The Department for Communities and Local Government has recently introduced a Transparency Code for smaller authorities. the code covers a range and mix of public bodies including Parish Councils with a turnover of less than £25,000. Bramfield Parish Council is a very small authority with an annual precept of about £1700 and so is required to comply with the code.

This Code is issued to meet the Government’s desire to place more power into citizens’ hands to increase democratic accountability. Transparency gives local people the tools and information they need to hold local public bodies to account.

These smaller authorities will be subject to the new transparency requirements laid out in this Code. This will enable local electors and ratepayers to access relevant information about the authorities’ accounts and governance.

The code recommends smaller authorities should publish a list of items, including:
a. all items of expenditure above £100;
b. end of year accounts,
c. annual governance statement,
d. internal audit report,
e. list of councillor or member responsibilities,
f. the details of public land and building assets,
g. Minutes, agendas and meeting papers of formal meetings.

Bramfield Parish Council has always been open and resident friendly and so from the beginning of the financial year 2015/16 it will comply with the spirit of the code and in this section of the website will publish all relevant information. If any information is required from an earlier financial year a formal request should be made to the Clerk to the Parish Council and wherever possible the information will be made available.