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Publication Scheme
Background Information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000. The Act defines the public authorities that are covered by the Act and so are required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme. Paragraph 7, Part II of Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information Act defined a local within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1972 as a public authority.
Preston Candover and Nutley Parish Council wishes to continue to be open and transparent and make information available to parishioners. The publication scheme and scale of charges may be revised from time to time.
Confidentiality
Preston Candover and Nutley Parish Council policy is to be as open as possible and supply the information requested. However, the Council will withhold any information if it is considered that the release is not in the public interest or could cause harm. Any sensitive or confidential information is exempt from public information.
Requests for Information
All requests should be made to the Clerk and must include details of the applicant and the information required. The Parish Council will respond to all requests within 28 days.
All requests to view documents must be made in writing and an appointment will be arranged at a mutually convenient time and place.
All requests for copies of documents must be made in writing and should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The Council reserves the right to withhold the issue of copies until the appropriate fee has been received.
Charges
The Council will set reasonable charges for the information requested to cover photocopying costs, postage, staff time and other expenses.
Publication Scheme under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
The purpose of this publication scheme is to be a means by which the council can make a significant amount of information available routinely. The scheme will ensure that the council will publish more information pro-actively and help it to develop a greater culture of openness and transparency. The authority’s key responsibilities are to represent the electorate, to take action within the legal framework and to provide a leadership focus for the community.
Core Classes of Information
- Council Internal Practice and Procedure
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Information
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Format in which it is available
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Charge for Supply
(yes/no)
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Minutes of the council, committee and sub committee meetings
(limited to the last two years)
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A4 loose leaf sheets available. Average 3-4 pages per meeting
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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Procedural standing orders
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A4 loose leaf sheets available. 8 pages
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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Council’s annual report to the parish meeting
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Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting available. Average 4-5 pages
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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Information
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Format in which it is available
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Charge for Supply
(yes/no)
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Members’ Declaration of Acceptance of Office
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Copy available. 1 sheet per councillor
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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Members Register of Interests
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Held by Monitoring officer at Borough Council
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N/A
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Register of Member’s interests book
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Included in the minutes of each meeting, where applicable
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As per minutes of the council
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- Periodic Electoral Review
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Information
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Format in which it is available
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Charge for Supply
(yes/no)
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Information relating to the last Periodic Electoral Review of the council area
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Available from Borough Council
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N/A
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Information relating to that latest boundary review of the council area
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Available from Borough Council
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N/A
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- Employment Practice and Procedure
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Information
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Format in which it is available
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Charge for Supply
(yes/no)
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Terms and Condition of employment
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Model documents only available
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
|
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Job descriptions
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N/A One employee only
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N/A
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Information
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Format in which it is available
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Charge for Supply
(yes/no)
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Responses to planning applications
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Decisions recorded in minutes. Copies of specific letters of objection available – approximately 1-2 pages. Planning Reference numbers must be given
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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Information
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Format in which it is supplied
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Charge for Supply
(yes/no)
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Annual return form – limited to last financial year
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A4 copies available. 3 pages
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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Annual Statutory report by auditor (internal and external) – limited to last financial year
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A4 copies available. 1 page
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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Receipts/payment books, receipt books of all kinds, bank statements from all accounts – limited to the last financial year
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Viewing by appointment at a public place
Copies of all documents supplied in A4/A3 format. Length varies
Bank statements available in A4 format
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
£1.00 per A3 sheet
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Precept request – limited to the last financial year
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A4 copies available
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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VAT records – limited to the last financial year
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A4 loose leaf copies available. 1-2 pages. Please note that this information could be confidential and may be withheld
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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Financial Standing Orders and regulations
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A4 loose leaf sheets available. 2 pages
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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Assets Register
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Assets Register available in A4 loose leaf copies
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Yes
50p per A4 sheet
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Financial risk assessments
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Under development
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Yes
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Exclusions
Core Classes of Information
Employment Practice and Procedure
‘Personal records’, ie. appraisals, employees specific salary details, disciplinary records, sickness records and the like by virtue of being personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998.
Planning Documents
Copies of planning consultations, the Development Plan, Structure Plan, Local Plan and Rights of Way/Footpath maps, all of which are available from the local planning and/or highway authority respectively.
Audit and Accounts
All commercially sensitive information eg. quotations and tenders, loan documentation and insurance policies. With regard to quotations and tenders, this information is treated as confidential to ensure that the whole tender process is fair. ie if tender information is released to a third party prior to the end of a tender period, those who initially submitted tenders could be undercut and/or unfairly disadvantaged.
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