Under the Freedom of Information Act it is the duty of every public authority to adopt and maintain a publication scheme. Dunstable Town Council has adopted the model publication scheme prepared and approved by the Information Commissioner.
The Local Government Transparency Code 2014 requires the Council to publish specific data and information in order to be transparent and accountable to residents as follows.
1. Expenditure over £500: Pursuant to his powers in section 2 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, (the 1980 Act) the Secretary of State has issued the Code as recommended practice as to the publication of types of information by certain authorities concerning the discharge of their functions and the steps which they must take to inform the public of the availability of that information. From 28 September 2011, a new code of recommended practice on data transparency (the Code) applies to parish councils with a gross annual income or expenditure, whichever is the higher, of at least £200,000, all principal authorities and other bodies (as defined) such as police, fire and rescue and National Park authorities in England. This includes publication of expenditure in excess of £500 and this Council will post details of supplier payments on the website each month. For data protection reasons, these exclude any payments made to individuals.
2. Government Procurement Card Transactions – Now known as EPCS Cards (Electronic Purchasing Card Solution): This section provides transparency regarding Dunstable Town Council’s use of government-issued procurement cards. It includes detailed records of transactions made using these cards, ensuring accountability and compliance with financial regulations. The information provided helps demonstrate how public funds are managed and used for Council-related activities.
3. Procurement Information: For details of current tenders click here
4. Local Authority Land: View document (PDF)
5. Grants to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations: The Council no longer runs a grant scheme.
7. Trade Union Facility Time: Total Number (absolute number and full time equivalent) of staff who are union representatives (including general, learning and health and safety representatives) = 0 Total Number (absolute number and full time equivalent) of union representatives who devote at least 50 per cent of their time to union duties = 0 Names of all trade unions represented in the local authority = GMB, Unison and ALACE
A basic estimate of spending on unions as a percentage of the total pay bill (calculated as the number of full time equivalent days spent on union duties multiplied by the average salary divided by the total pay bill) = nil
8. Senior Salaries: This information is included in the Financial Statements produced annually.
9. Constitution: View the Council’s constitution (PDF)
10. Pay Multiple: View Pay Multiple document (PDF)
11. Environmental and Sustainability Policy: Go to the policy section
12. Health and Safety Policy: Go to the policy section
