Information and advice should normally be provided to Members in confidence and should not, therefore, be copied to any other Member unless disclosure has been expressly authorised. If, however, an Officer who is asked to provide information believes it would, if disclosed more widely, be of benefit to the Council as a whole, they may provide the information to others. Before they do so, they should, however, consult the County Councillor who asked for the information and their Director or Head of Service.
Members must give due regard to Officer’s advice on the sensitivity of any information or advice that they receive by virtue of their position. They should take care not to release any such information inappropriately, without good reason. In no case should any information, which is confidential or exempt in law, be disclosed. If Officers have concern about a County Councillor’s action in this regard, they should inform their Director or Head of Service who will discuss the issue with the relevant Group Leader and the Monitoring Officer. Members and Officers should be aware that unresolved breaches of this duty may be referred to the Audit and Governance Committee of the Council.
