Officer delegated decisions

What are Officer Decision Records?

Officer Decision Records (ODRs) are written records of decisions made by officers under delegated authority. These records ensure transparency and accountability in line with the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014.

When is a Decision Record Required?

A written record must be produced when an officer makes a decision that:

• grants a permission or licence
• affects the life of an individual
• awards a contract
• involves spending that materially affects the council’s financial position

These decisions must be recorded as soon as reasonably practicable.

What must be included in a Decision Record?

Each ODR must include:

• the date the decision was taken 
• a record of the decision and the reasons for the decision 
• details of any alternative options, if any, considered and rejected; and 
• the names of any member of the relevant local government body who has declared a conflict of interest in relation to that decision

If the decision includes confidential or exempt information, only the open part will be published. However, a full record must still be retained.

What doesn’t need to be recorded?

Routine administrative or operational decisions do not require a written record. Examples include:

• day-to-day service changes
• internal organisational decisions
• individual business rate relief
• reviewing individual benefit claims

Examples of Recordable Decisions

Examples of decisions that must be recorded include:

• awarding contracts above a certain value
• approving major roadworks
• issuing Tree Preservation Orders
• granting listed building consent
• making building control decisions

Need help?

For support with recording or publishing decisions, contact the Democratic Services team

Get in touch

View officer delegated decisions

Use the links below to view published decisions:

• Managing Director / Director / Assistant Director Decisions
• Licensing Decisions

Publication dates

We currently publish officer delegated decisions from the last two years on our website.

If you need access decisions prior to this period, please contact our Democratic Services Team