Why a Parish Precept and what is it?

Every year in December, the Town Council has to prepare and agree the parish budget for the next financial year. No-one likes having to pay for services but without the Parish Precept there are many things that could not happen in Coleford.

The Local Government Act 1972 states how your Town Council will help pay for these. Parish and Town Councils receive no subsidy at all from the Government and the Town Council ensures that money raised from your pocket in this way is spent within the Parish in the best possible manner.

Obviously the office and staff are the highest cost within the budget but the Town Council believes that good value is given for the money spent. Coleford Cemetery also has to be maintained and a contribution is still paid to the Forest of Dean District Council to assist with the maintenance of Mile End Cemetery, which also provides for the needs of the Coleford Parish.

The Clock Tower and the area around it are also within the Town Council’s responsibilities along with the King George V Playing Field and pavilion. In recent years a great deal of money has had to be spent on roller shutters at the pavilion to prevent further vandalism there. Your Town Council also looks after the benches around the Parish.

The Town Council has the power to help financially with the three Playing Fields at Woodville Avenue, Coalway and the Buchanan Recreation Trust. These are run by their own committees who have to satisfy the Town Council every year that they are working in the interest of the local people and the Council in turns makes a grant available on an annual basis. This grant in no way covers the costs of these playing fields and parishioners need to be aware of the importance of supporting any fund raising these groups have to do. It is also a way of getting involved in the community.

Other local groups are also awarded small amounts of grant by applying annually. The Town Council once again ensures that these grants benefit the people of the Coleford Parish.

Town centre events have been growing over the years and the Town Council provides some financial support for the Christmas Lights, The Carnival of Transport, The Music Festival and Dancing through the Dean. Without this support the organisers of these events would not be able to apply for matched funding towards the thousands of pounds that they cost. The amount of volunteer effort, if it had to be paid for would treble the costs of these events.

It is sincerely hoped that you feel that Coleford really has value for money.