Dispensations

We deal with a considerable number of requests from parish and town councils for dispensations. A dispensation is our permission for members who have a prejudicial interest to be able to participate in council business when the subject of that interest is being discussed.

The legal basis for seeking a dispensation is complex, and some people find that the Government's regulations which govern it are ambiguous. We have therefore produced a plain-language guide for parish and town councils, which explains the background and leads them through the questions we need to have answered in order to consider a dispensation. The guide is included in the link below:

• Application and Guidance for Dispensations

In addition, we have provided a link to the Government guidance:

• Relevant Authorities (Standards Committee) (Dispensations) Regulations 2002