Councillors and Freemasonry

The request was partially successful.

Dear Boston Borough Council,

Is it a requirement for councillors to state whether or not
they are members of the Freemasons?

Is this a requirement on their declaration of interest form?

If so, has Council Leader Peter Bedford declared himself as a member of a Masonic Lodge?

If so, did he declare any interest, pecuniary or otherwise when meetings were held regarding the Sale of the Assembly rooms?

Yours faithfully,
David Lamyman

FOI, Boston Borough Council

Good Afternoon

Thank you for your request for information under the Freedom of Information Act, dated the 26th November 2012.

This is to inform you that your request has been received and the Council is endeavouring to respond as promptly and fully as possible. You will receive the Council’s response by the 24th December 2012 at the latest. Please quote reference FOI 381-12-13 in any future correspondence.

The Council’s policy is to carry out the spirit and requirements of the Freedom of Information Act in a manner which:

Recognises the duty to inform as the essential principle underlying the legislation; discloses to requesters the maximum information possible which is not injurious to the public and private interests identified in the exemptions in the Act and does so in the most timely and consistent manner given the nature and scope of the request; ensures that fees permitted under the Act are kept to an absolute minimum whilst safeguarding our position as a non profit making repayment department. The Freedom of Information Act can be found here: www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/20000036.htm

The Council endeavours to respond in kind unless you request the information in another format. In some circumstances a fee may be payable and if that is the case, I will let you know. A fees notice will be issued to you, and you will be required to pay before I can proceed to deal with your request.

Please contact me if these conditions are unacceptable or you require further advice or assistance with your information needs.

Many thanks

Alex Fisher
Business Support Assistant
Boston Borough Council

Telephone 01205 314401
Fax 01205 314405
www.boston.gov.uk

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FOI, Boston Borough Council

Good Afternoon

Thank you for your request for information dated the 26th November 2012, our response is as follows:

Under the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, Councillors are not required to disclose their membership of any organisation or declare any such membership on their register on interests form.

The Disclosable Pecuniary Interest registration forms of all Members can be viewed on the Council's website http://www.boston.gov.uk/index.aspx?arti...

The Leader of the Council did not declare any interests in relation to the sale of the Assembly Rooms.

I trust that the information above completes your request in full, however if I can be of any further assistance, please contact me. If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to make a complaint or request a review of the Council’s decision, you should contact Miss Cherilyn Black, Head of Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services on 01205 314410 or by email at [email address]

If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at:

The Information Commissioner's Office,
Wycliffe House,
Water Lane,
Wilmslow,
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Kind regards

Alex Fisher
Business Support Assistant
Boston Borough Council

Telephone 01205 314401
Fax 01205 314405
www.boston.gov.uk

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