Budget & Precept 2026/27

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Residents shape Council’s final budget plans for 2026/27

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West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has published details of its final budget proposals for 2026/27, ahead of them being considered by Cabinet and Full Council later this month. The plans reflect both the significant financial pressures facing councils nationally and the feedback received from residents during a wide-ranging public consultation.

Like local authorities across the country, WNC continues to face rising costs and growing demand for services, particularly in adult social care and children’s services. These pressures have made setting a balanced budget increasingly challenging. This year, the Council began the budget process with an anticipated £50 million shortfall for 2026/27 and undertook an early and detailed review of its finances. This follows £115m of budget savings to date since the authority was formed in 2021, meaning this has been the most difficult budget-setting process so far. Through the 2026-27 budget process a further £29m have been identified to contribute towards close the gap taking the total savings identified since 2021 to £144m.

Alongside this work, the Council invited residents, businesses and community groups to share their views through a six-week public consultation. More than 3,000 responses were received, the highest level of engagement on a budget consultation to date. The engagement was further strengthened through the Council’s first online Budget Question Time.

Feedback from residents supported by some additional resources through the Local Government financial settlement, has helped shape the Council’s final revenue budget of £1.02 billion (£464.3m excluding the Dedicated Schools Grant).

The final budget proposals include several key changes from the draft Budget that was consulted on, including a reduction in the proposed Council Tax increase from 4.99 per cent to 4.95 per cent, reduction in the proposed garden waste charge and changes to the car parking proposals, with new concessions introduced to support short-stay parking and local economic activity. Final details of the car park charging changes will be confirmed at the Cabinet meeting.

Councillor John Slope, Finance Cabinet Member at WNC said: “Having inherited such significant financial challenges, we committed from the outset to leaving no stone unturned in finding the savings and income we need to set a legally balanced revenue budget for 2026–27. We know that some of the proposals we have had to consider are far from easy, and we do not take those decisions lightly.

“What has been especially heartening throughout this process is the strength of engagement from our communities. We received a record number of responses to the budget consultation, and I want to thank every single person who took the time to share their views.

“The feedback has now been carefully analysed, and we have acted on what residents told us. Their insights have directly shaped the final budget proposals we will be presenting particularly on garden waste fees and car parking charges which were by far the biggest bones of contention highlighted through consultation period. The public have raised concerns, and we have listened and made changes as a direct result.

“This process shows the real impact that local people can have on the decisions we make. Your feedback does not sit on a shelf, it informs our thinking and, where we can accommodate, influences the choices we take forward.”

The final budget also proposes that the authority invests £163 million as part of its capital programme spanning 2026/27 to 2030/31, designed to deliver long term benefits for residents and businesses. This long-term investment aims to strengthen local infrastructure, support safer and more vibrant communities, and prepare West Northamptonshire for future growth.The proposals also include £82.5million investment through the HRA (Housing Revenue Account) capital programme, supporting new build housing, estate improvements, heating upgrades and disabled adaptations. By 2031, the Council will have delivered £364.4 million in housing investment, ensuring sustained improvements.

Cabinet will consider the final budget for 2026/27 on Monday, 16 February 2026 for recommendation to the full Council meeting on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Further details can be found on the Council website.

Councillors Wanted

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Two Vacancies

Do you care about Spratton and want to help shape its future?

Spratton Parish Council currently has two vacancies for Parish Councillors and is inviting applications from local residents who would like to get involved in local decision-making.

What does a Parish Councillor do?

Parish Councillors:

  • Represent the views of residents
  • Help make decisions on local services and projects
  • Work to improve the village and community life
  • Attend Parish Council meetings (usually monthly)

No previous experience is required — just enthusiasm, common sense, and a willingness to contribute.

Who can apply?

You must:

  • Be 18 years or over, and
  • Live in Spratton, or within 3 miles of the parish boundary, or
  • Own or work on land or premises in the parish

How are vacancies filled?

If more than one person applies, the Council may choose to fill the vacancies by co-option. If insufficient applications are received, the vacancies may remain open.

Interested?

For more information or to express an interest, please contact:

The Clerk to Spratton Parish Council
📧 Email: clerk@sprattonpc.org.uk
📞 Telephone: 07715 651904

Being a Parish Councillor is a rewarding way to give something back to your community — your voice matters.

West Northamptonshire Local Plan consultation

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Local Plan consultation offers a chance to shape West Northamptonshire’s future

People who live and work in West Northamptonshire are being invited to take part in an important consultation that will help shape how the area grows and develops over the coming decades.

West Northamptonshire Council has launched an eight-week consultation on its new Local Plan, which opened on Thursday 29 January. The Local Plan will guide key decisions on where new homes are built, jobs located, how town centres are regenerated, how transport and infrastructure are planned, and how green spaces and local character are protected.

As demand for housing, employment land and services continues to increase, the Local Plan will play a central role in managing growth and directing investment. Taking part in the consultation gives communities a genuine opportunity to influence decisions that will affect everyday life now and in the future.

The consultation runs until 27 March and a series of public drop-in events are being held across West Northamptonshire to help people find out more and share their views:

  • Monday 2 February – Moulton Community Centre, Moulton, NN3 7AX (1:30–4:30pm)
  • Friday 6 February – The Forum, Towcester, NN12 6AF (12–5pm)
  • Tuesday 10 February – Wootton Community Centre, Wootton, NN4 6ED (2–7:30pm)
  • Wednesday 11 February – Middleton Cheney Village Hall, Middleton Cheney, OX17 2LT (12–4:30pm)
  • Thursday 12 February – Mercure Hotel, Daventry, NN11 0SG (3–6:30pm)
  • Thursday 19 February – Grosvenor Centre, Northampton, NN1 2EW (12:30–4:30pm)
  • Wednesday 4 March – Long Buckby Community Centre, Long Buckby, NN6 7QB (3–7:30pm)
  • Wednesday 11 March – Brackley Town Hall, Brackley, NN13 7AB (12:30–6pm)

All feedback received will be reviewed and used to shape the next stage of the Local Plan. A further draft plan is expected to be published in 2026, before being submitted for independent examination. Once adopted, the Local Plan will guide planning decisions across West Northamptonshire through to 2043.

Full details of the consultation and the online survey are available on the West Northamptonshire Council website at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/consultations

This is a key opportunity to help shape the future of West Northamptonshire, and everyone is encouraged to take part and have their say.