Issue - meetings

To receive the report on Publication of information on Councillors who traded with the Council during 2024/25.

The Audit, Governance and Procurement Lead Manager presented the Publication of Information on Councillors who traded with the Council during 2024/25.

As part of the annual account process, Councillors disclosed whether they had an interest in a company/companies that received payment from the Council. 

To provide better transparency, additional details of any Councillors who had an interest in companies that benefitted from trading with the Council would be taken to Full Council via the Audit Committee as a separate report each year and published on the Council’s website.

In the 2024/25 financial year, two Councillors were associated with companies who had received payments from the Council being, Councillor S Burrell in relation to Peace of Mind Home Care and Councillor Carolyn Healy in respect of Red Kite Ltd.

During the debate, some Members asked whether the value of the figures disclosed had in the latest report increased or decreased in comparison to previous years.   Other Members welcomed the report which ensured that there was transparency and reassured members of the public. 

The Audit, Governance and Procurement Lead Manager reported that in terms of individuals, two Councillors had been consistent over the last few years but there were some differences in values.  The information was not available at the meeting, but this could be provided at a later date.

The Director: Policy & Governance confirmed that the Members had been consistent over the last few years but in relation to the financial information for 2024/25 one was broadly similar, and one had reduced by two thirds.

Members noted the report.