Stubton Parish Precept: A Five-Year Review
The parish precept is a vital component of local council funding in England, forming part of the overall council tax bill paid by residents. In Stubton, a small village in Lincolnshire, the precept funds the activities and governance of the Parish Council. Over the last five years, Stubton’s precept has seen notable changes, reflecting both inflationary pressures and evolving local priorities.
Precept Figures: 2020–2025
Below is a summary of the annual precept amounts set by Stubton Parish Council over the last five years:
| Financial Year | Precept (£) |
|---|---|
| 2019/20 | 1,189 |
| 2020/21 | 1,200 |
| 2021/22 | 1,300 |
| 2022/23 | 1,400 |
| 2023/24 | 1,400 |
| 2024/25 | 1,540 |
| 2025/26 | 1,617 |
The precept has increased each year, with the exception of 2023/24, where it remained static. The most recent increase for 2025/26 represents a 5.6% rise, which is above the rate of inflation.
What Drives the Precept?
The precept is set annually by the Parish Council to cover its anticipated expenditure. In Stubton, the majority of the precept is currently allocated to governance costs, including the clerk’s salary and council administration. In 2025/26, it was noted that nearly all of the £1,617 precept would be used for governance, leaving little for community projects or improvements.
This trend has raised concerns among some residents and commentators, who argue that if the precept continues to rise at this rate without delivering tangible benefits to the village, its sustainability and value may be questioned.
Financial Balances and Spending
Despite the annual increases, Stubton Parish Council has often ended the year with a surplus. For example, the balance at the end of 2024/25 was £5,010, rising to £6,599 by May 2025. This accumulation is partly due to underspending in previous years, as the council did not always use the full precept, and the previous clerk did not take a salary.
Band D Council Tax Impact
The precept directly affects the council tax paid by residents. For a Band D property in Stubton, the parish element of the council tax has risen as follows:
- 2020/21: £15.44
- 2021/22: £16.71
- 2022/23: £17.77
- 2024/25: £20.44
- 2025/26: £21.58 (approximate, based on a 5.6% increase).
Community Projects and Challenges
While the precept is intended to support local services and improvements, in recent years most of the funds have been absorbed by governance. However, the council has supported some community initiatives, such as the installation of a moveable electronic speed sign, funded partly by grants and donations, and efforts to address local flooding issues.
Looking Ahead
The Parish Council’s financial reports and annual returns are publicly available, providing transparency and accountability. As the precept continues to rise, there is ongoing debate about how best to balance necessary governance with delivering visible benefits to the community.
Conclusion
Over the past five years, Stubton’s precept has increased steadily, reflecting both rising costs and the need to maintain effective local governance. However, with most of the precept now spent on administration, the challenge for the Parish Council will be to ensure that future increases translate into tangible improvements for residents, maintaining both value for money and community support.
