About The Smaller Authorities Transparency Code

The Smaller Authorities Transparency Code came into force on 1 April 2015 and requires the online publication of certain information which the Government requests. The aim of such, being to provide taxpayers with a clear picture of the authority’s activities, spending, and governance and to improve the ability of communities to hold local public bodies to account.

All smaller authorities must make sure they are compliant.

Compliance with the Transparency Code is compulsory for all Smaller Authorities (those with an annual turnover of less than £25,000), whether or not they received funding from the Transparency Fund.

The Transparency Fund, administered by NALC on behalf of DCLG is a tool by which the extra burden associated with being compliant could be covered and as such promotes democratic participation and transparency. Unfortunately, 2017 is the last year for applications to be made to the fund. If you are yet to apply, but believe you are eligible please get in touch with us at CALC. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to access funding to help your council meet its legal requirements.

Furthermore, NALC have been conducting sample checks of Town and Parish councils to ensure that funds have been used appropriately. Hence it is of great importance that those councils who have received funding, have spent the money as detailed and are compliant with the code.

What Information needs to be published?

Full guidance can be found at here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transparency-code-for-smaller-
authorities

At a glance however, smaller authorities should now be publishing:

  • all items of expenditure above £100
  • end of year accounts
  • annual governance statement
  • internal audit report
  • list of councillor or member responsibilities
  • the details of public land and building assets
  • Minutes, agendas and meeting papers of formal meetings

The data and information specified in this Code must be published on a website whichis publicly accessible free of charge.

We must stress that non-compliance with the code puts your council at greater risk of public scrutiny and potential legal proceedings. The code applies regardless of a council’s membership to CALC/NALC. Therefore, if you or your council are unsure of how the Code affects you, or would like further advice on how to be compliant please contact us in the office, where we would be delighted to assist you further.

(Published by the Cornwall Association Of Local Councils).