Finances and the Precept

The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) is a document that local councils in England must complete annually to show accountability to their electorate. The AGAR is part of the external audit process and is required by the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.

The financial year for the Town Council is 1 April to 31 March.

Primarily the Town Council is financed by a precept which is added to the Council tax bill sent to all householders in April each year. It is calculated in the December of the preceding year and then requested from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council in January.

The Town Council’s finances are ultimately governed by the Accounts and Audit regulations 2015 which is a statutory instrument of government. However, the day to day operations are carried out with guidance from its own Standing Orders and Financial Regulations .

The Council produces an annual governance statement and accounting statements (AGAR) which are subject to a review by the external auditor. The Council has a duty to publish the AGAR. Members of the public have a right to inspect all documents relating to these for a period of 30 working days .

The Council also has to appoint an internal auditor. They carry out four internal audits per year and produce a report each time.

The AGAR 2023-24 and Notice of Public Rights 2023-24, as well as past AGAR documents can be downloaded by clicking the button below.