Transparency and Key Documents

Blyth Town Council’s Policies

Publication Scheme under the Freedom of Information Act 2000

(Blyth Town Council’s Complaint Policy and the associated form are at the bottom of this section)

The purpose of this publication scheme is to be a means by which the Council can make a significant amount of information available routinely. The scheme will ensure that the council will publish more information proactively, and help it to develop a greater culture of openness and transparency.

This authority’s key responsibilities are to represent the electorate of its area, to take action within the legal framework and to provide a leadership focus for the community.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 received Royal Assent on 30th November 2000. It 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. A ‘public authority’ is defined in the Act, and includes but is not restricted to central and local government, non-departmental public bodies, the police, the National Health Service, and schools, college and universities. 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.

Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. As far as public authorities are concerned, the Freedom of Information Act will extend this right to allow public access to all types of information held. New legislation came into force in 2008 requiring that Town/Parish Councils adopt a mandatory publication scheme to be operational from 1st January 2009. Further details are available from the Information Commissioner’s Office web site.

There is also a Code of Practice document issued by the Cabinet Office that gives further information and guidance on the subject, and you can view that by clicking this link.

Powers and Duties

The Town Council does not have major powers to carry out policies but it is able to advise and put pressure on the larger authorities in respect to the present and future development and condition of the Civil Parish area. The Council is also able to organise, within the confines of its budget, schemes to improve the social life of the Parish.

The below documents can be printed for reference, but cannot be altered, and are published in accordance with Crown Copyright regulations.

Public Liability Insurance 2019

BTC Freedom of Information Act Policy

ICO Model Publication Scheme

Powers and Duties of Parish Councils

BTC Code of Conduct

Declarations of Interest

All Councillors are required to complete a Declaration of Interest form and these are available to view on the Northumberland County Council website.

Link to Blyth Town Councillors’ Declarations of Interest

Blyth Town Council - Grants Awarded

Grants Awarded - 2018/2019

Grants Awarded - 2017/2018

Grants Awarded - 2016/2017

Grants Awarded - 2015/2016

Blyth Town Council - Property Lease

Please find attached Blyth Town Council’s Property Lease:

Arms Evertyne House Lease

Annual Return Year Ending 31 March 2020

Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR)

Each year the Town Council is required to publish the unaudited AGAR together with the Notice of Public Rights - please see below both documents.

Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited AGAR

Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) - Sections 1 & 2

Publishing Payments Exceeding £250

Blyth Town Council are voluntarily publishing details of any expenditure over £250 (previously the amount was £500) on the website in accordance with the suggestion made by Central Government. Most of the information is already in the public domain, or available on request by members of the public.

The Town Council believes publication demonstrates its continuing commitment to transparency.

2019/20 Payments Exceeding £250

2018/19 Payments Exceeding £250

2017/18 Payments Exceeding £250

2016/17 Payments Exceeding £250

2015/16 Payments Exceeding £250

2014/15 Payments Exceeding £250

2013/14 Payments Exceeding £500

2012/13 Payments Exceeding £500