Aldwick News
March Newsletter
Budget 2024-25:
The final budget and precept (council tax portion) was decided at the January Council meeting. The amount paid by Aldwick residents has remained the same for several years, and historically has not increased by much for even longer. Increasing costs faced by the council, the need to ensure reserves don’t dip below recommended levels and for the continued work to help keep Aldwick the lovely place it is, means a small increase is needed. The new precept from 1st April 2024 is £114,424, which equates to a Band D (average) council tax charge per year of £21.52, an increase on last year of £3.78 annually or 7p per week. Some of the things your council tax is spent on include: Resourcing to manage the council’s affairs; Maintenance and utility bills for the council premises; Allotments at The Nurseries – maintenance, water supplies; Open space improvements such as replacing public benches, bus shelters, tree planting, floral planting at Rose Green and West Meads; Contributions towards keeping public toilets open; Annual events - summer play scheme at West Park and Avisford Park, Remembrance Day commemoration, Christmas tree and lights; Grant funding to community organisations. We hope you’ll agree that good value for money is provided. If you have suggestions for more projects and improvements the Council could consider do let us know.
Fraud Awareness:
A free presentation for Aldwick parish residents looking at how to spot the signs of frauds and scams and the steps you can take to protect yourself and the people you love. Arun West Community Wardens are running this on Thursday 21st March at 2pm, at the Parish Council meeting room. Seats are limited to 50 and booking is essential – to register your place contact them by email at sean.harvey@arun.gov.uk or telephone 07385 412159.
Plans are in progress to deliver the presentation to other areas, details will be released when known.
Want to make new connections, meet people, chat over hobbies?
You can do all of these at your local libraries at Willowhale and Bognor Regis! Did you know for instance that there are regular sessions for Knit and Natter, Under 5’s Rhyme Time, Board Games, Relax with Colouring, Reading/Book clubs and more? Information at: Bognor Regis email Bognor.regis.library@westsussex.gov.uk tel. 01243 382479; Willowhale email
wilowhale.library@wesstsussex.gov.uk /tel. 01243 265712.
Council Meeting dates: Planning Committee - Tuesday 5th March, 7pm, Tuesday 19h March, 7pm (‘short’ meeting), Tuesday 9th April, 7pm and Tuesday 23rd April, 7pm (‘short’ meeting). The ‘short’ meetings precede Full Council meetings. Full Council meetings will therefore start at approximately 7.15pm at the earliest. Full Council - Tuesday 19th March and Tuesday 23rd April. Public are welcome and can ask questions on agenda items during a short adjournment item. Agendas are published on our website / notice boards around a week in advance, Minutes are published on website generally a week or so after the meeting and within four weeks.
Vacancies on the Parish Council
The Council has 14 ‘seats’ but with currently only 8 councillors appointed, has 6 vacancies available for co- option. The more councillors aboard, the better representation for residents and spreading of work and decision making. Could you get involved? Councillors lead on community services such as allotments, public area improvements, tree planting, footpaths, public seating and litter bins. The Council distributes discretionary grants for local organisations, organises a summer play scheme and is consulted on local planning applications. How much time is needed? On average, around three hours a week is likely for council work, such as attending meetings, engaging with residents, speaking to local groups and bodies on behalf of the council. Interested? Email Heather at clerk@aldwickparishcouncil.gov.uk to find out more.