Further Information and Common Questions

Under Spotlight on Spend the council, in accordance with Government expectations, detail online every financial transaction of £500 or greater.

Because of the volume of information involved, it is impossible to give a detailed explanation for every single entry. As a result, while some of the information may at first sight seem unusual there is always a reason for the expenditure.

For example we have been asked why we have made payments to event organisations such as Solo (IW Festival) and the Bestival. This is simply because we sell tickets on behalf of many events through our Tourist Information Centres. This money is, of course, repaid to those organisers minus our commission but this repayment nevertheless shows up as a transaction.

Similarly, there are a number for payments to catering organisations and alcohol suppliers. These appear because the council currently operates, or has operated, a number of establishments that sell or provide food such as Brown’s Golf Course, leisure centres and care establishments such as Westminster House. This food is purchased and then resold to guests.

There are also a number of transactions made that do not involve the council’s own money but are funds it is distributing as grants to a wide range of recipients. Each of the payments made in this way show up as a transaction even though it is not the council’s money being paid out. The recipients of these grants are varied.

The data shows many payments are also made to other local authorities. This is done for a variety of reasons but typically to share services and therefore their cost or to group together with other councils to enable us to bulk buy services or commodities such as energy at a cheaper rate. Typical of this is the payments listed to Kent County Council. Kent does not, of course, actually supply power but administers this collective bargaining arrangement with other authorities that enables us – together – to purchase this energy at a bulk and therefore cheaper rate.

Finally, much has been made in the media about payments to consultants. There are many reasons and circumstances under which consultants are appointed or used. As a rule, consultants are only engaged when absolutely necessary and when there is no-one already employed within the authority capable of providing the required expertise. In the case of senior officers currently employed on a contract basis – and there are only three among a workforce of around 2,500 – these posts are no more expensive to the taxpayer then employing the officers on a PAYE basis. This is because the council does not have to pay employment costs such as National Insurance and pension contributions and holiday pay when it employs staff on a contract basis.

The examples above are intended to demonstrate that while the council is naturally happy to make its financial dealings transparent, it should be remembered that there is often context that can be put around the data.

We are looking at ways we can expand the information given via Spotlight on Spend to ensure the data is as meaningful as possible.

In the meantime, residents wishing to query any entry can do so via the contact form. We will undertake to reply as soon as possible.