WOKINGHAM Borough Council has agreed to introduce a leave policy for members who become parents.
At a council meeting on Thursday, October 20, Cllr Laura Blumenthal, Conservative councillor for South Lake, presented a motion which would protect member for being removed if they took leave to look after their new-born or newly adopted child.
She said: “This council currently does not have a leave policy for members who become parents while elected. To have one would bring us in line with other councils.
“It would also show residents that no matter your age, background or circumstance, this council is supportive and welcoming of everyone who wants to represent residents.
“The average age for a councillor in the UK is 60-years-old and we want to remove any barriers to attracting younger members.
“Having a formal policy would be a step in the right direction to do just that.”
At present, if a member of a local authority fails, through a period of six consecutive months, to attend any meeting of the authority they will cease to be a member, unless approved prior.
The newly passed leave policy will be implemented by the council at “the earliest opportunity”.
