The Framework identifies the financial responsibilities of the full Council, Cabinet and Scrutiny Members, the Chief Executive, the Monitoring Officer, the Section 151 Officer, Directors, Business Unit Heads, and all Officers.  It forms an integral part of the Council’s Constitution.

The main objective is to ensure that all decisions and actions by Members and Officers take account of the full financial implications and risks and are within the Council’s Policy Objectives and service priorities.

The Framework establishes the parameters within which decisions and actions can be taken.  It is also a guide in satisfying the responsibilities arising from being entrusted with public money and lays down rules that must be complied with.  Its preparation has also been influenced by the need to provide flexibility for the Council to achieve its objectives.

The Framework is only part of the corporate management of the Council and other aspects such as competency training will complement it.

For each area within the framework contained in Part II, three elements are detailed:

• An Overview
• Responsibility/Accountability
• Policy

These are supported where appropriate by detailed regulations in Part IV.

By following the guidance in these areas Members and Officers can ensure that the highest standards of consistent financial conduct are maintained.

It is a breach of the Code of Conduct for any Member and any Officer who fails to comply with the spirit and detail of the Financial Framework.

Members should report any apparent breach of the Framework to the Chief Executive.  Officers have a duty to report apparent breaches to an appropriate Senior Manager and/or the Chief Internal Auditor.  The Senior Manager or Chief Internal Auditor should report breaches of the Framework to the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer.

This Framework takes effect from 1 April 2002 unless otherwise stated, and applies to ALL  Areas of the Authority.

Schools
Schools must adhere to the Financial Framework, except where indicated within this Framework that they should apply School’s Financial Regulations (click here for link to School’s Financial Regulations), and must also operate in accordance with the Fair Funding Scheme for Financing Schools(The Scheme).

Click here for further information on The Scheme.