Watford Borough Council has pushed for a new leave policy that is said to encourage more diverse councillors.
The new policy grants councillors maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption, bereavement and compassionate and long-term sick leave.
According to the council, the new leave policy could increase participation and involvement of underrepresented groups and promote a greater diversity of those putting themselves forward for elected office.
Under current UK legislation, there is no legal basis on which elected officials are permitted to take a leave of absence from conducting their duties.
Councillor Jennifer Pattinson, portfolio holder for wellbeing, said: “The policy sets out the correct process and makes it clear the residents can expect to see continuity of service should the situation arise in which a councillor needs to take a leave of absence.
“This is a wonderful step forward for the council and will hopefully encourage an even more diverse range of people to consider putting themselves forward to become a councillor.”
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