Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations proposing that a general dispensation be granted to all councillors in relation to a limited range of interests that they may have in matters coming before the council’s decision-making bodies.  This will enable them to participate in meetings where these interests may be thought to arise but their position is shared with a significant proportion of other members of the council and/or in the community and transaction of council business might otherwise be impeded.

Council RESOLVED to the dispensations contained in paragraphs 3.3 and 3.4 of the report in respect of participation in discussion and voting at meetings, with effect until the annual meeting following the next full local elections.

The Mayor invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, to introduce a report from the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations outlining the proposal to grant a general dispensation for all councillors in relation to a limited range of interests in matters coming before the Council’s decision making bodies.  In introducing the report it was noted that the dispensation would enable members to participate in meetings where the interests were thought to arise but this position was shared with a significant proportion of other members of the council and/or community and the transaction of council business might otherwise be affected. 

As no members indicated they wished to speak and Councillor Muhammed Butt had confirmed he did not need to exercise his right of reply the Mayor then put the recommendations in the report to the vote and they were unanimously declared CARRIED.

Council therefore RESOLVED to the dispensations contained in paragraphs 3.3 and 3.4 of the report in respect of participation in discussion and voting at meetings, with effect until the annual meeting following the next full local elections.