Dispensation for Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests (DPI)

Dispensation for Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests (DPI) and dispensation

Disclosure of pecuniary interests on taking office: requires members of relevant authorities to notify the monitoring officer (Clerk) of any disclosable pecuniary interests of them or a spouse or civil partner they live with, within 28 days of taking up office. The section allows the Secretary of State to make regulations defining a “disclosable pecuniary interest”, and requires the monitoring officer to enter any notified disclosable pecuniary interest in the authority’s register, as well as any other interest notified to them, whether or not it is pecuniary.

This is in place to prohibit a member from participating in discussion or voting on any matter relating to their interest or, if acting alone, from taking any steps in relation to the matter (subject to any dispensations). Local authorities may also, should they so wish, amend their standing orders to require a member to leave the room when a matter in which they have a disclosable pecuniary interest is debated or voted on.

Delegation of dispensations

Currently the delegation to offer dispensations has not been given to a committee or an officer, it has however been assumed it is for the Full Council to decide in the absence of a specific delegation.

It is recommended that the granting of dispensations to be delegated to the Monitoring Officer (Clerk).

Dispensations from DPI: empowers a relevant authority, on receipt of a written request, to grant dispensations for up to four years for a member to be able to participate in or vote at meetings where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest.

However, authorities may grant dispensations if they consider that by not granting a dispensation, the business of the authority or committee is likely to be impeded; or that the political balance of the committee or authority is so upset as to alter the outcome of a vote; or that granting the dispensation is in the interests of residents; or that all members of the executive are unable to participate in business to be carried out by the executive; or that they consider it appropriate to grant a dispensation for other reasons. Such as in the case of very small communities, where abstention from discussion and voting will impact East Kirkby Parish Council so as to become unable to carry on with their duties.

At the Full Parish Council meeting on 21st September 2023, it was proposed and unanimously agreed at the subsequent vote that the general dispensation applies until the next election.