Chairman's Engagements

The request was successful.

Dear South Kesteven District Council,

At the Full SKDC Council Meeting held on Thursday 30 Jan 2020 a question was raised regarding the list of Chairman's Engagements attended between 28th November 2019 and 29th January 2020. Agenda Item 5

The list had omitted that The Chairperson had attended a meeting representing SKDC on the 26th December 2019. The Chairperson agreed she was at the event wearing SKDC official chains and was representing SKDC at the event on 26/12/19.

Could you therefore please provide the following information.

1/ A copy of the invite to the Chairperson of SKDC regarding the event held on 26 December 2019

2/ The date the invitation was received at SKDC and then passed to the Chairperson for confirmation of availability

3/ The date and copy of the return letter from SKDC ( as the person attending was representing ALL SKDC in an official capacity), email, or any other form of communication accepting the invitation

4/ Could you please provide information of how this & similar invitations are received, debated ( if the invite is of a contentious nature) and returned to in the SKDC constitution.

5/ Confirm that invites are not left to the Chairperson own preference but are dealt with on its merits - as described in your events application form to provide a fair and honest application.

6/ Could you confirm how many events have been turned down by the Chairperson during the present term of office.

Yours faithfully,

P Gadd

Customer Services, South Kesteven District Council

Dear Ms Gadd,

Freedom of Information Act 2000 Information Request Acknowledgement

Reference No: 1700495

Thank you for your request for information, this has been registered with us on 31/01/2020 09:40:50

Your request has now been assigned to the relevant department. We will provide you with a response within 20 working days, in this case no later than (28/02/2020 09:40:50).

The Freedom of Information Act defines a number of exemptions, which may prevent us releasing the information you have requested. You will be informed if this is the case, and we will advise you of your rights of appeal.

If the information you requested contains reference to a third party, we may need to consult with them before a decision can be made about the information being released. You will be informed if this is the case.

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Further information about the Freedom of Information Act is also available from the Information Commissioner at:

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

Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Website: www.ico.org.uk<http://www.ico.org.uk>

Yours sincerely
South Kesteven District Council
Customer Service Department

Customer Services, South Kesteven District Council

Dear Mr Gadd

Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Information Request

Reference No: 1700495

Thank you for your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The information you requested is as follows:

1/ A copy of the invite to the Chairperson of SKDC regarding the event held on 26 December 2019?

No official invitation to the Civic Office was received. The invitation has been a long-standing verbal invitation direct to the Chairperson from Lady Sarah

2/ The date the invitation was received at SKDC and then passed to the Chairperson for confirmation of availability?

N/A see above

3/ The date and copy of the return letter from SKDC (As the person attending was representing ALL SKDC in an official capacity), email, or any other form of communication accepting the invitation?

N/A see above

4/ Could you please provide information of how this & similar invitations are received, debated (if the invite is of a contentious nature) and returned to in the SKDC constitution.

Most invitations are received in the Civic office by post or email. Sometimes invitations are sent direct to the Chairman. Invitations are discussed with the Chairperson around availability, and distance.

5/ Confirm that invites are not left to the Chairperson own preference but are dealt with on its merits - as described in your events application form to provide a fair and honest application.

An invitation to the Chairperson is separate to the Council's event application process.

A Chairperson makes all decisions in respect of civic duties and events to attend in conjunction with the Civic Officer.

6/ Could you confirm how many events have been turned down by the Chairperson during the present term of office.

Out of all the event invitations that have been received, a total of 29 events have been declined due to conflict of dates or due to distance.

If you have any queries or concerns then please contact:

[South Kesteven District Council request email]

Further information about freedom of information is also available from the Information Commissioner at:

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Telephone: 0303 123 1113

Website: www.ico.org.uk

Yours sincerely

FOI

SKDC