What does the Local Government Act 1972, s.137 (as amended) allow Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council to do?

s.137 authorises the Parish Council to spend a prescribed amount annually on discretionary matters, authorised by resolution, where it does not have a specific legal power, or duty to incur expenditure. It is the ‘power of last resort’! The Parish Council can only rely upon s.137 where it has no other legal power to act and incur expenditure. However, it cannot be used to benefit an individual; to avoid any prohibited or restricted purpose; or, conversely, a purpose already legislated for.

The power was amended by Local Government & Housing Act 1989, s.36 which states the expenditure must be for the direct benefit of the community and proportionate to the benefit that it will provide.

How is the annual limit calculated?

The annual limit is determined by multiplying the prescribed figure per head of electorate, set by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, by the number of local electors on the electoral roll on 1st April. The prescribed figure is determined by applying a percentage increase on the previous year’s sum in accordance with the retail index.

In 2023/24 Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council has up to £15,788.70 to spend on all s.137 expenditure (combined).

Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council recognises and values the important role local groups, organisations and charities play in creating and improving dynamic quality of life for parish residents.

In 2023/24 the Parish Council made the following grant awards: