Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 enables local councils (parish/town) to spend limited funds on community projects benefiting residents when no other specific legal power exists. The 2026-27 expenditure limit is £11.60 per elector. Grants are awarded to non-profit, community-focused organisations, requiring direct local benefit.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1972/70/section/137
This is not money that a Borough Council can raise but it is one that Parish and Town councils can add to the precept, that gets ring fenced for the benefit of the local community, spent within the parish.
Local community groups struggle to raise money for the work they do in the community and it’s a constant juggling act to make things work.
Would you be in favour of your parish council adding £10 to the precept that could ONLY be given to community groups that work in the parish, helping the local population. That’s £10 as part of what is likely to be a £2,000 council tax bill.
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Thank you.
Jon Davey
Community Champion
