Council Tax Precept Explained
You may have recently seen your council tax bill and thought that the Parish Council Precept increase seems rather large! Read on to see what the percentage increase means in real terms and what council tax is used for....
Published: 13 March 2026
Understanding the 2026 Parish Council Budget and What Your Council Tax Supports
At a recent Parish Council meeting, councillors agreed the budget and set the Parish Council Precept for the 2026–27 financial year. This includes continued support for the development of our Neighbourhood Plan, along with the day‑to‑day services that keep Bishop Monkton running smoothly.
For an average Band D household, the increase at 62%, represents an increase of around £1.63 per month. We know any rise in household costs matters, so here’s a clear explanation of what the Parish Precept is, why it changes, and how it directly benefits our village.
What Is the Parish Council Precept?
The Precept is the Parish Council’s share of your overall Council Tax bill. While most of your Council Tax goes to North Yorkshire Council and the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, a small portion comes directly to the Parish Council.
This funding allows the Parish Council to:
- Maintain and improve local amenities
- Support community projects
- Respond to issues raised by residents
- Plan for the long‑term development of the village
It is the only source of income the Parish Council controls directly, which is why setting the Precept is such an important part of the annual budget process.
Why Is the Precept Increasing?
This year’s increase – £1.63 per month for a Band D property – is designed to ensure the Parish Council can continue delivering essential services while investing in future priorities and it’s important to understand that some of this increase is temporary to allow for the initial Neighbourhood Plan costs.
Key reasons for the adjustment include:
- Supporting the Neighbourhood Plan
The Neighbourhood Plan is a major project shaping how Bishop Monkton grows over the next decade. Funding is needed for:
- Community consultations
- Specialist planning advice
- Drafting and reviewing policy documents
- Preparing the final submission for referendum
This work ensures residents have a real say in how the village develops.
- Rising Costs of Local Services
Like all public bodies, the Parish Council faces increased costs for:
- Grounds maintenance such as grass cutting
- Parish Council costs such as insurance, membership of local bodies etc
- Repairs to public spaces and assets
A small increase helps maintain service levels without cutting back on essential work.
- Investing in Village Improvements
The Council continues to prioritise projects that enhance everyday life in Bishop Monkton, such as:
- Footpath and verge maintenance
- Play area upkeep
- Village signage and street furniture
- Community events and safety initiatives
These improvements are often small individually, but together they make a noticeable difference to the quality of life in the village.
How the Precept Benefits Bishop Monkton
Every pound raised through the Precept stays in the village and is spent on local priorities. This means:
- Cleaner, safer public spaces
- Better-maintained amenities
- A stronger voice in planning decisions
- Support for community groups and events
- A well‑managed Neighbourhood Plan that reflects residents’ wishes
The Parish Council remains committed to transparency and value for money. Full budget details will be published alongside the meeting minutes for anyone who wishes to explore the figures in more depth.
Looking Ahead
The 2026–27 budget aims to balance financial responsibility with the ambition to keep Bishop Monkton thriving. The small increase in the Precept ensures the Parish Council can continue delivering the services residents rely on while investing in the future of our community.
If you have questions about the budget or the Neighbourhood Plan, the Parish Council welcomes your feedback at any time.