Joint Standards Committee	24 January 2022
Report of the Monitoring Officer

Dispensation granted to Councillor Douglas on 12 October 2021, so that Councillor Douglas can substitute for Councillor Webb at Area Planning Committee on 13 October 2021

Summary

To confirm a dispensation granted to Councillor Douglas on 12 October 2021, so that Councillor Douglas can substitute for Councillor Webb at Area Planning Committee on 13 October 2021.

Background

Upon receipt of a written request, the Chair of Joint Standards Committee was asked to consider the granting of a dispensation to allow for Councillor Douglas to substitute for Councillor Webb at Area Planning Committee on 13 October 2021.  Councillor Webb was unable to attend and the named substitutes were not available.  Councillor Douglas has received planning training.  In his observations, the Chair of Standards Committee expressed hesitation at granting such a dispensation, and indicated that he would not normally do so in these circumstances.  However the Chair of Joint Standards Committee was mindful that Full Council is being asked to consider an amendment to the constitution on 21 October 2021, to allow for a change to the substitution rules for Planning Committee and therefore as a one off, a dispensation was granted to Councillor Douglas.

Implications

Financial

Not applicable to this report.

Human Resources (HR)

Not applicable to this report.

Equalities

A dispensation may be granted to enable a member to participate in a discussion and vote on a matter at a meeting even if he or she has a disclosable pecuniary interest or a prejudicial interest

Legal

The constitution enables a dispensation to be granted in prescribed circumstances and that the dispensation is granted in consultation with the Chair of the joint Standards Committee.

Crime and Disorder, Information Technology and Property

Not applicable to this report.

Recommendations

To note that a dispensation was granted to Councillor Douglas on 12^th October 2021, so that Councillor Douglas can substitute for Councillor Webb at Area Planning Committee on 13^th October 2021.

Author &  Chief Officer responsible for the report: Janie Berry Director of Governance & Monitoring Officer
01904 555385
	Report Approved	√	Date	11 January 2022
Wards Affected:					All	√
For further information please contact the author of the report

Background Papers:

· Constitution

· Local Government Act 1972