Transparency and Policy Documents

Government Transparency Code

• Transparency Statement

  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

• Grants and Donations Awarding Policy

  This Policy formalises the process by which Compton Parish Council (the Council) will award a grant or provide a donation to various organisations. It will ensure access, openness and fairness for all.

Parish Council Assets

• Asset Register

  A listing of all fixed assets owned by the Parish Council

• Asset Register Policy

  This policy explains how the fixed assets of Stoughton Parish Council will be recorded, managed, maintained, disposed of and reported on. It is designed to safeguard assets owned by the Parish Council.

Financial Information

• Stoughton Parish Council Financial Regulations

  These Financial Regulations govern the financial management of the council and may only be amended or varied by resolution of the council. They are one of the council’s governing documents and shall be observed in conjunction with the council’s Standing Orders.

• Accounting Statements

  Accounting statements show the cash balance, precept, staff costs and other income and expenditure for the last accounting year.

• Annual Governance & Accountability Return

  The Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) is the document that is submitted by local councils presenting a summary of their audit and financial information.

• Annual Governance Statements

  The Annual Governance Statement is a document signed by the council confirming whether it conforms to certain financial, accounting and auditing measures.

• Internal Audit Reports

  The Annual Internal Audit is a signed checklist showing whether certain aspects of the council running has been internally reviewed, and whether the council conforms.

• Annual Bank Reconciliations

  Bank Reconciliations show whether the council's bank account statements match the accounting cashbook at the end of the financial year.

• Certificates of Exemption from External Audit

  Certificates of Exemptions are created if a local council is below the £25,000 threshold for expenditure. This forms part of the AGAR.

• CIL Reports

  This document shows payments to local authorities for new developments in the local area

• Conclusion of Audit

  This is a document confirming that the accounts for the last accounting year have been published.

• External Audit Reports

  This is a certificate signed by an external auditor after a review of the AGAR.

• Notice of Public Rights

  This is a document explaining the rights the public have in being able to inspect the council's annual accounts.

• Explanation of Variances

  This shows whether income or expenditure has gone up or down between two accounting years.

General Policies and Publications

• Councillor Code of Conduct

  This is a document explaining the role and expected conduct of Councillors.

• Stoughton Parish Council Risk Register

  These documents outline risk assessments carried out by the local council.

Data Policies

• Website Accessibility Statement

  A web accessibility statement is an information page on your website that clearly states the level of web accessibility to which the website aims to conform.

• Website Privacy Policy

  A privacy policy is a statement or legal document that discloses some or all of the ways a party gathers, uses, discloses, and manages a customer or client's data.

• Data Retention and Disposal Policy

  Policy detailing the council's responsibilities for retaining certain documents, and how long they should be retained.

• Data Breach Policy
• Freedom of Information Policy

  You have the right to ask to see recorded information held by public authorities. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act (FOISA) give you the right to see information.

• Data Protection Policy

  The Data Protection Act 2018 is the UK’s implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government.

• IT Policy

  This policy outlines the guidelines and responsibilities for the appropriate use of IT resources and email by council members, employees, volunteers and contractors

• WhatsApp Policy

  This policy outlines the acceptable use of WhatApp for internal communication within Stoughton Parish Council to ensure sound communication governance and effective dispute resolution

• AI Use and Data Protection Impact Assessment

  This policy describes the current use of AI by the Parish Council and assesses the associated data protection risks. This policy is set to be updated regularly as new information becomes available to Parish Councils.

Statutory Documents

• Standing Orders

  Written rules for the local council, confirming the procedures and procedural matters for meetings.