Jan

  • Ensure the precept request is submitted

  • Submit VAT return for the previous quarter

  • Review and dispose of records as necessary

  • Check procedures if an election year

Feb

  • Reflect, review and plan ahead

  • Consider the date for the annual parish meeting

  • Chase debts prior to end of year

  • Prepare for internal audit and confirm appointment

Mar

  • If election year advise councillors

  • Prepare end of year accounts

  • Undertake an annual review of the asset register

Apr

  • Prepare end of year accounts, end of year return for tax, national insurance and VAT

  • Renew insurance cover

  • Confirm date and arrangements for annual parish meeting

  • If an election year check and prepare

May

  • Annual meeting of the council to be held this month

  • Election of Chair and Declarations of acceptance of office to be signed by new Chair

  • Consider the election of council representatives to committees and other bodies

  • Undertake an annual review of documents

  • Approve end of year accounts and complete statement of accounts

June

  • Last chance for internal audit

  • Last chance to approve annual return

  • Submit completed annual return

  • Advertise for grant applications for next financial year for the autumn budget preparations 

July

  • Ensure all relevant council business is included in the July meeting to enable councillors to take a summer break

  • Consider a review of risk assessments with insurance

  • Undertake an annual check of playground equipment, if necessary

  • Consider arrangements for summer break and any necessary temporary cover

  • Complete quarterly VAT return

  • Display notice of audit in prominent place

Aug

  • Summer break for most councils although a number do still meet especially in relation to planning matters

  • Consider all jobs that have been on hold and take the opportunity to review and re-organise documentation, update website etc., while it is quiet

Sep

  • External audit should be completed and notice posted

  • Initial consideration to be given in relation to forthcoming budget

  • Progress any business delayed by summer break

  • Further inspection work could be carried out, for example consider trees before bad weather

Oct

  • Prepare draft budget and present to council

  • Agree the meeting calendar for the next year

  • Quarterly VAT return

  • Consider poppy wreath for memorial services

Nov

  • Progress draft budget including salary reviews, donation requests and grant funding

  • Review arrangements for any Remembrance Day services

  • Consider planting or grounds maintenance projects

Dec

  • Finalise the budget and agree the precept

  • Consider arrangements for any Christmas events

  • Agree cover and emergency arrangements for the holiday