Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

Author: AdlingtonTC

Annual Governance and Accountability Return AGAR, at 31 March 2026

The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) is a key document that all smaller local councils in England, including town and parish councils, must complete each year. It provides a formal summary of the council’s financial activities and governance arrangements for the financial year ending 31 March.

The AGAR is made up of several parts: the Annual Governance Statement, which confirms that the council has followed proper practices; the Accounting Statement, which summarises income, expenditure, assets, and any liabilities; and the Internal Audit Report, completed by an independent auditor to assess internal controls which the Town Council appoints annually.

The purpose of the AGAR is to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in how councils manage public money. Once completed, by no later than 30 June annually, the AGAR and the supporting documents required are submitted to a UK Government appointed external auditor who assesses the responses of each council and carries out what is called a Limited Assurance Review. If the External Auditor raises any questions, each Council is required to respond with more information, and/or to correct the financial breakdown they originally submitted. Once each Review is completed, the External Auditor issues a Report and Conclusion of the Audit. On receipt, and ny 30 September annually, this also has to be made public on each Council’s website.

Once each Council has finalised the AGAR, the documents submitted for External Audit are required to be displayed for a six week period for public inspection. The designated six week period to publish this information must include the first two weeks in July as a national requirement of all local councils. Due to the amount of information per year that the Town Council publishes, each year-end AGAR is attached as a separate document for clarity.

The AGAR helps to demonstrate that the council is well run, financially sound, and acting in the best interests of the community. The supporting papers as required by the External Auditor help to explain the Town Council’s most recent financial year and compares these figures with the previous financial year, for any significant change to be explained.

The annual Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Report is required by Chorley Council, as the principle or District Council and the Local Planning Authority. It is Chorley Council that awards CIL monies reflecting development in progress in the Town Council’s area collected from individual planning applications during construction on site. This money has to be spent to improve the infrastructure of Adlington to mitigate the impact of new development for the betterment of the Adlington community. Once awarded, the Town Council has up to 5 years in which to consider suitable ways to spend this money. It can also be used as a contribution towards appropriate projects that either Chorley Council or Lancashire County Council wish to deliver with the Town Council’s agreement.

Cllr Alison Rothwell

Welcome from the 2026-27 Mayor, Alison Rothwell

It is a privilege and a joy to have been appointed Town Mayor of Adlington for 2026/27.

On 11 May 2026, I was honoured to receive the Mayoral Chain from Stuart Clewlow at the Full Council Meeting, and I want to take this opportunity to thank Stuart warmly for everything he has done for Adlington during his mayoral year, his passion for our town’s heritage and history has been an inspiration, and he has represented Adlington with real dedication.

Adlington is a town with an extraordinary story, our canal, our railway, our mills, our moorland, and I am looking forward to celebrating all of it.

For me, though, this isn’t just a role – it’s home. I was born at Chorley Hospital and grew up on Babylon Lane, just across from my grandparents Norman and Jenny Fairclough. I attended Anderton Primary School, the third generation of my family to do so, and the school my own daughters later attended too.

I went on to what is now Albany Academy where I have since served as Chair of Governors and now sit as a Trustee and Runshaw College.

I am lucky enough to share all of this with my husband Ron Oultram, who will be by my side throughout the year as Mayor’s Consort.

When I’m not doing Council business, you’ll most likely find me out with our two border terriers, walking the Top Rec, the Adlington Circular, or heading up towards Rivington. I am, in every sense, an Adlington person – and I am proud of it.

I want this to be a year of connection: between neighbours, between generations, between the town council and the people we serve. I am genuinely excited for what lies ahead, and I would love to hear from you. Please do say hello if you see me around town – I’ll be the one with the big chain and an even bigger smile.

*Cllr Alison Rothwell, Town Mayor of Adlington*

Throughout my Mayoral year, I have chosen to fundraise in support of the Adlington Friendship Group and the 3rd Bownies and 2nd Adlington Rainbows. In the next Adlington Town Council newsletter, I will share more information about why I have chosen this local charitable cause. In the meantime, if you can help, donations can be made online by visiting JustGiving.com.

