The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 require smaller authorities to conduct a review, each financial year, of the effectiveness of the system of internal control and prepare an annual governance statement, known as the Annual Governance and Accountability Return(AGAR), in accordance with proper practices in relation to accounts.

The purpose of the AGAR is for an authority to report publicly on its arrangements for ensuring that its business is conducted in accordance with the law, regulations and proper practices and that public money is safeguarded and properly accounted for.

Parish councils appoint external auditors through a central, sector-led body called Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments (SAAA). Stedham with Iping PC has been automatically “opted-in” to this collective procurement and appointment arrangement.  SAAA manages the contracts and appoints the external auditors who perform the audit for these smaller authorities. 

Parish Council income and costs are detailed as part of its Annual Return, see below to access the various reports. In addition, the council reviews its current spending against Budget at every Ordinary Parish Council meeting together with a Financial Summary Report, which includes a list of Payments and Receipts over the previous months and a list of invoices to be approved for payment. The most recent ones can be viewed Council Documents/Minutes & Agendas

Annual Return 2024 – 2025

Annual Governance & Accountability Report
2024-2025 Accounts Summary

What You’ll Find Here:

  • Audits: Annual financial audits ensure that our accounts are accurately maintained and that public funds are used appropriately. You can review recent audit reports and financial statements here.
  • Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) & Grants – Information on how CIL contributions from developers are allocated to local projects, alongside details of funding opportunities available to community organisations and initiatives. Includes guidance on how to apply for grants and how these funds help support local priorities.

For more details, click on the relevant section within the Menu to explore our financial records and policies in depth

Pre 2023

Budgets

Grants

2024 – 2025

2023 – 2024

2022 – 2023

2021 – 2022

2020 – 2021

2019 – 2020

2018 – 2019

2017 – 2018

2016 – 2017