SCHEDULE 4Notice of local authority meetings, access to documents and attendance at meetings

PART 1Notice of local authority meetings and access to documents

Electronic service of summonses on members to attend local authority meetings

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(1)

Schedule 12 to the 1972 Act is amended as follows.

(2)

In paragraph 4(2)(b) (summonses to meetings of principal councils)—

(a)

for “signed” substitute “ authenticated ”;

(b)

for the words from “shall” to the end of that paragraph substitute “ must, subject to sub-paragraph (3), be sent to every member of the council electronically; and each member must specify an electronic address for that purpose. ”

(3)

After paragraph 4(2B) (inserted by paragraph 3(c) of this Schedule), insert—

“(2C)

In sub-paragraph (2)(b) “authenticated” means signed or otherwise authenticated in such manner as the proper officer considers appropriate.”

(4)

In paragraph 4(3) for the words from “some address” to the end of that sub-paragraph substitute “ an address specified in the notice rather than electronically, such summonses must be sent to that member by being left at, or sent by post to, that address. ”

(5)

In paragraph 26(2)(b) (summonses to meetings of community councils)—

(a)

for “signed” substitute “ authenticated ”;

(b)

for the words from “shall” to the end of that paragraph, substitute “ must, subject to sub-paragraph (2C), be sent to every member of the council electronically; and each member must specify an electronic address for that purpose. ”

(6)

After paragraph 26(2A), insert—

“(2B)

In sub-paragraph (2)(b) “authenticated” means signed or otherwise authenticated in such manner as the proper officer considers appropriate.

(2C)

If a member of a community council gives notice in writing to the proper officer of the council that summonses to attend meetings of the council should be sent to the member at an address specified in the notice rather than electronically, such summonses must be sent to that member by being left at, or sent by post to, that address.”