Who can approve minutes?

Question

Can a Cllr. who was not present at a meeting still vote to accept the minutes as a true and accurate record when they're submitted for approval?

Logically, I would say No, obviously not, but I cannot see anything in S.O.s, the LGA or Localism Act that says they can't.

Answer 1

It is the chair who calls for an acceptance of the minutes presented to the council. At which point the council will give a vote generally by a show of hands. The question you ask is of course down to the integrity of the councillor and if not present at the meeting referred to should abstain as they do not in any conscience have sufficient information to make an informed decision

Answer 2

A motion to approve the minutes of a meeting is the same as any other motion, and any member present can vote as they wish. However it is common practice in most councils for members who were not present at the meeting in question to either abstain or not vote or all (which is still technically an abstention). Imagine a situation where the whole council is new following an election - it would be impossible to approve the minutes if such a restriction were in place.