The Parish Council sets an annual Precept – funding collected on the Parish Council’s behalf by Chichester District Council through Council Tax – to support its activities each financial year from 1 April to 31 March. The Strategy and Finance Committee meets regularly to make a recommendation for the annual Precept which is agreed by the Full Council, usually each January.
A detailed breakdown of how the Precept is formulated is available below, as well as the Council’s financial accounts.
Auditing
The Council is audited every year which includes inspecting the financial accounts and corporate governance procedures and risk assessments. The Council must demonstrate good governance, accountability and transparency. The annual audit ensures public money is safeguarded, properly accounted for and used economically, efficiently and effectively.
Internal audit
The Council is required to carry out an annual internal audit by an independent auditor who reviews its financial statements and other aspects of its work to ensure financial affairs, performance and use of resources are properly conducted.
External audit
Every small authority in England with a turnover of £6.5m or less must complete an annual return at the end of the financial year to an external auditor appointed by the government. The annual return is published to the Parish during a six-week consultation period and any person interested has the right to inspect the Council's accounting records.