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Transparency
The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 (the code) came in to 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 an previous codes issued in relation to authorities in England under those powers. See full details of the Local Government Transparency Code 2015
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Witham Town Council meets the definition of a local authority covered by the requirements of the code. The code requires local authorities in England to publish certain information to ensure local people can see and access data covering; how money is spent, use of assets, decision making and issues important to local people.​
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Witham Town Council has adopted the ICO Model Publication Scheme. The information we publish supports both the Transparency Code and the ICO Publication Scheme.
There are seven classes of information which must be made available to the public:
Class One - Who makes up the council and their roles
Organisation information, structures, locations and contacts​
Class Two - What the council spends and how it spends it
Financial information about projected and actual income and expenditure, procurement, contracts and financial audit
Loans Sanctioned - Not Applicable
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Class Three - The council’s priorities and its progress
Strategies and plans, performance indicators, audits, inspections and reviews for current and previous years
Class Four - How the council makes decisions
Decision making processes and records of decisions
Class Five - The council’s policies and procedures
Current written protocols, policies & procedures for delivering our services and responsibilities
Class Six - Lists and Registers: Any publicly available register or list
Currently maintained lists and registers​​
Allotment Waiting List - on request
Class Seven - The Council’s service
Information about the services we offer, including leaflets, guidance and newsletters produced for the public and business
Town Clock, seating, litter bins, dog bins, lighting - on request
Schedule of Charges
Many of the above documents are contained in the Council’s website and may be downloaded free of charge. However, if paper versions are requested from the Town Council a charge will be made of £0.50p per page in accordance with The Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limits and Fees) Regulations 2004.
The Council may also charge for reasonable disbursements such as postage or electronic media (for example, USB sticks), and will issue a fee notice where applicable in line with FOI and ICO guidance.
The seven classes of information above, do not include:
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Information that the council is prevented from disclosing by law
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Information exempt under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
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Information in draft form
If a council does not hold the type of information in one of the classes, it will not be in breach of any statutory obligations under the 2000 Act.
Ensuring that the public can access the information via the council’s Publication Scheme is vital. A council’s publication scheme must confirm how much the information in the seven classes can be accessed and if there is a charge.
Part 2 of the Code is recommended practice for parish councils whose gross annual income or expenditure (whichever is the higher) does not exceed £6.5 million.
Information to be published quarterly
Government Procurement Card Transactions - Not Applicable
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Information to be published annually
Parking Revenue - Not Applicable
Controlled Parking Spaces - Not Applicable
Constitution - Not Applicable
Waste Contract - Not Applicable
Witham Town Council complies with the requirements of the code by publishing the information on its website. Hard copies are available from the Town Council office in line with the Council’s Publication Scheme.