Policies and Key Documents
Blyth Town Council’s Policies
Public Question Time Procedure
BTC Councillor Officer Protocol
BTC Official Conduct - Officers
BTC Standing Orders 2020 (Opens in a new window)
Complaints and Grievance (Opens in a new window)
First Data (Clover) Privacy Policy (Opens in a new window)
Habitual or Vexatious Behaviour
Social Media Policy (Opens in a new window)
Mayor’s Handbook (Opens in a new window)
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.
Freedom of Information Requests
All freedom of information requests should be submitted via email to info@blythtowncouncil.org.uk
In line with section 10 (1) of The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), a response will be provided within 20 working days following the receipt of the request.
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
Powers and Duties of Parish Councils
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
Blyth Town Council - 2021/2022 Budget
Budget 2021/2022 (Opens in a new window)
Blyth Town Council - Property Lease
Please find attached below Blyth Town Council’s Property Lease:
Annual Return Year Ending 31 March 2020
We have now received notification from our External Auditor, PKF Littlejohn LLP, that the audit has been completed.
Conclusion of Audit Notice 2020 (Opens in a new window)
Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) Sections 1-3 2020 (Opens in a new window)
Annual Return Year Ending 31 March 2019
Conclusion of Audit Notice 2019 (Opens in a new window)
Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) - Sections 1-3 2019 (Opens in a new window)
Annual Return Year Ending 31 March 2018
Conclusion of Audit Notice 2018 (Opens in a new window)
Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) - Sections 1-3 2018 (Opens in a new window)
Annual Return Year Ending 31 March 2017
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.
2020/21 Payments Exceeding £250 (Opens in a new window)
2019/20 Payments Exceeding £250 (Opens in a new window)
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
Blyth Town Council’s Complaints Procedure
Please complete the complaints form below and send it to the Town Clerk.
HONORARY FREEDOM OF BLYTH
Please click here for the procedure to nominate a person for an Honorary Freedom of Blyth (Opens in a new window) and click here for the nomination form (Opens in a new window).