Over the past financial year, Compton Parish Council has worked diligently to manage funds responsibly while continuing to invest in vital services, infrastructure, and community support.

Income

This year, the council received a total income of £88,095 from various sources, enabling us to maintain essential services and fund local initiatives. The breakdown of our income includes:

• Precept: £66,544
• VAT Refund: £6,285
• Compilations Advertising Fees & Contributions: £3,205
• Allotment Rent: £951
• Pitch, Pavilion & Recreation Ground Hire: £845
• Interest: £2,838
• Sports Pavilion Flooring Grants: £1,622
• Bus Shelter Installation Grant: £5,805

Expenditure

The council spent a total of £69,227 to maintain and improve community spaces and services. Here are some key areas of investment:

• Staff Costs: £22,607
• General admin: £4,802
• Grounds Maintenance: £6,490
• Allotments: £1,745
• Audit: £575
• Insurance: £1,154
• Compilations: £2,952
• Footway Lighting Electricity: £6,846
• VAT (reclaimable): £2,643
• Professional advice: £795
• Tree Maintenance: £5,755
• Refuse disposal: £2,406
• Works towards a new burial ground: £2,205
• Grants/donations: £993
• Pitch marking & maintenance: £1,236
• Sports Pavilion maintenance and running costs: £5,035
• Christmas Events Contribution: £144

Community Contributions

At the heart of our mission is supporting local groups and initiatives. This year, the council granted £993 to organisations that make a difference:

Additionally, we contributed to our beloved Christmas festivities, funding decorations, gifts for children, and trophies for the best lights competition.

Looking Ahead: 2025/26 Priorities

In the coming year, the council will increase the precept to £84,403 (up 26.8%), equating to £2.50 per week for a Band D household. The increase will fund crucial upgrades, including £13,000 dedicated to modernising footway lighting, replacing outdated sodium bulbs with energy-efficient LED fixtures.

Our budget for 2025/26 is balanced at £91,059, allowing us to maintain and enhance local services. Furthermore, our efforts to create a new burial ground continue, with £76,000 earmarked for the project. As costs rise, additional funding – including a potential Public Works Loan – may be required to progress this essential initiative.