Agenda

Link to further information in the Council’s Constitution

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 21 May 2026.

To answer questions submitted by Citizens on the Council or its services.

The report of the Chief Executive is to follow.

The report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

To receive Notices of Motion

Councillor Birch

This Council notes:

·                  That Councillors are entrusted with public money and must therefore be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

·                  That recent information obtained through a Freedom of Information request has revealed a significant imbalance in the claiming of Councillor expenses at Rushcliffe Borough Council.

·                  That despite holding 23 of the Council’s 44 seats, Conservative Councillors account for approximately 97% of all expenses claimed.

·                  That claims have included attendance at Remembrance services, charity events, and other civic functions which, while permissible under current rules, may reasonably raise questions amongst residents regarding appropriateness and value for money.

·                  That public confidence in Local Government depends not only upon legality, but also upon openness, restraint, and sound judgement in the use of taxpayer funds.

This Council believes:

·                  Residents are entitled to full transparency regarding how elected members spend public money.

·                  Existing arrangements for oversight and scrutiny of member expenses appear insufficient.

·                  Greater transparency would strengthen public trust and protect the reputation of the Council.

·                  Councillors should always consider not merely whether an expense can be claimed, but whether it should be claimed.

This Council therefore resolves to:

1.               Publish quarterly reports detailing all Councillor expense claims, including:

o        claimant name;

o        event or purpose;

o        amount claimed; and

o        and category of expenditure;

2.               Require all expense claims to include sufficient explanatory detail to allow meaningful public scrutiny.

3.               Request the Governance Scrutiny Group or appropriate committee to undertake a review of the Council’s Expenses Scheme.

4.               Report back to Full Council within six months with recommendations to improve transparency, accountability, and public confidence.

To answer questions submitted by Councillors