1. What online access do Councillors, the elected chairman and the leader of the Council have to the Councils bank accounts?
None.
2. What regulation or legislation prevents them accessing the Councils bank accounts?
We do not hold this information.
Section 151 of the Local Government Finance Act 1972 states: “Financial administration. [ F1 (1)] Without prejudice to section 111 above, every local authority shall make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs and shall secure that one of their officers has responsibility for the administration of those affairs.” On this basis, access to bank accounts is a matter for the Council’s S151 Officer to determine, which for the Council is the Director of Finance and Public Value.