Finance & Audit - Transparency Code

In December 2014 the government issued the Transparency Code for smaller authorities, designed to meet the Government's need for greater transparency for public bodies. It applies to all Parish Councils with an annual turnover of less than £25,000 and requires the following documents to be published regularly:

• full agendas for formal meetings no later than 3 clear days before the meeting
• draft minutes of formal meetings no later than 1 month after the meeting
• details of every item of spending of £100 or more showing the date, purpose and amount: this information is detailed in the Finance Report and minutes of each meeting.

All of the above documents can be accessed on the Agendas & Minutes page. For each financial year the Council must also publish:

• the Notice of Public Rights
• all items of expenditure above £100
• the end of year accounts
• the signed Annual Internal Audit Report
• the signed Annual Governance Statement
• the signed Annual Accounting Statements
• the Explanation of Variances
• the Bank Reconciliation
• the signed Certificate of Exemption or Notice for Completion of Audit from the External Auditor
• Names of all Councillors and their responsibilities within the council.

This information must be published by 1st July each year and must be published electronically.

Information for 2022-23

Information for 2021-22

Information for 2020-21

Information for 2019-20

Information for 2018-19

Information for 2017-18

Information for 2016 -17

Information for 2015-16

Precept

The Precept is the element of your Council Tax that is paid to Helmdon Parish Council.

Every year, the Parish Council draws up budgets and calculates how much money it needs for the next Financial Year. These are usually finalised at the January Full Council meeting and then submitted to South Northants Council. SNC co-ordinate the other demands from NCC, Police and themselves and come up with the rate to be paid from 1st April that year.

Budget

Further details of the Parish Council's budget can be obtained from the Parish Clerk.

Financial Regulations