Income
The CRA’s income derives solely from voluntary contributions paid by residents. Over the last ten years requested contributions have gradually increased in order to improve the road and enviroment further. At the 2022 AGM residents voted overwhelmingly to increase the recommended subscription to £120 per annum which is where it still stands. This recent increase helped to boost our income in order to re-pave another section of the road. Subscriptions are based on the calendar year but we encourage payment by standing order on 1st February, a few weeks after the expense of Christmas and New Year and in a month when Council Tax Direct Debit payments have finished. In the early years considerable sums were spent on legal fees and consultancies but this is now all behind us and over 90% of current income is used for maintaining and improving the estate and its infrastructure. For the foreseeable future the lion’s share of this will be spent on resurfacing the roadway (over the last 10 years approx £100K has been spent on resurfacing, drainage etc.). The remainder is spent on other things which residents consider worthwhile.
Subscriptions
Voluntary contributions to the CRA may be paid by cheque, bank transfer or Standing Order. Cash payments will be accepted but methods involving an audit trail are preferred. Standing Orders are welcomed as they ease the administrative burden for members of the Committee, especially the Treasurer. Most residents have opted for an annual payment on 1st February but monthly payments are acceptable too. At the 2022 AGM residents voted overwhelmingly to increase the recommended subscription to £120 per annum which is where it still stands.
. The CRA bank details are:
Name of payee: Chalklands Residents Association
Sort Code 60-13-35
Account number 49020137
If paying by bank transfer or Standing Order please be sure to include a reference of surname and house number (e.g. Emery 31) so that your payment can be identified in the CRA bank statements.
Thank you for your support.
Administration Costs
Our “Admin” costs are kept low and cover:
- Annual premium for public liability insurance for damage to the road. The road is insured (not individual properties) and we have public liability cover for the users of the road.
- Hire of the Bourne End Community Centre for our AGM (when not part of street party)
- Website costs, newsletters, window stickers, stationery and photocopying, postage.
- Grass-cutting and general maintenance of the roundabout and common areas.
- Annual drain cleaning since road drains are not connected to the mains sewer.
Future “Admin” costs are likely to remain similar and at no more than 10% of income.
