Published: March 31, 2025
Porlock Parish Council, like all other organisations are not immune from the ever increasing costs that we all face and no decision to increase the precept is ever made lightly. Over the past few years many of our services have been managed through Councillors’ and volunteers’ time and good will, however this doesn’t provide a true year on year view of what it really costs to maintain current services.
This year’s precept increase is almost entirely driven by staff salaries and the addition of an extra administrative officer working 12 hours per week. The precept increase equates to a £30.30 (just over 58 pence per week) rise per year for a Band D property.
This decision was made to ensure that all necessary tasks continue to be completed efficiently, as we continue to operate with a small number of councillors (6 out of 12) and despite our efforts to attract new faces, this is not expected to change in the near future.
As devolution continues, this extra resource will also make us better placed to take on the administration of additional services from Somerset Council and provide continuity of service for the future. It will also reduce the pressure on current staff and councillors to take on more tasks.
We remain committed to serving the community through a wide range of services and facilities. Key assets managed by us include the Old School Centre, Hawkcombe cemetery, various public amenities such as toilets, car parks, footpaths and grounds maintenance work with all this entails. We also operate the Porlock Community Library in partnership with Somerset Libraries, assisted by a band of local volunteers, ensuring community engagement and resource accessibility. In addition to managing these assets, we are responsible for reviewing planning applications and maintaining public spaces to ensure compliance with legislation.
Our overall focus is aimed at fostering a vibrant and well-maintained community for Porlock’s businesses and residents and its visitors.
We remain committed to maintaining a high level of service and support for the village and we believe these changes will help us achieve that goal. Your understanding and continued support is appreciated.
Johnathan Jones
Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer – Porlock Parish Council