In a new survey being planned by the Parish Council, residents will be asked whether they would support an increase in the parish element of their Council Tax.
An estimated £3.8 million of costs would be incurred by the community if proposed developments at the Rec go ahead, and an element of that would likely have to be paid for by a Council Tax increase.
However, speaking at the last full council meeting, Cllr Denis Payne suggested the true cost could be significantly higher, given the interest costs on a loan that would be needed. “Assuming Public Works Loan Board money will be the most likely route for funding of this project, the cost will likely be twice the £3.8 million,” he said.
‘Money is money…’
The survey, approved in September last year, is intended to guide the Council’s decision-making, including their budget-setting process for the next financial year. Further details on how it will be conducted are expected to be discussed at the Finance, Governance and Legal Committee meeting on Monday, 27 April.
In a paper published with the meeting agenda, Cllr Payne advises the consultation should take a broad approach.
He says: “In September, the assumption was that Council should be seeking input from the community on what they want in order to guide our budget.”
The Council’s Rec Development Group has acknowledged that “a further resident consultation would be needed on any proposal to increase the precept”.
But Cllr Payne has pointed out: “The Rec Development proposals are specific, but not based on an initial ask of the community as to wants and needs. It makes no sense to run the Rec Development financial consultation separately from the more general one.”
He added that the Council needs to understand what level of overall Council Tax increase residents would consider acceptable, as well as gather ideas for future services and activities.
His paper also considers whether the survey should be carried out by external professionals and how it will be distributed.
He adds: “Money is money, and it will come from the community whether it is current services or Rec developments.”
Other considerations
Cllr Payne also raised questions about how to account for the views of residents in Kings Meadows, south of the A14, who are part of the Impington parish. While they are a significant group, he noted they are more likely to use their own facilities and those at Orchard Park.
“Should we be asking for more from them when they will, most likely, never come north of the A14?” he asks the committee.
He also warned of potential changes linked to Local Government Reorganisation and parish boundary adjustments south of the A14, which could further increase the parish share of Council Tax.
Other matters
At Monday’s meeting, the Committee will also:-
- Consider repayments of outstanding PWLB loan amounts;
- Review and approve the delegation limit for staff handling 12 New Road matters;
- Discuss the end of year review of Section 106 funds and reserves spend; and
- Discuss the end of year Committee Budget vs Spend report.
The Finance, Governance and Legal Committee will meet on Monday (27 April) in the Community Room at the Rec, starting at 7.30pm. All Histon & Impington residents are invited to attend to listen to the debates, and any resident wishing to address the meeting should contact the office to request a slot. Email clerk@hisimp-pc.gov.uk For more details, see the agenda pack here.
READ MORE: £3.8 million Rec upgrades to be unveiled; Resident challenges £3.8m Rec upgrade proposals; Parish Council to recommend Council Tax precept freeze