Co-option of a Town Councillor for Adlington

After the recent mid-term resignation of a Town Councillor, and in line with the provisions of Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act, Adlington Town Council is looking to appoint one Town Councillor to the West Ward by co-option until the next local election in May 2027.

The Town Council is inviting applications from those who:

Are interested in the local community, the environment and/or current affairs,

Will promote the interests of the Adlington community and the locality, and who will

Contribute to the work and activities of the Town Council.

The Town Council meets monthly for up to 1.5 hours plus preparation. Town Councillors share the responsibility of representation at local meetings or events and on other organisations.

The Town Mayor leads the Council supported by the Deputy. Find out more about Adlington Town Council and the meeting calendar from our www.adlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk

If you are interested in becoming a Town Councillor, please send your name and address, together with a short summary (one A4 sheet) of your interests, relevant skills and/or experience to be received by 5pm on Sunday 7 June 2026 by email to: clerk@adlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk

All applications will be considered.

Applicants may be invited to attend for interview. Interviews will be arranged as soon as practical at a mutually convenient time and date.

The Town Council monthly meetings are held in Adlington Library, Railway Road, Adlington, PR6 9RG, normally on the third Monday in the month starting at 7.15pm.

To be a Town Councillor you must meet the following criteria:

• Be an elector over 18 years of age, and
During the twelve months before the day on which you apply to be considered you must have either lived in Adlington, or within three miles of the Township boundary, or have occupied (as owner or tenant) any land or premises therein, or, your principal or only place of work must have been in Adlington.

If you have any questions or want more information, please contact: The Clerk to Adlington Town Council Tel: 07896 729646

New Food Waste Collections

As part of a wider move towards improving recycling and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, new food waste collections are being introduced across the borough. These collections will give residents a simple way to recycle everyday food scraps separately from their general rubbish, helping to cut waste, reduce environmental impact, and support greener waste management across the area.

Food waste might seem small when scraped off a plate or thrown away after cooking, but it quickly adds up. Across the UK, millions of tonnes of food waste are sent to landfill every year. When food breaks down in landfill sites, it produces methane gas, which is far more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide. By separating food waste from normal household rubbish, it can instead be processed and turned into useful resources such as renewable energy and fertiliser.

The new service is designed to make recycling food waste easy and convenient for households. Residents will receive a dedicated food waste caddy to use in the kitchen, along with an outdoor container for collection day. A wide range of food waste items can be included, such as:

  • Fruit and vegetable peelings
  • Leftovers and plate scrapings
  • Bread, rice and pasta
  • Meat and fish (including bones)
  • Tea bags and coffee grounds
  • Dairy products
  • Expired food removed from packaging

In short: if it’s food, it can usually go in the food waste caddy. That means fewer unpleasant smells in your general waste bin and more rubbish being recycled properly.

The collections form part of national changes to improve recycling consistency and help councils meet environmental targets. They are also expected to reduce pressure on landfill capacity and help households recycle more efficiently overall.

Residents are encouraged to start thinking now about where they might keep their kitchen caddy and how food waste can become part of their normal recycling routine. Even small changes such as separating tea bags or vegetable peelings, can make a significant difference when adopted across the whole community.

There may also be changes to existing waste collection arrangements as the new service is introduced, so it is important for residents to stay up to date with official guidance and collection information.

Further details, including collection arrangements, rollout information, guidance on what can and cannot be included, and answers to frequently asked questions, are available from Chorley Council here:

Chorley Council Food Waste Collections Information

Residents are encouraged to check the latest updates regularly as the scheme develops.

Annual Governance and Accountability Return AGAR, at 31 March 2019

The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) is a key document that all smaller local councils in England, including town and parish councils, must complete each year. It provides a formal summary of the council’s financial activities and governance arrangements for the financial year ending 31 March.

The AGAR is made up of several parts: the Annual Governance Statement, which confirms that the council has followed proper practices; the Accounting Statement, which summarises income, expenditure, assets, and any liabilities; and the Internal Audit Report, completed by an independent auditor to assess internal controls which the Town Council appoints annually.

