Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities

Introduction

This code is issued to meet the Government’s desire to place more power into citizen’s hands to increase democratic accountability.  Transparency gives local people the tools and information they need to hold public bodies to account. The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 sets out a new audit framework for local authorities which are currently covered by the Audit Commission regime.  Under the new audit framework smaller authorities, including Parish Councils, with an annual turnover not exceeding £25,000 will be exempt from routine external audit.  In place of routine audit, those smaller authorities will be subject to the new transparency requirements.  This will enable local electors and ratepayers to access relevant information about the authorities accounts and governance. The full Code can be downloaded at www.gov.uk/government/publications/transparency-code-for-smaller-authorities The data and information must be published:

• on the first occasion, not later than 1st July 2015 and
• thereafter, not less than annually and not later than 1 July in the year immediately following the accounting year to which is relates.

Smaller authorities should publish:

• Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited Annual Governance and Accountability Return
• all items of expenditure above £100
• end of year accounts
  • statement of accounts
  • bank reconciliation
  • significant variances
  • year end
• annual governance
• Notice of Conclusion of the Audit
• internal audit report
• external audit report
• list of councillor or member responsibilities
• the details of public land and building assets
• Minutes, agendas and meeting papers of formal meetings.