How we make decisions

Declarations of interests

All Members of the council are required by the council’s Code of Conduct to declare interests they have in any matter under discussion at the meeting they are attending. These interests may be personal, prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest. Such interests are based in law and the council’s Code of Conduct guides councillors as to their duties relating to interests.

In general, councillors declaring prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest must leave the meeting for consideration of the relevant item of business, though certain exceptions apply, for example if an Exemption has been granted by the council’s Monitoring Officer, or if a councillor wishes to address a Committee at which members of the public also have such right.

Specific guidance is available to Members of the council on the declaration of interests and the issues to be considered.