Big changes are coming for Spratton – have your say

West Northamptonshire’s new Local Plan will shape the future of our village for the next 20 years, including where new homes may be built. Spratton Parish Council has formed a Local Plan Working Group and is looking for volunteers to help shape the village’s future.

Come along to find out what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can get involved.

National Conversation survey

This is a reminder about the National Conversation survey that is taking place.

Homepage – The National Conversation https://share.google/LqRZtLzxmUA2knqlO

This is a survey to gauge what people value about community life and the kind of communities they want.

This is being promoted across West Northamptonshire.

 

Proposed Bus Shelter Consultation – Welford Road (A5199)

Spratton Parish Council is seeking residents’ views on the possible provision of a bus shelter at the Northampton-bound bus stop on Welford Road (A5199). The results of this consultation will help inform whether the Council progresses an application to West Northamptonshire Council.

Please submit your response by Thursday 9th July

Proposed Bus Shelter Consultation – Welford Road (A5199) – Fill in form

Community Showcase

Something special is coming to Spratton… 

Our village Community Showcase is just around the corner — a chance to discover the many groups, clubs and activities happening right here in the village.

Whether you’re into history, gardening, sports, photography, or just fancy meeting new people, there’s plenty to explore.

Spratton Village Hall
Saturday 6th June 2026
10am – 1pm

Pop the date in your diary — more details coming soon!

Budget & Precept 2026/27

BUDGET & PRECEPT 2026/27

Spratton Parish Council has set the precept for the 2026–27 financial year at £62,000. This reflects the Council’s commitment to managing public funds responsibly while responding to the needs and concerns of residents. Below is a detailed explanation of the decision, including historical comparisons, the impact on a Band D property, allocation of funds, and the financial controls in place.

Precept Comparison

Year Precept (£) Tax Base Band D Contribution (£)
2026–27 62,000 471.4 (tbc) 131.52 (tbc)
2025–26 54,000 473.5 114.05
2024–25 54,000 469.1 115.11

Figures for 2026–27 are subject to confirmation of the final tax base.

Trend Analysis

  • The precept remained unchanged between 2024–25 and 2025–26, during which the Council worked to manage ongoing financial pressures and local priorities.
  • The 2026–27 precept of £62,000 represents an increase, which reflects the need to meet identified responsibilities, realign spending within statutory powers, and maintain essential services.
  • The tax base is expected to remain broadly stable at around 471 properties. This means the increased precept is spread across a similar number of households, leading to a modest rise in the Band D charge.
  • To help limit the increase in the precept for 2026–27, the Council has agreed that part of the budget will be funded from reserves. This approach supports essential spending while reducing the impact on individual households.

Impact on Band D Properties

The Band D contribution is calculated by dividing the total precept by the tax base (Band D equivalent properties).

  • 2026–27 Band D Contribution:
    £62,000 ÷ 471.4 = £131.52 per year
  • 2025–26 Band D Contribution:
    £54,000 ÷ 473.5 = £114.05 per year

With a higher precept and a similar tax base, residents will see a modest increase in their annual Band D charge for 2026–27.

How Precept Funds Are Used

The precept is the Parish Council’s primary source of income and funds a wide range of services, amenities, and obligations within Spratton, including:

  1. Maintenance of Grass Areas
  • Cutting and upkeep of open spaces and verges
  • Inspections and maintenance to hedges and trees
  1. Support for Community Facilities
  • Management and upkeep of East View Cemetery
  • Maintenance at Brixworth Road Cemetery and Pocket Park
  • Maintenance of St Andrew’s Churchyard
  • Support for local events and community initiatives
  1. Street Furniture and Infrastructure
  • Repairs and maintenance of benches, litter bins, and streetlights
  1. Administrative and Operational Costs
  • Salary for the Clerk
  • Insurance, office supplies, and IT systems
  1. Emergency Reserves
  • Maintaining adequate reserves to manage unforeseen costs, in line with best practice
  • Preparing for potential devolution of responsibilities from the Unitary Council
  1. Grants and Donations
  • Financial support to local organisations and charities that benefit the community

Comparison of Tax Base and Precept Over Time

  • The tax base has remained relatively constant, increasing from 469 in 2024–25 to around 471 in 2026–27.
  • With household numbers broadly unchanged, increases in the precept translate directly into corresponding changes in individual contributions.
  • The Council continues to prioritise careful budgeting and value for money, ensuring that rising costs are balanced with the impact on residents.

Financial Powers and Controls

Spratton Parish Council operates within a robust financial framework designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public funds.

