Financial Reporting

Precept

Each year Downton Parish Council calculates how much money it requires to provide its services or achieve any planned projects. This sum, called the precept, is collected by Wiltshire Council as part of a household’s council tax. Downton Parish Council does not receive any money from central government or Wiltshire Council, nor does it receive any financial support from local business rates which are collected by Wiltshire Council.

For 2022/23 the precept for Band D Properties is £96.87 and for 2021/22 the precept was £82.16.

Accountability

As a local resident you have legal rights to inspect, ask questions about and challenge items in your council’s accounts. For more information, the National Audit Office has published a guide Council Accounts – a guide to your rights.

Accounts and Audit Regulations

In order to comply with the Accounts and Audit Regulations and associated documents, the Parish Council is required to publish certain information.

The Local Audit & Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2015 set out the responsibilities of all local councils in respect of their accounting and auditing procedures.

Each year, the Council’s financial accounts and statements must be examined by an independent internal auditor appointed by the Council.  For the year 2022/23 this is Paul Reynolds of Fair Accounts.

The Council is also required to complete an Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) which includes the findings of the Internal Auditor, together with Governance Statements and Financial Statements. The AGAR is then submitted to the independent external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission for examination.

Policies & Regulations

Previous Reports

Year Ending March 2023 Financial Reports

Year Ending March 2022 Financial Reports

Year Ending March 2021 Financial Reports

Year Ending March 2020 Financial Reports

Year Ending March 2019 Financial Reports

Year Ending March 2018 Financial Reports

Year Ending March 2017 Financial Reports