Council Report Template
v2.2
Purpose. Officers use this template to prepare reports for council meetings so that councillors receive consistent advice with a clear recommendation, options, risks and financial implications.
1.Using this template
Every report to council must use this template. Reports must be written in plain English for a reader who is not an expert. The report must be reviewed by the responsible manager and cleared by the Chief Executive Officer before it is placed on the agenda.
2.Recommendation
State the recommended resolution in full, in the form council will adopt. Where more than one option is presented, the recommendation must name the preferred option.
3.Background and discussion
Explain the history of the matter, the relevant legislation and council policy, the consultation undertaken and the options considered. Analysis must be balanced and must disclose the arguments against the recommendation.
4.Financial, risk and legal implications
State the cost, the budget source and any ongoing cost. Identify the risks of each option and how they will be managed. Identify any legal or human rights considerations.
5.Conflict of interest declaration
The author and the manager must declare whether they have a conflict of interest in the matter. Reports with an undeclared conflict must not proceed to council.
6.Attachments
List every attachment. Confidential attachments must be marked and the reason for confidentiality under the Local Government Act 2020 stated.