Council budgets and spending

We want to ensure that every pound spent is used to improve local services and quality of life. Councils face large cuts in government funding. So it is more important than ever to show where we are spending taxpayers' money.

What we publish

We publish information about the following payments:

• For goods and services.
• To suppliers and sole traders.
• Grants.
• Expenses.
• Third-party service providers.
• Rent.
• Transactions with other public bodies.

What we do not publish

We are not able to publish details of all expenditure. The following information is not included:

• Information about protecting vulnerable adults and children.
• Confidential or sensitive information.
• Information exempt from publication. (Under the Data Protection Act or Freedom of Information Act).

We mark these payments as 'Redacted Personal Data'.

Other information we do not publish includes:

• Salary payments to staff.
• Pensions contributions.
• Severance payments.
• Transactions about financing or underwriting of debt.
• Provisions or promises to pay but not yet realised.
• Housing benefit payments.
• Council Tax or business rate refunds.

Spending reports

It is important to us to be open and transparent with how we spend your money. Since 2011, we've published our spending reports. They show our spending data for goods and services over £500.00.

The data is from our financial system. It shows the gross amount, including VAT (Value Added Tax). We recover VAT from HM Revenue and Customs. The true cost to us will be the figure quoted minus 20%. Please note that the December 2010 figures are at the old VAT rate of 17.5%.

The information is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge. We will not be liable for any loss or damage from, or related to, the publication or use of the data. This data is free to re-use under the Open Government Licence. We publish spend data on goods and services from our suppliers. Your supply of goods or services to us is your acceptance of this fact.