Agenda item

The Council considered a report of the Corporate Director, Resources which sought approval for the adoption of a new process for Members’ travel, accommodation and subsistence claims to be in line with the claims process for employees and for the Members’ Handbook in Part VI of the Constitution to be updated accordingly (for copy see file of Minutes).

In Moving the report, Councillor Napier, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance informed Council that the proposed new process had been approved by the cross party Constitution Working Group on 3 October 2014.  The process would bring the Members claim process into line with that for employees and would be more effective and efficient to produce savings.

Seconded by Councillor Hopgood and

Resolved:

That the Council

(i)              Agree that Members should book their accommodation and travel arrangements in advance with the Business Support Team in the Resources Service Grouping

(ii)             Agree that the proposed new system retains flexibility for members to be able to submit retrospective claims where there have been exceptional circumstances which should be supported by receipts.

(iii)            Approve the updated policy at Appendix 2 of the report to replace the current ‘ground rules’ text in Appendix B of the Members Handbook and the Council’s constitution.