Regulation 17 Additional rights of access to documents for members of local authorities

(1)

Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), any document which—

(a)

is in the possession, or under the control, of the executive of a local authority; and

(b)

contains material relating to any business to be transacted at a public meeting,

shall be available for inspection by any member of the local authority.

(2)

Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4) any document which—

(a)

is in the possession, or under the control, of the executive of a local authority; and

(b)

contains material relating to—

(i)

any business transacted at a private meeting;

(ii)

any decision made by an individual member in accordance with executive arrangements; or

(iii)

any key decision made by an officer in accordance with executive arrangements,

shall be available for inspection by any member of the local authority when the meeting concludes or, where an executive decision is made by an individual member or a key decision made by an officer, immediately after the decision has been made.

(3)

Where it appears to the proper officer that compliance with paragraph (1) or (2) in relation to a document or part of a document would involve the disclosure of exempt information of a description falling within any of paragraphs 1 to 6, 9, 11, 12 and 14 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the 1972 Act, paragraph (1) or (2), as the case may be, shall not apply as regards that document or part.

(4)

Where it appears to the proper officer that compliance with paragraph (1) or (2) in relation to a document or part of a document would involve the disclosure of advice provided by a political adviser or assistant, that paragraph shall not apply as regards that document or part.

(5)

The rights conferred by paragraphs (1) and (2) are in addition to any other rights that a member of a local authority may have.