In my earlier posting (see above) I mentioned that I had asked WPCC a number of questions related to their expenditure. I have now received a helpful reply from Paula Graystone which I am pasting below. It is quite long so I will not comment on individual points raised. However it is worth saying that their proposals include raising £375,000 in additional income each year. This proposed increase is in addition to any annual inflationary increase, the most recent of which was 13%. I have also now asked them for the costs related to the consultation.
Reply from WPCC:
Thank you for your enquiry regarding salary and security costs.
Breakdown of Keepers and Commons’ Security Costs
Staffing - £484,506 – this includes six full-time mounted keepers, one full-time maintenance/security ranger based at Putney Lower Common and a percentage of office-based staff costs for support including administration costs for our duty officer role, out of hours and additional security back up support.
Horse Costs - £28,284 – this includes vet services, shoeing, feed and bedding.
Sundry Costs - £11,433 – this includes, telephones, radios, utilities gas/electricity, tuition, and insurance.
Use of Horses to Patrol
You also asked if we had considered whether the horses might be replaced by mechanical transport for the patrolling Keepers and if they were cost-efficient.
We have considered replacing the horses with mechanical forms of the transport. Horses are so much more efficient in moving through thick cover that vehicles cannot get into; the keepers and horses offer a visible reassurance to members of the public in the more remote locations on the Commons and the keepers are able to see to much more from horseback. Not only that, but we also have a history of having mounted keepers patrolling the Commons and they are part of our social history and are valued by members of the public both old and young.
We believe that the patrol horses are cost efficient, better for the environment and promote a sense of safety.
Staffing Levels and Costs
You also asked about the increase in staff levels (and asked if some of these were part-time) and asked about the increase in salary costs from £1,385,688 in 2022 to £1,505,360 in 2023, which you felt raised questions that levy-payers would need to understand.
The figures you have quoted from our accounts include additional pension costs that do not of themselves result in a cash outflow for the charity, as explained in the accounts. The increase is staff costs reflects the changes in staffing levels.
As stated in our accounts for the year ending 31 March 2023, the average number of persons employed in full and part-time positions by the Charity during the year was 26.
The changes from the previous year are set out below (and are also stated in our accounts).
Administration – One part-time officer assistant
Maintenance - One full-time litter picker and an additional member for the maintenance team
Fundraising – One full-time fundraising manager
Hopefully, I have answered your questions fully. Paula Graystone.
Nick
Nicholas Evans ● 578d