section 85 LGA 1972:Does the 6months include attending as a non member to a Council meeting?

Question

Hi

I have a question ref section 85 LGA 1972 where it states you need to attend at least 1 meeting within 6 months, which personally I think should be shorter.

Anyway, is the rule only applicable to official meetings eg full council or ones the councillor is a member of , or does it apply if they attend as a non member to a official council meeting?

Thanks

Answer 1

The legislation is specific in referring to meetings of the council, or of committees of which the councillor is a member. So attending a committee without being a member does not count. It is not possible to attend a meeting where one is a member yet claim to be attending as a non-member.

Bear in mind that there are "statutory excuses" or that the reason for absence can be approved by the council, in which automatic disqualification does not occur.