Finances

Nocton Parish Council sets its own budget. This is done annually, in December, for the following financial year, i.e. in December 2012 the budget will be set for financial year 2013/14. This is done by estimating expenditure including major projects, upgrading existing facilities, ongoing maintenance etc. This is then compared with likely income including the annual precept and grants from County and Borough Councils.

Precept

Before setting the budget, Councillors determine the precept for the following year, taking into account outside factors such as the rate of inflation, cost of living and the economic climate. Once this has been done priorities are agreed and the budget set.

Expenditure

 Expenditure is reviewed quarterly and compared with the Budget Forecast.

Audit

Expenditure is monitored and audited monthly by a Parish Councillor. It is audited annually by a company nominated as External Auditors by the Audit Commission for Local Councils in England. In addition to this an Internal Auditor is appointed to audit the Parish Council accounts and systems before they are sent to the External Auditor.