The Town Council is predominantly funded by the residents of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge through a precept on the council tax charge made by Somerset Council.
The 2023/24 budget set a total precept of £768,500, which equates to an annual council tax charge of £116.10 (£7.60) per year on a band D household. Properties are put into one of eight bands, A being the lowest, and H the highest, with Band D being the average.
In the interests of openness and transparency, we publish various detailed reports in relation to the operation of the Town Council.
Annual Audits
Every financial year ending 31 March the annual audit of the Town Council’s accounts are reviewed by both the internal and external auditor. Audit information can be viewed below.
2022-2023
Notice of the Audit and Right to Inspect the Annual Governance & Accountability Return
https://burnham-highbridge-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SO0045-_interimreport_.pdf
Uncertified sections 1, 2 and 3 of Annual Governance Accountability Review
https://burnham-highbridge-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Merged-SO0045-AGAR-SO0045-IS3.pdf
Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return
Notice of public Rights 2022-23.pdf
2022-2023
Sections 1 & 2 of the Annual Governance Accountability Review
2021-2022
Notification of conclusion of audit and sections 1, 2 & 3 of Annual Governance Accountability Review
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Budgets
The financial year for local authorities runs between 1 April – 31 March (inclusive).
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Payments
Town and Parish Councils, which have a gross annual income or expenditure (whichever is the higher) of a least £200,000 are required to publish ‘Public Data’ as set out in The Code of Recommended Practice for Local Authorities on Data Transparency.
Although it is only recommended practice, Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council believes that being transparent is pivotal to enable greater democratic accountability over how council tax and public money is spent.
Public Data does not include personal information as this would contravene the Data Protection Act 2018. In accordance with the Code of Recommended Practice, Burnham & Highbridge Town Council will make available for public inspection the relevant information as stipulated within the Code.
2023/24 – Payments over £500:
https://burnham-highbridge-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Payments-over-500-December-2023.pdf
https://burnham-highbridge-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Payments-over-500-January-2024-1.pdf
Allowances: Councillors are not paid an allowance, apart from the Mayor who received the sum of £5231 in 2022/2023.
Grants Allocated
2023-2024 Awarded Grants
https://burnham-highbridge-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-2024-grants-awarded-2.pdf
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Report of monies received and spent: