Stone Parish Budget 2025-26: A Small Change for Big Benefits

As we look ahead to the 2025-26 financial year, Stone Parish is at a pivotal moment in its growth and development. Our community is expanding, and we are investing now to ensure that our infrastructure and services can meet future needs. While these investments come with challenges, particularly given rising costs such as the recent increase in employer National Insurance contributions, we are confident that these steps are essential for the wellbeing of our community.

This spring, we are thrilled to be launching several exciting new facilities and services, including the much-anticipated enhancements to the Stone Recreation Ground. These improvements, funded entirely by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), represent a transformative £4.5m investment in our community. However, as these new facilities open, they bring additional responsibilities to ensure they are maintained and operated effectively.

New Developments for Our Community

The improvements to Stone Recreation Ground will deliver:

  • A welcoming community café and hub, providing a vibrant social space.
  • An outdoor performance area for cultural and community events.
  • New sports and recreational features, including a multi-use games area, pump track, outdoor gym, and climbing equipment.
  • Beautiful landscaping and a tranquil memorial garden.
  • Expanded parking facilities to support increased visitor numbers.

While the construction of these facilities is fully funded by CIL, their success relies on ensuring we have the resources to keep them running smoothly. This includes covering ongoing maintenance, staffing, and operational costs to make sure they serve our community for years to come.

Supporting New Opportunities

To maximise the benefits of these new facilities, we are:

  • Staffing the community café and hub to provide excellent service and host initiatives that bring people together.
  • Ensuring seven-day-a-week cover for park maintenance to keep the area safe, clean, and welcoming.
  • Expanding our community events calendar, creating a vibrant program that makes full use of these fantastic new spaces.

These steps are designed to make Stone Parish an even better place to live, work, and visit, while fostering a sense of pride in our shared community spaces.

Keeping the Tax Adjustment Modest

We understand the importance of balancing community needs with financial responsibility. To keep the proposed tax adjustment as low as possible, we are taking proactive measures, including:

  • Doubling our income target for grants, from £20,000 to £40,000.
  • Reviewing our staffing structure to ensure resources are used efficiently.
  • Increasing income from our hospitality services by leveraging the new café and event spaces.

These efforts reflect our commitment to responsible financial management while delivering the services and amenities our community deserves.

Why £1 a Month Matters

To support these essential services and facilities, we are proposing a modest adjustment to the parish tax, equivalent to just £1 per month for most households. This small change enables us to:

  • Maintain and staff new community spaces.
  • Ensure the safety and upkeep of enhanced recreational facilities.
  • Provide more opportunities for residents to come together through events and activities.

We want to be transparent about how your contributions are used and the difference they make. This small adjustment is an investment in the future of our parish, ensuring these exciting developments are managed effectively and continue to benefit everyone in our community.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to learn more and share your thoughts. Let us work together to make Stone Parish an even better place for everyone. Your support and engagement are vital in shaping our community’s future.