HOW IS THE HAVENS COMMUNITY COUNCIL FUNDED?

Community Councils are generally the least bureaucratic and cheapest form of local authority, with the only paid employee being the Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer (R.F.O.).  Councillors, who are all volunteers, are eligible for a small allowance.  The Havens Community Council receives no specific government grant and so raises the majority of its income from the precept portion of the Council Tax - a tax that is collected by Pembrokeshire County Council and subsequently transferred to the Council.  It also receives a small income from investments.

FINANCE

Annual Financial Audit.  The R.F.O. prepares the Council’s annual Financial Statements in accordance with applicable legislation and guidelines and these Financial Statements are made available to the Public, Council and Council’s auditors to review and comment.

Annual Budget.   Based on previous year's data, the R.F.O. prepares revenue and capital projections for the council and advises the Council on the amount to be precepted in the following year. The setting of the budget for the following financial year usually takes place in January each year.  

Management of Accounts. 

• Quarterly accounts and budget reviews are presented to the Council in January, April, July and October each year, to enable the Council to monitor budget projections for the remained of the year, and address any issues raised. 
• Monthly standings of account balances are presented to the Council at each monthly meeting.  These are presented as the Finance section of the Summons to the monthly meeting and include payments for approval, payments received and balances held.