Transparency Code
In April 2015 it became mandatory for all small authorities to comply with the transparency code. This code has been issued in order to meet the government’s desire to increase democratic accountability and it requires the online publication of key spending and governance information on the occasions specified in the Code.
The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 sets out a new audit framework for local public authorities which are currently covered by the Audit Commission system. Under the new framework, smaller authorities with an annual turnover not exceeding £25,000 will be exempt from a routine external audit. Instead of an audit, these smaller authorities will be subject to the new transparency requirements laid out in the Code. This will enable local electors and ratepayers to access relevant information about the authorities’ accounts and governance.
The Parish Council is happy to comply with the Code and to publish the following information:
- End of year accounts and supporting statements (annually)
- End of year annual return (annually)
- Annual governance statement (annually)
- Internal audit report (annually)
- A list of councillor or member responsibilities (annually).
- Details of public land and building assets owned by the parish council.
- Draft minutes should be published not later than a month following the meeting.
- Agendas should be published not later than 3 clear days before the meeting is taking place (excluding weekends, Bank Holidays, the day of the meeting and the day the agenda was published.
- All items of expenditure above £100 (to be updated monthly).
Since April 2022 as the annual turnover of the Council has exceeded the £25,000 ceiling of the Transparency Code. Because of this the Council is therefore no longer exempt from a routine external audit until such time as is annual turnover falls below £25,000.