PUBLIC MEETING 23 JULY 2026 - Q & A (3)

We received a number of questions and hence plan to post both questions and answers to better inform all in the Parish. Here are a couple more questions and clarifications:

Question: What is Phase 1 of the Village Hall Re-build?

Answer: The intent is to run the Re-build project as one contiguous activity.

The Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) require that all other monies required to complete any project are available before they make an award. Clearly we have a small amount still to raise .. based on the estimated cost we commissioned from a Quantity Surveyor. There is only one opportunity each year to apply for a loan from the PWLB and that is in September. Accordingly our only option is to hypothetically split the project into 2 phases. Our request to the PWLB will be in the context of Phase 1 which will be all of the Re-build activities with the exception the internal ‘Finishes’ comprising c£90,000 of cost..

Question: When will we know if the loan is approved and when will the precept increase be confirmed?

Answer: Subject to the vote at the Parish Council Meeting on 9 September 2026; the Parish Council will apply for the loan in mid September. We are hoping for a decision by mid November, which will be communicated to you. From December, the Parish Council starts its budgeting round for 2027/28, this is finalised by Wiltshire Council in March 2027 and the final figures will be communicated then. It should be noted the the Parish Council cash flow forecast currently shows that the only precept increase will be to cover PWL repayments.