In January 2026, members considered the required budget, based on their strategy.  It was an opportunity to confirm earmarked reserves and the proposed level of reserves that are estimated for the end of the financial year.  TWC requests details of the amount of precept that each Parish & Town Council across the Borough will need to achieve its budget.  This figure, as agreed by Full Council, will be collected by TWC from local residents as part of the 2026/2027 council tax bill.

Here is an extract from the Minutes of the Full Council meeting when the budget was agreed and the amount of precept confirmed:

“Councillor H Unwin presented the recommendation from the Committee with details of the draft budget which was based on the parish council strategy which had been unanimously agreed by Full Council following the councillors’ strategy days.

A detailed budget had been prepared taking into consideration all the administration costs and those relating to the parish assets and projects.

In presenting the recommendation, it was confirmed that the initial budget resulted in a precept increase of 39%.  However, with the use of savings and earmarked reserves and with the deferral of some projects, the recommended budget is now ?445,820 (an increase of ?29,300).  The total of general reserves has decreased over the past few years as they have been used to ensure that the Parish Council has not raised its precept more than necessary.  The level of general reserves is now much lower.  The proposal includes for ?26,000 to be used from the general reserves which will reduce the precept to ?340,270.  Whilst this results in an increase, this equates to a weekly increase of 44p per week for a Band A property and no more than 66p per week for a Band D property.  We are also aware that around 90% of the properties in Hollinswood & Randlay are below Band D.”

The council tax bills also include funds required by Telford & Wrekin Council, West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire & Rescue.  There is a Special Fund charge which TWC has combined with the Parish & Town Council precept charge and this added ?20.08 (for a Band A property) and ?30.13 (for a Band D property).  This amount is set by TWC and retained by them – this is not received by the Parish Council.  On this occasion, for our Parish, it is to cover the cost of street lighting.

Follow this link to see the agreed budget https://www.harpc.gov.uk/about/finance/budgets/ for Hollinswood & Randlay Parish Council for 2026/2027.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk.