Decision

That following consultation with the Standards and Governance Committee on the 16 September 2026, the Council implements the following protocols (copies attached):
• Protocol governing the use of Council land and buildings by Council Members and Political Groups.
• Protocol governing Councillors use of Council Resources.
The purpose of the protocols being to ensure there is a consistent approach to determining the appropriate use of Council land and buildings by Members and Political Groups and that Members understand what Council resources are available to them and any limits on their use.

Reasons for the decision

In relation to the protocol governing the use of Council land and buildings by Council Members and Political Groups, the Council owns both land and buildings throughout the County the primary function of which is to enable the delivery of the Council's services and facilitate public access to those services where appropriate.
The protocol governing the use of Council land and buildings by Council Members and Political Groups, will ensure a consistent approach to determining the appropriate use of land and buildings owned and occupied by the Council by Members and Political Groups.
In relation to the protocol governing Councillors use of Council Resources, the Council provides a range of support services and facilities to Councillors to enable them to undertake their roles as Councillors.
The Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct provides that a Councillor when using or authorising the use by others of Council’s resources must ensure such resources are not used improperly and are only used in accordance with Council policies. The Councillors use of Council Resources protocol provides guidance to support these provisions.

Alternative options considered

The following options were considered and rejected:
• Not implementing the protocol on Use of Land and Buildings – this option was rejected as this would not provide clarity as to the Council’s position.
• Not implementing the protocol on Use of resources by Councillors– this option was rejected as this would not provide the benefit of further guidance.