Transparency Code
The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 came into effect on 1 April 2015. Stotfold Town Council complies with the requirements of the code by publishing the information on its website. Hard copies of these are available on request from the Stotfold Town Council office.
The Government believes that, in principle, all data held and managed by local authorities should be made available to residents unless there are specific sensitivities to doing so (e.g. protecting vulnerable people or commercial or operational considerations).
The code does not replace or supersede the existing framework for access to and re-use of public sector information provided by the:
- Freedom of Information Act 2000 (as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012)
- Environmental Information Regulations 2004
- Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005
- Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community Regulations 2009
- Sections 25 and 26 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, which provide rights for persons to inspect a local authority’s accounting records and supporting documentation, and to make copies of them.
Full details of the code can be found on the Local Government Transparency Code 2015.
Transparency about how local authorities spend money and deliver services, as well as how decisions are made within these authorities, provides local people with the information they need to hold their local authority accountable and participate in local democratic processes.
Does this Code also apply to Town and Parish Councils?
The majority of town and parish councils in England fall within the definition of ‘smaller authority’ in the legislation (because neither gross income nor gross expenditure for a financial year exceeds £6.5 million), and therefore only certain requirements apply. However, local councils (town & parish councils) are encouraged to follow the code, ensuring it is as transparent as possible for their electorate.
Where we do not have responsibility for certain functions, there is no requirement to publish data relating to that function.
The Town Council, therefore, is required to publish the following information quarterly:
- Expenditure exceeding £500 - click here for more information on transparency payments
- Government Procurement Card Transactions - Stotfold Town Council does not hold such a card.
Additionally, local authorities are required to publish the following information annually:
Local authority land
The Council maintains a register of all land and buildings owned by the Town Council. This is currently being updated and will be available soon.
Fixed Assets Register
The Town Council will publish its Asset Register in due course.
Grants, Expenditure, Notice of Conclusion of Audit, Budget and Precept
Each of these categories of information is published on our website - links to the relevant pages set out below:
Notice of Conclusion of Audit, Audit Reports and End of Year information
Social Housing Assets
Stotfold Town Council has no housing assets.
Organisational Chart
A Staff Structure Chart is published showing information on employees' job titles and pay scales within the Town Council.
Trade Union Facility Time
Stotfold Town Council doesn't have any union representatives.
Parking account
The Town Council owns a car park on the High Street at the junction of Brook Street, at Arlesey Road, serving the public open space and shared by the Football Club, a car park at the Cemetery and leases land to use as a car park at Riverside Playing Field. These car parks are free to use, and no income is derived from them.
Senior Salaries
Currently, Stotfold Town Council has 1 member of staff with remuneration is £50,000 or greater, and this is the Town Clerk, who sits within the bracket of £50,000 - £55,000.
Constitution
The constitution of the Town Council refers to its Standing Orders, available to view here.
Financial Regulations
Financial Regulations for parish and town councils are standardised guidelines designed to ensure the proper management and oversight of financial activities within these Councils. These regulations provide a framework for financial governance, helping Councils maintain transparency, accountability, and efficiency in their financial operations. They are crucial for safeguarding public funds and promoting good governance practices.
The Town Council's Financial Regulations are reviewed and approved by the Town Council on an annual basis.
STC Financial Regulations 2025.pdf
Procurement information
We publish details of invitations to tender for contracts exceeding £5,000 (e.g. street lighting maintenance, landscape) as necessary.
Fraud
Stotfold Town Council does not have any staff being investigated for fraud.