As a resolution it's far too vague. What does "protecting the interests of the community" mean? What is the threat to council business continuity? How have you managed for the last 14 months? Are you amending your standing orders and financial regulations to incorporate these new arrangements or simply disregarding them? As others have said, there needs to be more detail. There are already emergency powers if you're using the NALC model documents, so you don't need further powers for genuine emergencies. Any new spending powers should include a caveat limiting expenditure to "included within the Council's agreed budget." It's an odd time to be introducing such powers, as we're going back to face-to-face meetings now and relative normality from 21 June. Has your Annual Meeting taken place already or will it take place before the end of May? If you're not going to have a meeting until October, how many of your members will be disqualifed under Section 85?
Local councils have a moral obligation to show leadership and set an example for their communities. Returning to normality in a calm and considered way is an important part of that responsibility now and in the coming months. It appears that your council is pulling in the opposite direction. There are challenges and we must face up to those challenges. Local businesses, large and small, are relying on customers, old and new, to return and spend. It's not a time to be running for the shelters.
