69Governance Rules to include election period policy

69 Governance Rules to include election period policy (1) A Council must include an election period policy in its Governance Rules. (2) An election period policy must prohibit any Council decision during the election period for a general election that— (a) relates to the appointment or remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer but not to the appointment or remuneration of an Acting Chief Executive Officer; or (b) commits the Council to expenditure exceeding one per cent of the Council's income from general rates, municipal charges and service rates and charges in the preceding financial year; or (c) the Council considers could be reasonably deferred until the next Council is in place; or (d) the Council considers should not be made during an election period. (3) An election period policy must prohibit any Council decision during the election period for a general election or a by-election that would enable the use of Council's resources in a way that is intended to influence, or is likely to influence, voting at the election. (4) A Council decision made in contravention of subsection (2)(a) or (b) is invalid. (5) Any person who suffers any loss or damage as a result of acting in good faith on a Council decision that is invalid by virtue of subsection (4) is entitled to compensation from the Council for that loss or damage. See section 59 in relation to a resolution of the Council.