Councillors should be aware that according to case law the role of Councillor overrides the rights to act as an individual. Councillors must therefore be careful about expressing individual views to outside organisations (including the principal council), press or media, whether or not they relate to matters of Council business. Whilst it may be legitimate for a Councillor to make clear that s/he voted against a policy if this took place in an open session, Councillors should not seek to undermine a decision.
All communications with outside organisations should be made through the Clerk. The Clerk, as the Proper Officer of the Council, is authorised to receive and issue all communications to and from outside organisations, press and media and to issue letters/statements to outside organisations on behalf of the Council. This may be in consultation with the Chair if it is deemed necessary. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair will be consulted.
Communications made by the Clerk will relate to the stated business and day to day management of the activities or adopted policy of the Council. She/He will not speculate on matters that have not been considered by the Council. Where such questions are put to the Clerk, she/he will inform the enquirer that they will be notified of a response within 48 hours where practical.
Councillors are not permitted to act on behalf of the council unless specifically authorised to do so.
Councillors authorised to act on behalf of the Council must confine their discussions/comments to actions formally agreed by the council.
Councillors and staff must not communicate their personal views about the Council's business, decisions and actions.
Councillors and Staff are not permitted to misrepresent the corporate position and views of the Council or damage the reputation of others in the Council, or the Council itself.
If expressing personal views in their private capacity or sharing information from external bodies, Councillors are not permitted to use their title "Councillor" and staff are not permitted to use their job title. This would imply that you are stating Council policy.
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