  1. Budget Approval

The annual budget and precept are discussed and approved at public meetings, allowing residents to express views and ask questions.

  1. Statutory Compliance

All spending is governed by legislation, including the Local Government Act 1972, ensuring that expenditure is lawful and within the Council’s powers.

  1. Internal and External Audit
  • Internal Audit: Reviews compliance with financial regulations and procedures
  • External Audit: Provides an independent review of finances and governance
  1. Transparency Requirements
  • Publication of budgets, precept details, financial statements, and expenditure reports
  • Public inspection of accounts during the statutory period
  1. Reserves Management

The Council maintains appropriate levels of general and earmarked reserves for emergencies and future commitments, in line with guidance from bodies such as NALC and SLCC.

Conclusion

The 2026–27 precept of £62,000 reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to sound financial management and the effective delivery of services for the community. While the increase results in a modest rise in the Band D contribution, it enables the Council to fulfil its responsibilities, maintain key assets, and respond to continuing cost pressures.

Jane Marshall
Chairman
Spratton Parish Council

Council Tax Bills

Enquiries about Council tax bills?

Please find attached a poster with a QR code linking to the temporary Council Tax webpage.

Still time to help shape the future of West Northamptonshire

Residents across the area have helped to shape the future of planning in West Northamptonshire as the draft Local Plan eight-week consultation reaches its halfway stage. People across the area are being urged to have their say and ensure the plan meets the needs of residents and businesses.

The Local Plan is the blueprint for how our area will grow and change over the next 20 years. It sets out where new homes, jobs and infrastructure could be located, as well as how important green spaces and the character of our communities will be protected.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is consulting on a draft version of that plan right now, giving you the opportunity to help influence the big decisions about what gets built, where, and how we shape the places that matter to you. Within the first four weeks more than 500 people have attended events across the region, with 300 people completing the survey so far.

The draft Plan identifies potential sites for new housing, employment and infrastructure across Northampton, Daventry, Brackley and Towcester, proposals which have understandably attracted significant interest. It also looks at housing growth in villages and rural parishes, aiming to meet local needs and ensure these communities remain sustainable and vibrant.

To support this, the Plan proposes delivering at least 3,800 new homes in rural areas between now and 2043. Over recent weeks, a series of public exhibitions has taken place across the area. These have been very well attended and offered valuable opportunities for residents to learn more about the proposals and share their views. Upcoming public exhibitions will take place on 4 March between 3pm and 7.30pm at Long Buckby Community Centre, NN6 7QB and 9 March between 5pm and 8pm at the Sikh Community Centre & Youth Club SCCYC, Northampton NN5 5JW.

Residents are welcome to drop in at any time during the session to speak with planning officers, ask questions and find out more about the draft proposals.

Councillor Thomas Manning, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “It is fantastic to see that 500 number of people have taken the time to visit our exhibitions and 300 have provided feedback so far. Hearing directly from local people is incredibly important as we shape a Local Plan that supports growth while protecting the unique character of our towns, villages and rural communities. We’re now halfway through the consultation, and I want to encourage anyone who hasn’t yet had their say to take part, your views will help shape West Northamptonshire for decades to come.”

Click here to read the full draft Plan, view supporting evidence and complete the online survey. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on Friday 27 March 2026.

Contact Information

West Northamptonshire Council Communications Team
communications@westnorthants.gov.uk

Spratton Annual Parish Meeting, 2026

Dear Residents

We are delighted to invite you to attend the Spratton Annual Parish Meeting, which will take place on Tuesday, 21st April 2026 at 6:00pm. The event will be held at Spratton Village Hall (NN6 8HY). We’re reaching out now so you can mark this important date in your diary.

This meeting is a wonderful opportunity for your village organisations to showcase their achievements over the past year and share plans for the future. Additionally, it will be a fantastic chance to network with local organisations, groups, and key stakeholders in our village.

Alongside the many voluntary organisations and clubs, we’ve also invited the schools, local police, and our Unitary Authority Councillor to join us, ensuring a broad representation of the Spratton community.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Road Closure

TTRO 2526 W1252 Spratton Road Holdenby
Dear All,
We have received a request for a closure at the above.
Part of Spratton Road will be closed on 20th March for 1 day to allow Kier to complete repairs to post and rail.
Should you need any further detail, please contact Sean Ward on 01604 529700

Road Closure

Dear All,

We have received a request for a closure at the above location,

Part of Brixworth Road will be closed 31st March- 2nd April to allow National Grid to complete remedial works. Please find below the plan.

Should you need any further detail, please contact Cassidy Redgate on 01733 305020

Regards