Finance

The Parish Council would like to inform residents about the precept increase for the financial year 2025/2026. We understand that any increase in Council Tax is a concern, and we want to be open and transparent about why this decision was made and what it means for you.

What is the Precept?

The precept is the portion of your Council Tax that funds your Parish Council. It allows us to maintain and improve local services and facilities, ensuring Wootton remains a vibrant and thriving community.

Why Has the Precept Increased?

This year’s precept will rise from £315,576.00 to £438,848.00, an increase of 19.61%. While we have worked hard to keep this figure as low as possible, the increase is necessary due to rising costs in utilities, maintenance, and the general cost of living.

We are also delighted to welcome the residents of St George’s Fields development, transferring from Hackleton to Wootton. Their inclusion means they will contribute towards paying the precept, helping to spread costs more widely.

What Does This Mean for You?

For a Band D Council Tax household in Wootton, the increase amounts to £20.91 a year, which equates to just £1.74 a month or approximately 40 pence a week.

For residents of the St George’s Fields development, there’s good news – your precept will decrease by around £40 a year, reflecting the cost-sharing benefits of being part of Wootton Parish.

Please note that not everyone lives in a Band D property, so your specific increase may vary depending on your home’s tax band.

Where Does Your Money Go?

The precept funds a wide range of services and projects that benefit our community, including:

·         Running and maintaining the community and sports centre.

·         Supporting the library and recreation areas.

·         Organising events like the Family Fun Day, Fireworks Night, Christmas Craft Fayre, and Wootton Bites.

·         Commemorative events such as last year’s 80th anniversary of D-Day.

·         Craft sessions at the library, including slime making and holiday activities for children.

·         Emptying dog waste bins and maintaining village noticeboards.

·         Installing new benches and maintaining public spaces, including grass cutting and tree care.

·         Pitch marking for sports teams.

·         Producing the Parish Magazine.

·         Training for staff and councillors to ensure we deliver the best possible service to you.

A Final Note

We appreciate that these are challenging times for many households, and we are committed to managing your contributions responsibly. As your Parish Council, we remain focused on delivering excellent services, maintaining transparency, and keeping Wootton a wonderful place to live.

Thank you for your continued support.