Overview
The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 came into effect on 1 April 2015. The Code is issued by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in exercise of powers under section 2 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, and replaces any previous codes issued in relation to authorities in England under those powers.
The Code does not replace or supersede the existing framework for access to and re-use of public sector information provided by the:
- Freedom of Information Act 2000 (as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012)
- Environmental Information Regulations 2004
- Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005
- Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community regulations 2009
- Sections 25 and 26 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 which provides rights for persons to inspect a local authority’s accounting records and supporting documentation, and to make copies of them.
Totnes Town Council meets the definition of a local authority covered by the requirements of the Code, defined as ‘a parish council which has gross annual income or expenditure (whichever is higher) exceeding £200,000′.
The Code requires local authorities in England to publish the following information quarterly:
- Expenditure exceeding £500 – see below
- Government Procurement Card transactions – N/A for Totnes Town Council
- Procurement Information – see below
Additionally, local authorities are required to publish the following information annually:
- Local Authority Land – see below for details of all land and building assets
- Social housing assets – N/A for Totnes Town Council
- Grants to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations – see below
- Organisational chart – see Council Staff
- Trade union facility time – N/A for Totnes Town Council
- Parking account – N/A for Totnes Town Council
- Parking Spaces – N/A for Totnes Town Council
- Senior salaries – N/A for Totnes Town Council
- Constitution – Local Councils, unlike principal authorities, are not required by law to adopt a constitution. However they need to adopt Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and other governing documents such as a Members Code of Conduct and a Publication Scheme. Totnes Town Council’s Policies can be viewed here Policies.
- Pay multiple
- Fraud – None to date
- Waste contracts – Totnes Town Council use Devon Contract Waste.
Totnes Town Council complies with the requirements of the code where applicable by publishing the information on this website.
Payments Over £500
Procurement Information
Tenders
The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 requires local authorities to publish details of every invitation to tender for contracts to provide goods and/or services with a value that exceeds £5,000.
Our Financial Regulations state that where the Council intends to procure or award a public supply contract, public service contract or public works contract as defined by The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (“the Regulations”) which is valued at £25,000 or more, the Council shall comply with the relevant requirements of the Regulations and publish the opportunity on Contracts Finder.
2023/2024
Grounds Maintenance – for Grounds Maintenance at Totnes Cemetery and cutting the hedges enclosing Castle Meadow. Start – 1st April 2023, end 31st March 2024, review – January 2024. Awarded to Glendale Services.
Christmas Lights – to supply, install and store the Town’s Christmas Lights. Start – May 2023, end – November 2024, review – February 2024. Awarded to Blachere Illuminations (UK).
Christmas Market Management – to act as event organiser for the Town’s Christmas Markets. Start – April 2023, end – January 2025, review – February 2025. Awarded to Miss Ivy Events.
2022/2023
Wayfinding Signage – to supply and deliver the first phase of signage that will be installed in and around the town centre. Start – mid April 2022, end 31/7/22, review – n/a. Awarded to Wood and Wood Signs.
2018/2019
Cemetery paths upgrade – for the resurfacing of footpaths in Totnes Cemetery and the removal of unused paths. Start – asap after tender closing on 29/10/18, end – asap, review – n/a. Contract awarded to White Rose Tarmacadam Ltd.
Quotes
The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 also requires local authorities to publish details of any contract (this includes contracts for staff who are employed via consultancy firms or similar agencies), commissioned activity, purchase order, framework agreement and any other legally enforceable agreement with a value that exceeds £5,000.
Our Financial Regulations state that when the Council is to enter into a contract of less than £25,000 in value for the supply of goods or materials or for the execution of works or specialist services other than such goods, materials, works or specialist services as are excepted as set out in paragraph 11.1 (a) the Clerk/RFO shall obtain 3 quotations.
Local Authority Land
Totnes Town Council owns the freehold of the following land and buildings:
- Guildhall (including the offices), 5 & 5A Ramparts Walk, Totnes, TQ9 5QH. Occupied by the Town Council.
- Guildhall Cottage, Ramparts Walk, Totnes, TQ9 5QH. Rented to a residential tenant.
- Guildhall Garage, Ramparts Walk, Totnes, TQ9 5QH.
- Totnes Museum, 70 Fore Street, Totnes, TQ9 5RU. Rented to a charitable organisation.
- Totnes Cemetery Chapel, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ9 5LX.
- Castle Meadow, Totnes. Public open space and sheep grazing.
- Strip of land running alongside Coronation Road, Totnes. Public open space.
Totnes Town Council owns the lease on the following buildings:
- Civic Hall, High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5SF. Occupied by the Town Council and available for hire.
- Eastgate Clock Tower, Fore Street, Totnes. Rented to a charitable organisation.
Totnes Town Council has responsibility for the maintenance of:
- Totnes Cemetery, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ9 5LX
- St Mary’s Closed Churchyard, High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5NN.