The purpose of the AGAR is to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in how councils manage public money. Once completed, by no later than 30 June annually, the AGAR and the supporting documents required are submitted to a UK Government appointed external auditor who assesses the responses of each council. If the External Auditor raises any questions, each Council is required to respond with more information, and/or to correct the financial breakdown they originally submitted. As the Town Council’s income and expenditure in the 2018- 2019 financial year was less than £25,000, it was not subject to a Limited Assurance Review by the External Auditor.

Once each Council has finalised the AGAR, the documents submitted for External Audit are required to be displayed for a six week period for public inspection. The designated six week period to publish this information must include the first two weeks in July as a national requirement of all local councils. Due to the amount of information per year that the Town Council publishes, each year-end AGAR is attached as a separate document for clarity.

The AGAR helps to demonstrate that the council is well run, financially sound, and acting in the best interests of the community. The supporting papers as required by the External Auditor help to explain the Town Council’s most recent financial year and compares these figures with the previous financial year, for any significant change to be explained.

The annual Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Report is required by Chorley Council, as the principle or District Council and the Local Planning Authority. It is Chorley Council that awards CIL monies reflecting development in progress in the Town Council’s area collected from individual planning applications during construction on site. This money has to be spent to improve the infrastructure of Adlington to mitigate the impact of new development for the betterment of the Adlington community. Once awarded, the Town Council has up to 5 years in which to consider suitable ways to spend this money. It can also be used as a contribution towards appropriate projects that either Chorley Council or Lancashire County Council wish to deliver with the Town Council’s agreement.

Annual Governance and Accountability Return AGAR, at 31 March 2020

The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) is a key document that all smaller local councils in England, including town and parish councils, must complete each year. It provides a formal summary of the council’s financial activities and governance arrangements for the financial year ending 31 March.

The AGAR is made up of several parts: the Annual Governance Statement, which confirms that the council has followed proper practices; the Accounting Statement, which summarises income, expenditure, assets, and any liabilities; and the Internal Audit Report, completed by an independent auditor to assess internal controls which the Town Council appoints annually.

The purpose of the AGAR is to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in how councils manage public money. Once completed, by no later than 30 June annually, the AGAR and the supporting documents required are submitted to a UK Government appointed external auditor who assesses the responses of each council. If the External Auditor raises any questions, each Council is required to respond with more information, and/or to correct the financial breakdown they originally submitted. As the Town Council’s income and expenditure in the 19-20 financial year was less than £25,000, it was not subject to a Limited Assurance Review by the External Auditor.

Once each Council has finalised the AGAR, the documents submitted for External Audit are required to be displayed for a six week period for public inspection. The designated six week period to publish this information must include the first two weeks in July as a national requirement of all local councils. Due to the amount of information per year that the Town Council publishes, each year-end AGAR is attached as a separate document for clarity.

The AGAR helps to demonstrate that the council is well run, financially sound, and acting in the best interests of the community. The supporting papers as required by the External Auditor help to explain the Town Council’s most recent financial year and compares these figures with the previous financial year, for any significant change to be explained.

The annual Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Report is required by Chorley Council, as the principle or District Council and the Local Planning Authority. It is Chorley Council that awards CIL monies reflecting development in progress in the Town Council’s area collected from individual planning applications during construction on site. This money has to be spent to improve the infrastructure of Adlington to mitigate the impact of new development for the betterment of the Adlington community. Once awarded, the Town Council has up to 5 years in which to consider suitable ways to spend this money. It can also be used as a contribution towards appropriate projects that either Chorley Council or Lancashire County Council wish to deliver with the Town Council’s agreement.

Annual Governance and Accountability Return AGAR, at 31 March 2024

The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) is a key document that all smaller local councils in England, including town and parish councils, must complete each year. It provides a formal summary of the council’s financial activities and governance arrangements for the financial year ending 31 March.

