Transparency
The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 (the code) 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.
Windlesham Parish 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’.
Members' Allowances
Windlesham Parish Council operates a Members' Allowances Scheme based on the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel established by Surrey Heath Borough Council. At its meeting on 25 March 2025, the Council noted that the allowance payable to Parish Councillors would remain at £1,750 per annum, with a Chair's Allowance of £1,750 per annum. Whilst the Council has set an allowance scheme for all Members, individual Councillors may elect to receive the full allowance, a partial allowance, or no allowance. Annual payments made to each Member under the scheme are published below in accordance with the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003. Members allowances paid during 2025-26 can be viewed here.
The code requires local authorities in England to publish the following information
quarterly: