The draft policy and was exhibited between 28 February and 27 March and received four submissions.

A report noting the outcomes of engagement and recommending adoption of the policy was presented to the Council and adopted at the meeting on Tuesday 26 April 2022.

View the Council Report (Item 9.3, page 43) and Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report here, and Council Minutes (here).

The adopted policy replaces the previously standing policy and provides for reasonable and appropriate support to Councillors and the Mayor to assist in fulfilling civic duties.

Councillor expenses are published on the ‘Your Elected Council’ page on our website.

Under Section 252 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to adopt a policy concerning the payment of expenses and the provision of facilities to the Mayor and Councillors within the first 12 months of each term of Council.

Expenses and facilities provided by the policy are in addition to fees paid to Councillors.

The draft policy sought to provide for reasonable and appropriate support to Councillors and the Mayor to assist in fulfilling civic duties.

The current standing policy and a template provided by the Office of Local Government were used to guide the development of the new draft policy.

The revised draft policy includes:

• a practical, clear and transparent framework for the reimbursement of expenses
• adequate financial thresholds for information technology assets to support the increased ongoing requirement for remote meetings and digital ways of working
• suitable financial limits to enable Councillors and the Mayor to participate in a range of community events and functions, having regard for the size and scale of Northern Beaches Council
• alignment of this policy to budget processes.