1. The Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014 Liz Howlett, Solicitor October 2014 ehowlett@ejhlegal.co.uk

2. Recording decisions Written record of any decision delegated to an officer under specific express authorisation or under general authorisation where effect of decision is to grant permissions or licences, affect rights of individuals, award contracts or incur expenditure which materially affects the body’s financial position Written record must give name of person making decision, date of decision, record of decision taken with reasons, details of alternative options and why they were rejected

3. Timescales and retention Records of decisions have to be available “as soon as reasonably practicable” after the decisions are made Written record of decision to be available for at least 6 years from the date of the meeting or decision Supporting documentation to be available for at least 4 years from the date of the meeting or decision These records may be kept in electronic format

4. Guidance Example of decision that should be recorded is awarding contract above specified value The threshold for what is “material” to be determined by each individual body Example of decisions that should not be recorded are “routine administration” Decision to sign allotment tenancy agreement Decision to allocate burial plots Decision to book rooms or sports grounds

5. Publication Website Publish as you would minutes Make available proactively don’t wait to be asked Standard forms to record decisions

6. Timescale Statutory Instrument is in force now Agree Council policy – revise Standing Orders as soon as possible Encourage people to let you know if they want to record on basis this helps you to help them Public need to know if meeting is being recorded Be proactive

7. Managing the Public Welcome Introduce Explain process Manage expectations Timed slots Thank people for attending (virtually and actually!) Produce guidance/leaflet for public and put on website and noticeboard?

8. Any Questions? Liz Howlett ehowlett@ejhlegal.co.uk