Perranzabuloe Parish Council Sets Budget for 2025/2026

Perranzabuloe Parish Council Sets Budget for 2025/2026

Perranzabuloe Parish Council (PPC) has finalised its budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, considering both its own cost pressures and the ongoing cost-of-living increases affecting local residents. After carefully evaluating various options, Full Council voted on 20 January 2025 to approve a 13.78% increase in the precept. This decision, made by majority vote, sets the total budget at £801,383 for the year. For a Band D household, this increase equates to an additional £0.35 per week.

Whilst it appreciates this is the highest rise in some years, Despite the rise, the budget remains at an appropriate level of what is required to fully offset inflation and recent National Insurance increases, which alone would have necessitated a 1.13% precept increase.

Chair, Cllr Peter Gaisford commented:

“The Parish Council acknowledges the needs of its Parishioners and their desire for improved services. Over the past two years, it has funded several key projects, including the construction of a new toilet and storage facility at Bolenna Park, the refurbishment of the Droskyn and Goonhavern toilets, the expansion of a unit at Cligga Industrial Park, and the development of a new Skate Park. These initiatives have been financed from the Parish Council’s financial reserves. The Parish remains well-maintained, with clean streets and regular bin collections. The addition of part-time staff has further enhanced service delivery, ensuring Parishioner expectations are met. Looking ahead, the next phase of Parish projects is already in the pipeline. Perranzabuloe Parish Council benefits from commercial property rental income, which subsidises approximately 50% of the overall Parish budget. In May, a new Parish Council will be elected, giving the Parishioners of Perranzabuloe the opportunity to choose representatives who will serve their community with dedication.”

Clerk, Amanda Lash commented:

“I joined PPC in September 2023, midway through the budget process. Although PPC has traditionally aimed to keep precept increases at zero percent, the rising costs over the years have meant that maintaining a zero increase has effectively resulted in a reduction in funding, making this increase necessary. While it has worked diligently to secure market-value rents for properties and invest in higher interest accounts, the rising cost of living has placed the council in a financially challenging position. My priority has been to advance long-planned projects while ensuring financial sustainability for future initiatives. The 13.78% increase is necessary to manage inflationary pressures and sustain valued services for Perranzabuloe residents.”

Funding Breakdown

Most of PPC’s funding comes from the annual precept, collected through council tax. For 2025/2026, the precept request stands at £420,081. Additional revenue is generated through rental income, car parking income, and grants. The budget can be found by clicking on the links below:

Click to access Approved-Budget-2025-2026-200125.pdf

Click to access Expected-Income-2025-26.pdf

Understanding the financial burdens on residents, PPC has strived to keep the precept increase as low as possible while continuing to provide essential services, facilities and amenities. Key projects for the upcoming year include:

• Establishing a new Community Library at 8 Boscawen Road
• Creating a Youth Hub at Chyanhale, Ponsmere Valley
• Maintaining additional public toilets at Droskyn and Bolenna
• Restoring the historic Chimney Stack at Chyanhale
• Ensuring financial reserves meet recommended levels

Cornwall Council and Devon & Cornwall Police have not yet determined their precepts.

Governance and Decision-Making

PPC councillors meet regularly to discuss and address community needs. The council holds a full monthly meeting, supported by five committees:

• Finance and Operations
• Public Spaces & Services
• Planning
• Staffing
• Cligga

Together, these committees convene approximately 72 times per year.

Facilities, Services, and Amenities

PPC is responsible for maintaining and overseeing numerous community assets, including:

• Play areas at Bolenna and Goonhavern, as well as open spaces
• Cligga Head (extensive historical mining area, SSSI and SSSGI)
• Inner Green
• Perranporth Beach (up to Penhale Sands)
• Skatepark at Chyanhale
• Pumptrack at Goonhavern
• The Library
• Public conveniences at Bolenna, Goonhavern, and Droskyn
• Car parks at Droskyn, Bolenna, Goonhavern, and Tywarnhale Square
• 148 streetlights within the parish
• Bus shelters
• Seasonal Beach Wardens
• Seasonal Street Wardens

Property Management

PPC owns several properties and land leased to businesses and community organisations:

• Chyanhale (including the Police Station)
• Former Youth Hostel
• The Watering Hole
• Droskyn Field
• Units 1, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and the Hanger, at Cligga Industrial Estate
• Rugby Club
• Football Club
• Tennis Club

Looking Ahead: 2025/2026 Initiatives

In the coming year, PPC will focus on several projects aimed at enhancing parish life:

• Relocating the Library from its current location to a larger facility at 8 Boscawen Road, increasing opening hours, events and community engagement/outreach.
• Developing a Youth Hub at Chyanhale, including regular Youth Club nights, and free space for community groups to use
• Expanding community facilities

Community Engagement

PPC extends its gratitude to the residents of Perranzabuloe for their ongoing support in delivering effective local services. To review the full agenda please follow this link: https://www.perranzabuloe-pc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20-January-2025-Draft-Full-Council-Minutes.pdf