Annual Governance Statements
The Annual Governance Statement is a document signed by the council confirming whether it conforms to certain financial, accounting and auditing measures.
Annual Governance Statements
Finance & Audit
In order to comply with the Accounts and Audit Regulations and associated documents, the Parish Council is required to publish certain information. Each year the Council’s financial accounts and statements must be examined by an independent internal auditor appointed by the Council. The Council is also required to complete an Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) which includes the findings of the Internal Auditor, together with Governance Statements and Financial Statements. The AGAR is then submitted to the independent external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission for examination.
Finance & Audit documents
Freedom of Information
Town Councillors and the Executive Officer will respond to informal requests for information and assistance where possible.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a formal right of access to all types of recorded information held by public bodies. 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, must be supplied with that information.
Harworth And Bircotes Town Council complies with the Freedom of Information Act. The Publications Scheme document lists the types of information available in response to Freedom of Information requests and the associated costs.
Model Publications Scheme
Transparency
The local government transparency code (2015) is issued to meet the government’s desire to place more power into citizens’ hands to increase democratic accountability. It will make it easier for local people to contribute to the local decision making process and help shape public services.
In accordance with this code all documents can be found on our transparency page.
Transparency Documents