The Dispensations Sub-Panel of the Panel of Independent Persons met on Tuesday 26 May 2026 to consider policy and guidance on granting dispensations, and a specific application for a dispensation. The meeting was held in a hybrid format.

Policy and Guidance on Granting Dispensations

The Sub-Panel was scheduled to consider the policy and guidance on the granting of dispensations under the Localism Act 2011 and the Members' Code of Conduct. This policy aims to provide clarity on what a dispensation is, the process for applying for one, and the statutory grounds for granting them. The default position is that a Member with a disclosable pecuniary interest¹ in a matter cannot speak or vote on it. However, dispensations can be granted on specific statutory grounds, such as if the number of prohibited members would impede the transaction of business, or if granting the dispensation is in the interests of persons living in the authority's area. The policy also outlines additional factors that decision-makers should consider, including maintaining public confidence, the impact on democratic debate, and whether the interest is widely held.

The policy states that the onus is on the Member making an application to demonstrate that a dispensation is justified. It also notes that the Town Clerk has delegated authority to determine certain straightforward applications, such as those relating to council tax, speaking on planning and licensing applications, and speaking on general housing matters. Any other applications are to be considered by the Dispensation Panel or the Monitoring Officer in urgent cases.

Application for a Dispensation

The Sub-Panel was also scheduled to consider a specific application for a dispensation from Gaby Robertshaw, a Common Councillor representing the Ward of Cripplegate. Ms. Robertshaw requested a dispensation to speak on planning applications concerning External Works to Crescent House at the Planning Applications Sub-Committee on 8 June 2026. These applications are for 26/00106/FULL and 26/00107/LBC.

Ms. Robertshaw's application cited statutory ground 15(c) – that granting the dispensation is in the interests of persons living in the authority's area – and referenced her election manifesto promises and the scope and duration of her application. She has a leasehold interest in the Golden Lane Estate, which is the subject of the planning applications. Ms. Robertshaw has previously been granted a dispensation to speak as a member of the public on planning applications until 2029. However, this current application is to speak as an Elected Member, rather than as a member of the public, for a specific meeting. She has also stated that she has recused herself from acting as a member of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee for the consideration of these applications.

The report noted that Ms. Robertshaw's request falls outside the parameters for which the Town Clerk can solely determine dispensations and therefore required consideration by the Sub-Panel.