Decision details

In accordance with Procedure Rule 1(3)(e) and the Council’s Public Question Time and Participation at Council and Committee Meetings Scheme, the Chairman of the Council advised of a question from Mr D Sismey of which prior notification had been given.

The Chairman then read out the question, set out below.

What feedback has the Council Leader received from the Monitoring Officer regarding the Council’s budget press statement on 25 February and what regard did the Council give to Section 2 of the Local Government Act prior to its publication?  Does the Council Leader think it is a justifiable use of council tax payers’ money to use the Council press office to make partisan political points despite the provisions of the Local Government Act?

The Leader of the Council responded to the question as follows:

“The Monitoring Officer provided feedback on the Leaders Budget Statement and whilst he did not believe it contravened Section 2 of the Local Government Act, he did advise it should be amended and this action was taken, and the press release re-issued. 

I can confirm that the Council reviews all publications and press releases paying regard to section 2 of the Local Government Act prior to them being released and where necessary advice is sought from the Monitoring Officer.”