery fees, investment income, grants and other sources of funding. The approved budget for 2026/27 totals £84,000 and will support the continued delivery of services across the parish.

Over recent years, the Council has worked to establish a realistic and sustainable financial position. This has enabled Kingsley Parish Council to respond more effectively to unexpected issues such as vandalism, essential repairs and other unforeseen costs without compromising day-to-day service delivery.

Historically, annual increases in the parish precept were kept exceptionally low. Between 2009 and 2020, the precept increased by an average of just £0.83 per year. Whilst this delivered short-term savings for taxpayers, these increases did not keep pace with inflation and effectively resulted in real-terms reductions to the Council’s spending power over a prolonged period.

Like all local authorities, the Council continues to face increasing costs associated with service delivery. Although inflation has reduced from its peak in recent years, many costs remain significantly higher than historic levels, including grounds maintenance, insurance, utilities, professional services and staffing costs. National changes such as increases to employer National Insurance contributions and public sector pay pressures also continue to affect local government budgets.

Despite these challenges, Kingsley Parish Council remains committed to delivering value for money and investing in services that benefit residents. The approved budget will support the ongoing maintenance of Kingsley Cemetery, public rights of way, playgrounds and open spaces, environmental improvements, community grants and wider village enhancements (with the launch of a new village enhancement schedule for 2026-2027 which can be found here).

The Council is also mindful of several significant future commitments, including potential repairs to the cemetery retaining wall, and replacement of ageing playground equipment.

The approved precept for 2026/27 is £82,000. This results in a Band D parish council charge of £86.33 per year, an increase of £0.72 compared to the previous year. This equates to approximately £0.06 per month for a typical Band D household.

For comparison, the average Band D parish precept in England is £99.79 for 2026/27. Kingsley’s precept therefore remains below the national average and continues to represent good value for money when compared with many other local councils.

The Council will continue to manage public funds carefully, maintain appropriate reserves, and ensure that services and facilities valued by residents can be sustained for the long term.

To view the full Budget and Precept Report for 2026/27, please click here.

Questions regarding the Council’s budget and precept can be directed to the Responsible Financial Officer by emailing .