The AGAR is made up of several parts: the Annual Governance Statement, which confirms that the council has followed proper practices; the Accounting Statement, which summarises income, expenditure, assets, and any liabilities; and the Internal Audit Report, completed by an independent auditor to assess internal controls which the Town Council appoints annually.

The purpose of the AGAR is to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in how councils manage public money. Once completed, by no later than 30 June annually, the AGAR and the supporting documents required are submitted to a UK Government appointed external auditor who assesses the responses of each council and carries out what is called a Limited Assurance Review. If the External Auditor raises any questions, each Council is required to respond with more information, and/or to correct the financial breakdown they originally submitted. Once each Review is completed, the External Auditor issues a Report and Conclusion of the Audit. On receipt, and ny 30 September annually, this also has to be made public on each Council’s website.

Once each Council has finalised the AGAR, the documents submitted for External Audit are required to be displayed for a six week period for public inspection. The designated six week period to publish this information must include the first two weeks in July as a national requirement of all local councils. Due to the amount of information per year that the Town Council publishes, each year-end AGAR is attached as a separate document for clarity.

The AGAR helps to demonstrate that the council is well run, financially sound, and acting in the best interests of the community. The supporting papers as required by the External Auditor help to explain the Town Council’s most recent financial year and compares these figures with the previous financial year, for any significant change to be explained.

The annual Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Report is required by Chorley Council, as the principle or District Council and the Local Planning Authority. It is Chorley Council that awards CIL monies reflecting development in progress in the Town Council’s area collected from individual planning applications during construction on site. This money has to be spent to improve the infrastructure of Adlington to mitigate the impact of new development for the betterment of the Adlington community. Once awarded, the Town Council has up to 5 years in which to consider suitable ways to spend this money. It can also be used as a contribution towards appropriate projects that either Chorley Council or Lancashire County Council wish to deliver with the Town Council’s agreement.

Annual Governance and Accountability Return AGAR, at 31 March 2022

The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) is a key document that all smaller local councils in England, including town and parish councils, must complete each year. It provides a formal summary of the council’s financial activities and governance arrangements for the financial year ending 31 March.

The AGAR is made up of several parts: the Annual Governance Statement, which confirms that the council has followed proper practices; the Accounting Statement, which summarises income, expenditure, assets, and any liabilities; and the Internal Audit Report, completed by an independent auditor to assess internal controls which the Town Council appoints annually.

The purpose of the AGAR is to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in how councils manage public money. Once completed, by no later than 30 June annually, the AGAR and the supporting documents required are submitted to a UK Government appointed external auditor who assesses the responses of each council and carries out what is called a Limited Assurance Review. If the External Auditor raises any questions, each Council is required to respond with more information, and/or to correct the financial breakdown they originally submitted. Once each Review is completed, the External Auditor issues a Report and Conclusion of the Audit. On receipt, and ny 30 September annually, this also has to be made public on each Council’s website.

Once each Council has finalised the AGAR, the documents submitted for External Audit are required to be displayed for a six week period for public inspection. The designated six week period to publish this information must include the first two weeks in July as a national requirement of all local councils. Due to the amount of information per year that the Town Council publishes, each year-end AGAR is attached as a separate document for clarity.

The AGAR helps to demonstrate that the council is well run, financially sound, and acting in the best interests of the community. The supporting papers as required by the External Auditor help to explain the Town Council’s most recent financial year and compares these figures with the previous financial year, for any significant change to be explained.

The annual Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Report is required by Chorley Council, as the principle or District Council and the Local Planning Authority. It is Chorley Council that awards CIL monies reflecting development in progress in the Town Council’s area collected from individual planning applications during construction on site. This money has to be spent to improve the infrastructure of Adlington to mitigate the impact of new development for the betterment of the Adlington community. Once awarded, the Town Council has up to 5 years in which to consider suitable ways to spend this money. It can also be used as a contribution towards appropriate projects that either Chorley Council or Lancashire County Council wish to deliver with the Town Council’s agreement.

Annual Governance and Accountability Return AGAR, at 31 March 2023

The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) is a key document that all smaller local councils in England, including town and parish councils, must complete each year. It provides a formal summary of the council’s financial activities and governance arrangements for the financial year ending 31 March.

