Financial Transparency

Upper Heyford Parish Council manages a small amount of public money raised through the parish precept, which forms part of residents’ council tax. The Council is committed to being open and transparent about how this money is used for the benefit of the village.

Decisions made in public

All financial decisions are discussed and approved at Upper Heyford Parish Council meetings. These meetings are open to the public and usually held in the village. Agendas are published in advance and minutes are published afterwards so residents can see what decisions have been made.

Published financial information

The Parish Council publishes key financial information, including:

The annual budget and parish precept
Details of payments and expenditure
Annual accounts and governance statements

These documents are available on the Upper Heyford Parish Council website and on the village noticeboard where required

Independent audit

Each year the Parish Council’s accounts are reviewed by an independent external auditor. This provides assurance that public funds are being managed properly and in line with legal requirements

Residents’ right to inspect

Residents of Upper Heyford have a legal right to inspect the Parish Council’s financial records at certain times of the year and to ask questions about them.

Clear financial controls

No single councillor can spend parish money on their own. All payments must be approved by the Parish Council, and the Parish Clerk is responsible for keeping accurate financial records and ensuring proper procedures are followed.

In summary

Upper Heyford Parish Council:

Makes financial decisions in public meetings
Publishes budgets, spending, and accounts
Has its finances independently audited
Allows residents to inspect records and ask questions

This ensures parish funds are used carefully, responsibly, and openly for the benefit of the Upper Heyford community.