Budgeted expenses of Parish Council

Updated April 2024

Each year the Parish Council sets a carefully considered budget, paid for via the
Precept and met by residents through their Council Tax.

● The following is a list of financial obligations for the Council:-

• King George V Playing Field, Pavilion, Play Area (with play equipment) and
  Tennis Courts – maintenance and improvement costs through the year
  including water rates and cleaning.
• Alexander Playing Field and Pavilion – maintenance, grass cutting and water
  rates.
• The Civic Cemetery – maintenance costs, grass cutting, Registrar fees and
  water rates.
• The Madge Field – grass cutting.
• South Foreland Valley – annual fee to White Cliffs Countryside Project
  (through DDC) for management of the site, security costs, water rates for
  cattle troughs, tree works and any additional maintenance (volunteers
  undertake scrub clearance and the Council meets fuel costs and
  refreshments). Also maintenance and insurance of Valley equipment.
•  The Council uses a maintenance contractor (currently Mr R Purchase) to
  undertake maintenance through the village, including play equipment repairs,
  verge cutting and from 2024 maintenance of the Civic Cemetery at Westcliffe.
• Defibrillators x 5 – acquired and placed through the village. Ongoing
  replacement batteries/pads etc.
• CCTV – provided at village car park, King George V Field and village hall.
  Any ongoing repairs / maintenance.
• The Council owns and maintains 40 benches throughout the village.
• The Council also pays via DDC 100% of the costs involved in running the
  public toilets in Reach Road car park – this followed the threat of closure a few
  years ago.
• Clerk as an employee receives an annual salary and the Council is obliged as
  a legal employer to provide pension contributions.
• Annually the Council arranges a Christmas event (village lights previously
  purchased by the Council) in association with local businesses. Other
  community events have been arranged in recent years.
• The Council has other administration costs to meet, including insurance for
  assets, hire of village hall.
• The Council provides community grants to local sports clubs and
  organisations.