Parish information - Model Publication Scheme

The Freedom on Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities. Any person who makes a request to a public authority for information must be informed whether the public authority holds that information and, subject to exemptions, supplied with that information.

Under the Act each public authority is required to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme. This scheme will provide the public with a structured listing of any information released, with authorities undertaking a commitment to make it available to all. The Scheme must set out how it intends to publish the different classes of information it makes available and whether it intends to charge for providing the information.

As of December 2008, Sutton Cheney Parish Council has adopted the Parish Council model scheme.

In accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the scheme specifies the classes of information as detailed below. Excluded throughout the scheme is general correspondence sent or received by councils and all information relating to private individuals by virtue of it being personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Class 1: Council internal practice and procedure
Minutes of council meetings limited to the last two years
Procedural standing orders
Councils Annual report to the Parish Meeting

Class 2: Code of Conduct
Members Declarations of Acceptance of Office
Members Registers of Interests
Register of Members interest book

Class 3: Periodic Electoral Review
Information relating to the last Periodic Electoral Review of the Council Area
Information relating to the latest boundary review of the Council Area

Class 4: Employment Practice and Procedure
Terms and Conditions of employment
Job Descriptions

Class 5: Planning Documents
Responses to planning applications

Class 6: Audit and Accounts
Annual Return Form limited to the last financial year
Annual statutory report by Auditor (internal and external) -limited to last financial year.
Receipt/Payment books, receipt books of all kinds, Bank statement of all accounts limited to last financial year
Precept Request limited to last financial year
VAT records
Financial Standing Orders and Regulations
Assets Register this will include details of commons/village greens owned by the council including the management schemes for commons as well as village halls, community centres and recreation grounds.
Risk Assessments
Exclusions: all commercially sensitive information eg quotations and tenders, loan documentation and insurance policies.

Charges for Information

Charges which may be made for Information published under this scheme.

The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Charges made by us for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.
Material which is published and accessed on a website will be provided free of charge.

Charges may be made for information subject to a charging regime specified by Parliament. Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:
* photocopying
* postage and packaging
* the costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information

Charges may also be made for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are in all the circumstances, including the general principles of the right of access to information held by public authorities, justified and are in accordance with a published schedule or schedules of fees which is readily available to the public.

If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information

The information contained in each class is available by inspection from the Parish Council Clerk either in writing or in person. Please contact Alan Robinson (Parish Clerk) either via telephone 02476 346360; in writing to 38 Thirlmere Avenue, Nuneaton Warwickshire, CV11 6HU or via email at greenline@zoom.co.uk, requests for information will be responded to within 20 days.