Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider any application for dispensation made by a Councillor in respect of the Council’s forthcoming consideration of the Budget for 2017-18 on 23 February 2017.

The relevant extract from the terms of reference for the Audit and Governance Committee is as follows:

“To grant dispensations to Councillors and co-opted Members related to interests specified in the Code of Conduct for Members following written requests to the proper officer (Chief Executive) by a Member or Co-opted Member under section 33 of the Localism Act 2011, when the Council:

·       Considers that granting the dispensation is in the interests of persons living in the authority’s area

·       Considers that it is otherwise appropriate to grant a dispensation; and

·       Considers appeals against decisions made by the Monitoring Officer in exercise of their dispensation powers.”

The Committee considered the application for dispensation submitted by Councillor Kevin Stephens, in respect of his disclosed pecuniary interest in the grant paid by Gloucester City Council to Gloucester Law Centre where his spouse was currently employed as a Solicitor.

RESOLVED

(1)  That a dispensation be granted to Councillor Kevin Stevens from Section 31 (4) of the Localism Act 2011, because it is in the interests of persons living in the Council’s area (s33 (2) c) and otherwise appropriate (33 (2) e), to allow the Councillor to participate in the business of the Council in relation to the determination of the Budget, except in circumstances where, by way of a motion or amendment, the matter under consideration refers specifically and predominantly to the Councillor’s disclosable pecuniary or other interest(s). 

(2)  That the dispensation shall have effect from 22 February 2017 to 30 April 2020.