Transparency Code
This Transparency Code is designed to meet the government’s desire to place more power into citizens’ hands to increase democratic accountability. It applies to parish councils with an annual turnover not exceeding £25,000. The code became mandatory from 1 April 2015 and requires the online publication of key spending and governance information. The Government considers that publication of the items in the Code will provide the local electorate and ratepayers with a clear picture of the activities of these smaller authorities. Below is the Transparency Code information for Denford Parish Council:
Information which should be published
All items of expenditure above £100
Annual publication no later than 1 July in the year immediately following the accounting year to which it relates. Publish details of each individual item of expenditure. Copies of all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other related documents do not need to be published but should remain available for inspection. For each individual item of expenditure the following information must be published: a. date the expenditure was incurred, b. summary of the purpose of the expenditure, c. amount.
Year End Accounts
Annual publication no later than 1 July in the year immediately following the accounting year to which it relates. Publish signed statement of accounts according to the format included in the Annual Return form. It should be accompanied by: a. A copy of the bank reconciliation for the relevant financial year, b. An explanation of any significant variances (e.g. more than 10-15 percent) in the statement of accounts for the relevant year and previous year, and c. An explanation of any differences between ‘balances carried forward’ and ‘total cash and short term investments’, if applicable.
Internal Audit Report
Annual publication no later than 1 July in the year immediately following the accounting year to which it relates. Publish signed internal audit report according to the format included in the Annual Return form. Explain any negative response to the internal controls objectives, including how any weaknesses will be addressed. Explain any ‘not covered’ responses to internal controls objectives.
Fixed Assets Register
Annual publication no later than 1 July in the year immediately following the accounting year to which it relates. Parish councils and port health authorities to publish details of all public land and building assets – either in its full asset and liabilities register or as an edited version. Internal drainage boards to only publish details of registered land and buildings that have a market value and appear in Fixed Assets Register.
List of Councillor or member responsibilities
Annual publication of councillor or member responsibilities no later than 1 July in the year immediately following the accounting year to which it relates, including: a) Names of all councillors or members, b) Committee or board membership and function (if Chairman or Vice-Chairman), (see council members section).
Minutes, Agendas, Reports and papers of formal meetings
Publication of draft minutes from all formal meetings not later than one month after the meeting has taken place.
Publication of meeting agendas and associated meeting papers not later than three clear days before the meeting to which they relate is taking place. (see Minutes/Agenda’s/Report’s section)
Can’t find something you’re looking for? Please contact the Clerk to Denford Parish Council for assistance.