Cheque signatory resigned leaving only one signatory which is not sufficient

Question

A long standing cllr who was one of two signing authorities sent a letter of resignation to our last meeting (last Thursday which had been recorded in the minutes)  There is no animosity, they are just stepping back after many years.  All Chqs  req 2 sigs. This presents a problem until the mandate is updated with new signatories which could take a while (I have advised a minimum of 3 sigs to prevent a recurrence). Is there a scenario where an urgent chq could be signed by the original signing authorities if approved by all members, properly documented and the resigned cllr is in agreement (which would not be a problem).

Or could we write to the resigned cllr, thanking them for their resignation letter but requesting they delay resignation until the bank mandate is sorted?
We are a very small council  (6 members) and I’m at a loss what to do as we currently have no clerk and I’m very new to council myself, but also temporary acting clerk.  Any help very much appreciated.

Answer 1

Sometimes you just have to take a pragmatic approach to these things.  Not ideal but provided the council agrees (and it is documented in minutes) that certain payments are made, I'd suggest that if the resigned councillor is willing to sign, then ask him/her to do so.  Whilst, of course, making strenuous efforts to add others to the mandate asap.  Avoids penalties for non payment and everything is above board and transparent.

Comments

Thank you ‘Delboy’swife’ for your response.  I love a common sense approach.  Much appreciated.

Answer 2

Bear in mind you may need the resigned Cllr to sign the new mandate to get other signatories  on to the account.

Just going through something a little similar (Witha Barclays)  in a Parish so we are getting all members (6) on as signatories as we only have 3 and you need 2 for any payment approval.

Comments

Thanks ‘’ClerkinEssex’ your response is much appreciated and noted.