Councillor as treasurer of the PC

Question

Is there any guidance available and/or legislation regarding an elected member appointed as the treasurer of a parish council?

Any advice would be most appreciated.

Answer 1

Firstly, I'm assuming you mean can a councillor be a RFO (Responsible Financial Officer)?

The simple answer is yes but he/she cannot be paid for that role (a councillor cannot be "employed" by the council for which they are a member under the Local Government Act).  You also need to take into account what would happen if that individual is not re-elected or resigns.

Comments

Thanks Delboy'swife.

Answer 2

PC's don't have treasures the have responsible financial officers RFO who are responsible for recording the financial transactions of the council. They must be an officer of the council and usually in a small council this would be the clerk as they are usually the only appointed officer of the council. It could be argued that as councillors are officers of the council then a councillor could hold that roll. Unaware in my limited experience of it not being the case. Also if a councillor takes the appointment they cannot be paid for it.

Comments

Thanks Mentorman.