The AGAR is made up of several parts: the Annual Governance Statement, which confirms that the council has followed proper practices; the Accounting Statement, which summarises income, expenditure, assets, and any liabilities; and the Internal Audit Report, completed by an independent auditor to assess internal controls which the Town Council appoints annually.

The purpose of the AGAR is to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in how councils manage public money. Once completed, by no later than 30 June annually, the AGAR and the supporting documents required are submitted to a UK Government appointed external auditor who assesses the responses of each council and carries out what is called a Limited Assurance Review. If the External Auditor raises any questions, each Council is required to respond with more information, and/or to correct the financial breakdown they originally submitted. Once each Review is completed, the External Auditor issues a Report and Conclusion of the Audit. On receipt, and ny 30 September annually, this also has to be made public on each Council’s website.

Once each Council has finalised the AGAR, the documents submitted for External Audit are required to be displayed for a six week period for public inspection. The designated six week period to publish this information must include the first two weeks in July as a national requirement of all local councils. Due to the amount of information per year that the Town Council publishes, each year-end AGAR is attached as a separate document for clarity.

The AGAR helps to demonstrate that the council is well run, financially sound, and acting in the best interests of the community. The supporting papers as required by the External Auditor help to explain the Town Council’s most recent financial year and compares these figures with the previous financial year, for any significant change to be explained.

The annual Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Report is required by Chorley Council, as the principle or District Council and the Local Planning Authority. It is Chorley Council that awards CIL monies reflecting development in progress in the Town Council’s area collected from individual planning applications during construction on site. This money has to be spent to improve the infrastructure of Adlington to mitigate the impact of new development for the betterment of the Adlington community. Once awarded, the Town Council has up to 5 years in which to consider suitable ways to spend this money. It can also be used as a contribution towards appropriate projects that either Chorley Council or Lancashire County Council wish to deliver with the Town Council’s agreement.

Annual Governance and Accountability Return AGAR, at 31 March 2021

The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) is a key document that all smaller local councils in England, including town and parish councils, must complete each year. It provides a formal summary of the council’s financial activities and governance arrangements for the financial year ending 31 March.

The AGAR is made up of several parts: the Annual Governance Statement, which confirms that the council has followed proper practices; the Accounting Statement, which summarises income, expenditure, assets, and any liabilities; and the Internal Audit Report, completed by an independent auditor to assess internal controls which the Town Council appoints annually.

The purpose of the AGAR is to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in how councils manage public money. Once completed, by no later than 30 June annually, the AGAR and the supporting documents required are submitted to a UK Government appointed external auditor who assesses the responses of each council and carries out what is called a Limited Assurance Review. If the External Auditor raises any questions, each Council is required to respond with more information, and/or to correct the financial breakdown they originally submitted. Once each Review is completed, the External Auditor issues a Report and Conclusion of the Audit. On receipt, and ny 30 September annually, this also has to be made public on each Council’s website.

Once each Council has finalised the AGAR, the documents submitted for External Audit are required to be displayed for a six week period for public inspection. The designated six week period to publish this information must include the first two weeks in July as a national requirement of all local councils. Due to the amount of information per year that the Town Council publishes, each year-end AGAR is attached as a separate document for clarity.

The AGAR helps to demonstrate that the council is well run, financially sound, and acting in the best interests of the community. The supporting papers as required by the External Auditor help to explain the Town Council’s most recent financial year and compares these figures with the previous financial year, for any significant change to be explained.

The annual Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Report is required by Chorley Council, as the principle or District Council and the Local Planning Authority. It is Chorley Council that awards CIL monies reflecting development in progress in the Town Council’s area collected from individual planning applications during construction on site. This money has to be spent to improve the infrastructure of Adlington to mitigate the impact of new development for the betterment of the Adlington community. Once awarded, the Town Council has up to 5 years in which to consider suitable ways to spend this money. It can also be used as a contribution towards appropriate projects that either Chorley Council or Lancashire County Council wish to deliver with the Town Council’s agreement.