Agenda item

To receive a report setting out the revised dispensation policy, guidance and dispensation request application form

STANDARDS COMMITTEE

(Oliver Arthur Wynlayne Lodge)

21 February 2019

(B) Dispensations – Policy and Guidance

In July 2018, the Town Clerk authorised the establishment of a Dispensations (Standards) Working Party under the urgency provisions of Standing Order No. 41(a). The Working Party had since met regularly to consider dispensation policy and associated issues. Feedback had been invited and facilitated in various ways from all Members and Co-opted Members throughout the very detailed drafting of new documentation.

The Court considered a report which set out the final details of this future policy and guidance on dispensations, as well as the revised dispensation request application form, all of which came in to effect as of 1 March 2019.

Discussion ensued during which the following comments were made:

·         The Chairman advised there were no plans at this stage to review dispensations already granted.

·         The Chairman, responding to a request from a Member, agreed to ask officers to include links to current guidance and relevant legislation within the Dispensations documents.

·         A number of Members sought clarity in relation to the question of council tax and the requirement for those who paid it to seek a dispensation. Reference was made to paragraph 17 of the Policy and guidance on the granting of dispensations under the Localism Act 2011 and the Members’ Code of Conduct and the position elsewhere, as well as the guidance provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Notwithstanding the latter arrangements, the Chairman advised that the ability to seek a dispensation was provided for to offer an additional level of comfort, should any Member personally deem it helpful.

·         Members commented on best practice, advising that where Members had an interest, it would be prudent that they excuse themselves from discussion relating to that interest and recuse themselves from meetings where appropriate.

Motion – That, in accordance with Standing Order 11(9), the Question be now put.

Upon the Question being put, the Lord Mayor declared the Motion to be carried.

Resolved – That the Court note the revised policy and guidance and the dispensation request application form as set out in appendices 1 and 2 which had been formally adopted as of 1 March 2019.