Finance & Audit

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 2026

The Council’s Budget for the ensuing year (April to March) is set in January each year and is collected along with the Council Tax by the Borough Council.

For the previous year (2025/26) the Parish Precept was set at £71,098.97 by the Parish Council with a contribution towards Concurrent Functions from West Lancashire Borough Council of £2,924. In addition, the Council receive grants to  improve the infrastructure from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) made by building developers, which was spent on the Linear Park.

For the current year (2026/27) the Parish Precept was set at £71,162.98 by the Parish Council with a contribution towards Concurrent functions from West Lancashire Borough Council of £2,924.00. The Council also receive £300 per annum for Allotment Management, £5,763.09 rent from the three local sports clubs at the Centenary Sports Ground, and £175.35 from Electricity North West for wayleave agreements. A total income including some other minor items, of over £109,485. In addition, the Council will receive grants to improve the infrastructure, from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) made by building developers.

The Council’s basic administration costs, which include insurance, audit charges, training, room hire, employment and expenses of the Parish Clerk, and legal and professional fees amount to £26,945.

The Council’s affairs are audited on an ongoing basis by an Internal Auditor, appointed annually by the Council. An External Auditor, appointed by Central Government examines the Council’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return in June/July each year and reports to the Council

 

Notice Of Conclusion of External Audit

Hesketh with Becconsall Parish Council

The external audit of Hesketh with Becconsall Parish Council for the financial year ended 31 March 2026 has now been completed.

The Notice of Conclusion of Audit together with the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), the External Auditor’s Report and Certificate, and other documents required by the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, are available to view using the links below:

External Audit Documents 2025/2026

Paper copies may also be be inspected by prior appointment by contacting the Parish Clerk.

 

Graham Crompton
Parish Clerk and Finance Officer
27th July 2026