2025/26 = 83.3%
2026/27 = 36.1%
The precept is a demand for a specific sum of money to be collected through the council tax system, which the parish council then uses to fund its operations.
How it works:
The Parish council prepares a budget and determines how much funding they need for the upcoming year.
They then submit a precept request to the billing authority (RBWM) who then collects the precept amount as part of the council tax and pays it to the parish council.
Why it’s important:
Parish councils rely on the precept as their primary source of funding, as they do not receive direct funding from central government. Without the precept, they would be unable to carry out their responsibilities, such as maintaining local amenities, providing services, and representing the community.
So what’s the problem?
The Datchet Parish Council precept % increase from the previous year is as follows: 2025/26 = 83.3% and 2026/27 = 36.1% This means that the Datchet Parish Council precept has more than doubled in two years. Where is this money going? Administration and unresolved legal fees maybe?