Messrs, Mr C Tolley – Chairman, G Ashmore, P Gilbert, L Higginson, G Lowe, J Goldsmith (Footpaths Officer), G M Brewin (Clerk).

Mesdames, M Scott, C Williams, E Clift (District Councillor)

Apologies:-, Mr P Brown, Mrs S Clarke, Mrs B Hickling, (County Councillor)

Freedom of Information Act

The clerk explained the requirements of this act as relating to parish councils and described the model declaration developed by CALC for use by such organisations.

It was proposed by Mr G Lowe seconded by Mr P Gilbert that - The council should adopt the Model Publication Scheme for Local Councils (Core Classes Only). This was agreed unanimously. The chairman signed the Declaration Form as required under the act.

It was proposed by Mr L Higginson seconded by Mrs C Williams that- The council would make information available on written request to the clerk to the council and on payment of £2.00 for each item. This was agreed unanimously.

1. This is a model publication scheme for parish, town and community councils (known collectively as ‘local councils’) in England and Wales. Local councils are the first tier of local government. There are over 10,000 such councils in England and Wales and they have a wide range of powers at their disposal.

   The purpose of the scheme is to be a means by which local councils can make a significant amount of information available routinely, without waiting for someone to specifically request it. The scheme is intended to encourage local councils to publish more information proactively and to develop a greater culture of openness and transparency.

    

2. In accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the scheme specifies the classes of information which local councils publish or intend to publish. Bearing in mind local councils are so diverse in size and functions it was decided the most practical approach was that the model scheme should firstly be comprised of a number of core classes of information which are mandatory. However, it also includes a number of optional documents (within those core classes) as well as a group of totally ‘new’ optional classes. Any optional documents within a core class of information are clearly specified therein. The idea behind such an approach is that councils can incorporate the optional documents and classes as they see fit to reflect the information they provide to the general public on a local basis. It is not however, a prerequisite that a council adopts any of the optional documents or classes. The intention behind the inclusion of optional classes and documents is to add a degree of choice and flexibility in the scheme.

   In some cases a class of information sets out a range of information which is excluded from publication Where that is the case the reasons behind the decision to exclude are clearly stated. Excluded throughout the model 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.

   In certain classes a limitation on the age of some documents has also been stipulated. For the avoidance of doubt this does not mean information beyond that date cannot be obtained, it simply indicates that it is not available as a matter of course within the model publication scheme. If original documents are more readily available from another source, details of that organisation are again specified in the scheme.

    

3. The information contained in each class will be available in a variety of formats namely in hard copy on request from the clerk of the council, by inspection at the council office or other suitable premises by prior appointment or, where a council has a website some of the information may be available thereon.

4. Reasonable charges may be raised for the provision of copies of the documents/information listed in each of the classes.

         The classes are as follows:-

1. COUNCIL INTERNAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

   Minutes of council, committee and sub-committee meetings – limited to the last 2 years.

   Procedural Standing Orders

   Councils Annual Report to Parish Meeting

   Optional documents: -

   Agendas and supporting papers for council, committee and sub-committee meetings-limited in each case to the forthcoming/immediate meeting.

   Terms of Reference for Committees

    

2. CODE OF CONDUCT

   Members Declaration of Acceptance of Office

   Members Register of Interests

   Register of Members Interests Book

    

3. PERIODIC ELECTORAL REVIEW
   
   This is information concerning changes to the electoral arrangements for parish, town and community councils. It includes recommendations for the creation of new wards, the amendment of existing wards, proposals for the names of new wards and alterations to the number of councillors to be elected to the council.

   Information relating to the last Periodic Electoral Review of the council area

   Information relating to the latest boundary review of the council area

    

1. EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

1. PLANNING DOCUMENTS

1. AUDIT AND ACCOUNTS