Are resigned parish councillors allowed to see the minutes of 'in camera' meetings that they attended before resigning?

Question

We recently had 3 parish councillors resign at the end of an 'in camera' parish council meeting. One former councillor is now demanding to see the minutes of that meeting on the grounds that he was still a councillor when the meeting took place. Is this correct and should the minutes be sent to all 3 councillors who resigned at the end of the meeting?

Answer 1

Local councils can exclude the public where there is a specific and stated public interest in so doing, although this must be done by passing an appropriate resolution on each occasion.  But council minutes, once signed (which may not be delayed beyond the next meeting) are available for inspection and copying by electors of the parish.  That may well include the former councillors.  It isn't necessary to send minutes to a resigned councillor, though.  Council minutes cannot lawfully be kept secret, and council decisions must be minuted, although there is no need to record debate or supporting documents.