AUDIT FEES FOR PARISH COUNCILS

Early day motion 326, tabled 10 December 2002 by James Gray (Conservative). Signed by 44 members.

That this House recognises that audit fees for parish councils have become burdensome and should now take into account the population size and financial situation of each individual parish; suggests that a de minimus provision is introduced, exempting those parishes with a precept of less than ú20,000, or a population under 5,000 people; acknowledges that the new audit regime is unduly onerous for smaller parishes; and calls on the Government to amend the relevant parts of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 1996 in favour of these parishes.

Signatures by party: Conservative 39, Liberal Democrat 3, Independent Conservative 1, Labour 1.