Parish Council Finance

The Parish Council is a local government body, and can only do that which it is empowered to do by law. Anything else, no matter how apparently justifiable or useful will be beyond the powers of the council.

The Accounts and Audit Regulations (England) 2011 refer to the need of the council to follow ‘proper practices’. The council follows the guidance of the ODPM – A Practitioners Guide. The Parish Council is required, by section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972, to appoint a responsible financial officer. This role is held by the Clerk to the Council. All accounts and procedures are administered by the Full Council, and are under the scrutiny of an Internal Auditor, and externally audited by Littlejohn LLP.

Historical budgets and Financial information are available via the View All Documents page.

Statement Regarding Setting of Precept & 2026/27 Budget

For the financial year running from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027 Mepal Parish Council has requested a slight increase in its precept from East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC), only in respect of the higher tax base we have been advised of; this should not result in an increase to individual council tax payers. The 2026/27 budget and required precept was discussed and referenced in the December 2025 meeting minutes (111225/7 c) and d)). The 2026/27 Approved Budget can be read here.

An explanation about how the precept was calculated can be read here.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Report

A CIL report to ECDC detailing how the CIL money has been allocated is produced each year

Budget

Year-end Accounts

Annual Reports

If you would like a paper copy of any of these reports please contact the Mepal Parish Clerk.

Visit Documents for archive of all reports.