Purpose

Dispensation to members from both the
requirements of Section 31(4) Localism Act 2011 and of the
Constitution in respect of decisions concerning Devolution and
Local Government Review.
 

Decision

To grant a dispensation to all
Members of Breckland District Council receiving allowances as a
Member and  those members of Breckland
District Council and who are Members of Norfolk County Council
(‘twin-hatters’) receiving allowances as a Member to
debate and vote on matters relating to Devolution and Local
Government Reorganisation  for a period
of 4 years - From 16/09/25 to 16/09/2029, or the vesting of a new
Authority, whichever is the earlier.

Reasons for the decision

Due to the uncertainty of whether Members who
receive Members allowances have a Disclosable Pecuniary
Interest,  a dispensation will be
provided for all Members, both for Members of Breckland District
Council alone, and also for those members who are also
‘twin-hatters’ and members of Norfolk County Council,
for a period of 4 years for matters relating to Local Government
Reorganisation and Devolution to enable Members who may have a
Disclosable Pecuniary Interest through receipt of Member allowances
to participate and vote on matters relating to Local Government
Reorganisation and Devolution on such reports as may come forward
for discussion at the Council.
 
To ensure consistency across Norfolk councils
and to allow full participation in discussions and votes on Local
Government Reorganisation, a dispensation is considered appropriate
under section 33(2) of the Localism Act 2011, as without the
dispensation, some members may be prohibited from participating
thereby impeding the transaction of business.

Alternative options considered

·        
To grant the
dispensation

·        
Not to grant the
dispensation