Content

General Dispensation granted to all members of
the Council for a period of 12 months from today’s date, in
the following terms:
You may participate in any business of the Council where that
business relates to the Council’s functions in respect
of:
(i) housing, where you are a tenant of your authority provided that
those functions do not relate particularly to your tenancy or
lease;
(ii) school meals or school transport and travelling expenses,
where you are a parent or guardian of a child in full-time
education, or are a parent governor of a school, unless it relates
particularly to the school which the child attends;
(iii) statutory sick pay under Part XI of the Social Security
Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, where you are in receipt of,
or are entitled to the receipt of, such pay;
(iv) an allowance, payment or indemnity given to councillors or
co-opted members; (v) any ceremonial honour given to councillors;
and
(v) setting Council Tax or a precept under the Local Government
Finance Act 1992.

Reasons for the decision

The general dispensation was agreed by members
in 2021 when they adopted the Code of Conduct. The new Model Code
of Conduct adopted in January 2025 does not contain this
provision.
S33 Localism Act 2011 provides that a dispensation may be granted
where so many Members of the decision-making body have an interest
in a matter that the business of the meeting would be
impeded.
I consider that a general dispensation is needed to ensure that the
lawful business of the meeting is not impeded.

Alternative options considered

MUST be completed / actions explained. If
there are no alternative options, state 'None'.
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