The Data Transparency Code for Local Government sets out key principles for councils in creating greater transparency through the publication of public data - namely that the data be demand led,open and timely. The Code also prescribes what public data should be released as a minimum requirement to increase councils’transparency and accountability.
Melksham Town Council Finances
The Town Council is funded by the residents of Melksham through a precept on the council tax charge made by Wiltshire Council. The 2022/23 budget sets a total precept of £966,204 that equates to a council tax charge of £169.00 on a band D household. Properties are put into one of eight bands, A being the lowest, and H the highest, with Band D being the average.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies are received from new housing developments in the Melksham Town Council area. The monies are used to provide some of the additional infrastructure needed as a result of the increased demands placed by the new housing.
Every financial year ending 31 March the annual audit of the Town Council’s accounts is reviewed by its’ external auditor. In accordance with the Local Government Transparency Code 2014, the Town Council publishes details of expenditure that exceeds £500. Audit information can be viewed here:
The Town Council keeps a public record of monies received from the agreement with Sandridge Solar Power Ltd under the Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund and how they are to be spent.
Local councils must maintain an asset register to ensure fixed assets are appropriately safeguarded. Once recorded on the asset register, the value of assets must not change from year to year until disposal. Concepts of depreciation and impairment adjustments are not appropriate for local councils. The Register is adopted by the Council at the end of each Financial Year but is a working document over the following Financial Year, during which Council Officers will update and amend details as necessary.
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