Precept

As we prepare for the 2025-26 financial year, Haydon Wick Parish Council has worked diligently to create a balanced and responsible budget that reflects the needs and priorities of the community. This year’s budget includes a variety of exciting projects and services while acknowledging the challenges presented by reductions in funding from Swindon Borough Council.

For the 2025/26 financial year, the parish precept has been set at £153.43 per year for a Band D property, which amounts to just under £3 per week. This ensures that we can continue to maintain essential services, support ongoing projects, and plan for future developments across the parish.

Key Budget Allocations for the Year Ahead
National Insurance Liability Increase
The increase in National Insurance contributions, mandated by the current Government, has added an additional cost of £20,000 to the Council’s budget. Despite this increase, we have ensured that it does not impact our core services or the projects outlined in this budget.

Outdoor Gym Installation
The installation of an outdoor gym will provide residents with free access to fitness equipment, promoting a healthy lifestyle in an outdoor setting. This facility is designed to be inclusive for all, helping to enhance community wellbeing.

Additional Hedge and Grass Cutting Equipment
We are investing in new hedge and grass cutting equipment to improve the maintenance of our public spaces. This equipment will help us manage our green areas more efficiently and maintain the appearance of the parish.

Completion of Grounds Maintenance Facility
The new Grounds Maintenance Facility is nearing completion, and this facility will greatly improve our ability to care for and maintain public spaces. It will ensure that our outdoor areas are kept in good condition for residents to enjoy.

Weed Spraying Trial
In response to Swindon Borough Council’s reduction in weed spraying services and an increasing number of resident requests, we are introducing a trial programme for weed spraying in certain areas. This initiative aims to keep public spaces, pathways, and footpaths clean and well-maintained. We will evaluate the effectiveness of this trial to determine whether it should continue in the future.

Planning for a Dog Park
Based on feedback from residents, we are exploring the possibility of creating a dedicated dog park. This space would provide a safe, enclosed area where dogs can exercise and socialise off-lead. The planning process will involve community engagement to ensure the park meets the needs of dog owners and other local residents.

Plans for Tadpole Field
We are working on an exciting development for Tadpole Field, in partnership with the Swindon and Cricklade Railway. This project aims to preserve the area’s natural beauty while providing a space that benefits the local community. Further details will be shared as planning progresses.

Supporting Youth Events and Facilities
The Council remains committed to supporting young people in Haydon Wick. We are allocating funds for the continued upkeep and improvement of the following facilities:

• The Skate Park – Maintaining and enhancing this popular recreational area. We’re also excited to organise a series of youth events at the Skate Park throughout the year, including skateboarding competitions, workshops, and community fun days. These events will offer local young people the chance to showcase their skills, learn from professionals, and engage with their peers in a supportive and fun environment.
• Play Parks – Ensuring that our 23 play areas & Skate Park remain safe and enjoyable for children and families. We also plan to host community events in our play parks and open spaces, such as family activities,, and seasonal celebrations. These events will foster community engagement, providing opportunities for residents of all ages to come together and enjoy the local parks.
• The Underground Youth Club at the Orbital – Providing support for the Well Church through the Council’s community grant funding schemes to enable the ongoing Underground Youth Project at the Orbital Centre, Swindon

Increasing Attendance at Community Cafés
The Council’s Community Cafés, namely the Memory Café, The Haydon Wick Haven, Companions Café and Menopause Café have proven to be valuable services for our community, with attendance steadily increasing. We are allocating additional resources to support these initiatives and ensure they remain accessible to those who need them most.

Swindon Borough Council Collaboration
While there has been a reduction in funding from Swindon Borough Council, we remain committed to working in partnership with them on community events and services. We are hopeful that this collaboration will continue to strengthen the delivery of services like the Memory Café and Haven, which are essential to supporting local residents.

Budget Planning Process
The budget planning process is transparent and involves careful consultation with various groups and committees. Here’s an outline of how we approach the development and approval of the budget:

1. Preparation
   In August each year, the Councillor and Officers begin by reviewing current services, anticipated costs, and income. This helps us to assess both ongoing needs and potential new projects.
2. Consultation with Committees
   Committees such as Parks and Open Spaces, Finance and Policy, and Community Development are consulted to gather input on their priorities. Each committee reviews the projects and services relevant to their area of focus and contributes ideas for the coming year.
3. Community Engagement
   We value the opinions of our residents so Councillors will be looking at the types of requests for services residents make, and review our Community Led Action Plan to gather feedback on budget priorities. This ensures that our budget reflects the concerns and needs of the community.
4. Drafting the Budget
   After gathering input, the Officers draft the proposed budget, outlining projected expenditures, income, and reserves. This document is reviewed by the Finance and Policy Committee to ensure that it is both responsible and achievable.
5. Final Approval
   The proposed budget is presented to the full Parish Council in January for discussion and approval. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the budget aligns with the community’s needs and expectations.
6. Monitoring and Review
   Throughout the year, the Parish Council closely monitors progress on budgeted projects and spending. We regularly review financial reports to ensure that the budget is being managed effectively and make adjustments as needed.

Moving Forward
While the upcoming financial year presents some challenges, we are confident that this budget will help us continue to provide valuable services and support to the Haydon Wick community. We are committed to ensuring that your money is spent wisely, and we will continue to look for new opportunities to enhance our services and facilities.
If you have any questions or would like further information about the budget, please don’t hesitate to contact the Parish Council.

Cllr Vinay Manro
Chairman to the Council