Transparency Code

The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 (the code) came into effect on 1 April 2015. The code is issued by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in exercise of powers under section 2 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, and replaces any previous codes issued in relation to authorities in England under those powers.

The code does not replace or supersede the existing framework for access to and re-use of public sector information provided by the:

• Freedom of Information Act 2000 (as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012)
• Environmental Information Regulations 2004
• Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005
• Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community regulations 2009
• Sections 25 and 26 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 which provides rights for persons to inspect a local authority’s accounting records and supporting documentation, and to make copies of them.
• Data Protection Act 2018, along with the UK GDPR

Dulverton Town Council does not meet the definition of a local authority covered by the requirements of the code, defined as ‘a parish council which has gross annual income or expenditure (whichever is higher) exceeding £200,000’ nor is its turnover less than £25,000. However, it is committed to being as transparent as it can be.

The following information will be published by Dulverton Town Council:

• Full agenda for formal meetings no later than 3 clear days before the meeting
• Draft minutes of formal meetings no later than 1 month after the meeting
• Details of every item of spending of £100 or more showing the date, purpose and amount: this information is detailed in the Finance Report and minutes of each meeting.

All of the above documents can be accessed in the Meetings section of this website. For each financial year the Council must also publish:

• The Notice of Public Rights
• All items of expenditure above £100
• The end of year accounts
• The signed Annual Internal Audit Report
• The signed Annual Governance Statement
• The signed Annual Accounting Statements
• The Explanation of Variances
• The Bank Reconciliation
• The signed Certificate of Exemption or Notice for Completion of Audit from the External Auditor
• Names of all Councillors and their responsibilities within the council.

This information must be published electronically by 1st July each year. It will available in the Accounts and Audit section of this website.

Additional Publication requirements for Councils with a turnover of over £200,000 includes:

• Government Procurement Card: The Town Council does not use any Government Procurement Cards and therefore has no information to publish.
• Procurement information: Copies of any contracts and tenders to businesses and to the voluntary community and social enterprise sector will be provided in a link on this page.

Additionally, local authorities publish the following information annually:

• Dulverton Town Council Employee Information. The Town Council does not employ a member of staff with a salary of over £50,000 and all staff employed by the Town Council are in permanent positions.
• Town Councillors Allowances and Expenses: The Town Council has resolved not to pay councillor allowances. The Town Mayor has an annual allowance of £400 to meet any expenses incurred whilst carrying out the role.
• Constitution: The Town Council is not required to have a constitution but adheres to a set of rules called Standing Orders. Please see Council Policies for downloadable copies of the Council’s Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, and the Code of Conduct.
• Parking: Dulverton Town Council does not have any ‘controlled’ on or off-street parking spaces. The Town Council has no chargeable parking and therefore has no information to publish.
• Local Authority Land: Link to Asset Register.
• Social Housing: Dulverton Town Council does not hold any social housing stock and therefore has no information to publish.
• Trade Unions: Dulverton Town Council does not recognise any trade unions due to its size and as such no trade union facility time is currently provided. Staff are able to be supported by a representative during meetings and the Town Council seeks to use national agreed terms and conditions using the National Joint Council for Local Government Services as reference (sometimes referred to as the Green Book).
• Community Grants Scheme to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations: Each year the Town Council reserves a sum of money for use on grants to voluntary organisations and community groups that provide a service that benefits the residents of Dulverton. Information on grant applications and past grant awards are available to view on the Grants section of this website.
• Fraud: Dulverton Town Council has no staff members undertaking fraud investigation work and therefore has no information to publish.
• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): Introduced in 2010, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a tool for local councils to help raise funds from developers to deliver infrastructure such as new schools, open space or public transport. CIL is charged for certain types of development in the area and commenced on 1 August 2015. There is no Community Infrastructure Levy operating in this part of Somerset by Somerset Council.