FREEDOM OF INFORMATION POLICY

THURLASTON PARISH COUNCIL
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000
PUBLICATION SCHEME

Thurlaston Parish Council has adopted the model scheme approved by the Information Commissioner on 20.11.2007, which will remain in force until 31.12.2008.

The purpose of the scheme is to make 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.

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

The information contained in each class is available for inspection by prearranged appointment. Requests should be made in writing to The Clerk to Thurlaston Parish Council, 470 Coventry Road, Hinckley, Leics, LE10 0NH. All requests should be marked “Freedom of Information Request” and they will be responded to within 20 working days. Where a hard copy is requested it will be charged at £0.10 per A4 side.

Some of the information can be found on the Parish Council Website: thurlaston.leicestershireparishcouncils.org/
And on:
www.thurlastononline.co.uk

Summaries of the minutes of full council meetings are also published monthly in The Journal.

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

Class 2: Code of Conduct
Members’ declarations of acceptance of office
Members’ register of interests
Register of Members’ interests book

Class 3: Periodic electoral review
Information relating to the last periodic review of the council area
Information relating to the last boundary review of the 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 for the last financial year
Annual statutory report by auditor (internal and external) for the last financial year
Receipt/payment books, bank statements of all accounts for the last financial year
Precept request for the last financial year
VAT records for the last financial year
Financial standing orders and regulations
Assets register – if any
Risk assessments

Exclusions – all commercially sensitive information e.g. quotes and tenders/ loan documentation/insurance policies.

Class 7 : Development and implementation of policy
Responses sent by the council to consultations
Village appraisals