Explanation of Variances
2023-24

Bootle Parish Council

Explanation of variances 2023/24 – pro forma

Name of smaller authority: BOOTLE PARISH COUNCIL

Insert figures from Section 2 of the AGAR in all Blue highlighted boxes.

Now, please provide full explanations, including numerical values, for the following that will be flagged in the green boxes where relevant:

variances of more than 15% between totals for individual boxes (except variances of less than £500);
variances of more than £100,000 must be explained even where this constitutes less than 15%;

Please ensure variance explanations are quantified to reduce the variance excluding stated items below the 15% / £500 / £100,000 threshold

Section 2 Box No	2023/24 £	2022/23 £	Variance £	Variance %	Explanation (narrative and supporting figures)
1 Balances Brought Forward	25,491	22,498			Explanation of % variance from PY opening balance not required – Balance brought forward agrees
2 Precept or Rates and Levies	19,500	19,500	0	0.0%
3 Total Other Receipts	49,816	43,014	6,802	15.8%	Diff btw 22/23 and 23/24 Bank Int £87, VAT £3989, Project groups £4229, Bootle in Bloom (£420), Misc receipts (£1082) total £6803 diffrence in rounding of £1
4 Staff Costs	2,646	2,483	163	6.6%
5 Loan Interest/Capital Repayment	0	0	0	0.0%
6 All Other Payments	31,101	57,038	-25,937	45.5%	Diff betw 22/23and 23/24 Clerks/council exps (£403), Insurance £42, Internal audit fee £15, External Auditors fee £138 (droppedinto next pricing bracket) CALC subs £13, SLCC membership £12, Website costs £130 (including ind email addresses for councillors) Donations/fees £627 (coronation party) Grass/garden (£250), Toilets-cleaning (£660), consumables (£208), Utilities (£122) repairs £1990. Gen maint & defib (£3757), Projects (£24565), Misc purchase £732, Hall rental £90, footlight maint (£467), Bank charges £60 (error by bank in taking a £60 chq twice which was credited to the account). Bootle in Bloom £645. Total variance (£25938) £1 differene due to rounding
7 Balances Carried Forward	61,060	25,491	35,569	139.5%
8 Total Cash and Short Term Investments	61,060	25,491	35,569	139.5%	There is a balance of £27742 project money carried over to 24/25 to complete a feasability study on the re development of the Playing field owned by the Parish Council where funding of £38707 was awarded in 23/24. Invoices are outstanding on this project and will be submitted within the financial year 24/25. These funds are committed to this project and therefore are ring fenced. The balance £7827 is accounted by underspend on budget and more funds received than expected on budget. These will be placed in general reserves. The precept for 24/25 reflects these additional funds and remains at £19500 with an expected expenditure of £26072 (excluding the project costs).
9 Total Fixed Assets plus Other Long Term Investments and Assets	53,653	52,888	765	1.4%
10 Total Borrowings	0	0	0	0.0%