Precept
The Precept is the council tax that the billing authority, in this case, Bath and North East Somerset (BANES), collects on behalf of a parish council. The precept is calculated as part of the parish council’s budget, filling the gap between the parish council’s planned expenditure and its estimated income. Parish councils do not receive any direct funding from central government and so the precept is a hugely important part of a parish council’s income.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Under current planning rules when a new dwelling is built in our parish the developer must pay a levy to BANES, called the Community Infrastructure Levy (or “CIL”). The amount paid is linked to the floor area of the new buildings. BANES must give 25% of this levy to East Harptree Parish Council.
The council funds are then available to us as a community to address the demands that developments place on our parish, or by funding the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of parish infrastructure, such as the Victorian clock tower and provision of two defibrillators.
Our CIL Annual Report summarises what funds we have available and what we have spent money on to date.
As a community, we have five years to spend this money or it may have to be returned to BANES. Anybody can submit an application to the council to access these funds for a project within our parish.
New Applications Pending a Decision
The Parish Council must endeavour to ensure that projects granted CIL funding have the broad support of the community. New applications pending a decision will be available for residents to scrutinise and we encourage, and will carefully consider, comments of support, or otherwise, from the community. It would therefore be helpful if applicants provide some evidence that their application reflects the needs of the community.
EH Playing Field Committee Application for Annual Grant – £2000
CIL Annual Reports