The head of Auckland Council will receive greater spending powers under a policy being put to councillors this afternoon.

The proposal will allow chief executive Stephen Town to sign-off on a $20 million cheque without the permission of a single councillor.

With the approval of mayor Len Brown or a relevant committee chair, he'll be able to spend $22.5 million in one go.

The spending plans are part of a plan to to reduce the number of meetings the council holds and cut down on costs.

Other changes will narrow the role of council committees, and restrict public speaking rights and the introduction of new agenda items.

Sandwich boards banned but alcohol ads can stay

Auckland councillors have left the door open for a ban on alcohol and gambling advertising in parks and public buildings.

Councillors have signed off on a new signage bylaw banning sandwich boards on some narrow streets.

But they've rejected a change to the bylaw, to ban alcohol and gambling ads on council property.

Many councillors want a policy preventing the council from promoting harmful activity and requiring it to promote healthy lifestyle choices.

But Rodney councillor Penny Webster says local government shouldn't play nanny state.

She says it isn't the council's business to promote lettuce over potatoes or chocolate bars.

Filming in public places will cost more

The cost of filming in public places in Auckland will increase by 20%.

Auckland councillors have passed a new policy to increase the fees for permission to film in public places.

Requests for public filming will continue to go through the council-owned agency Screen Auckland.

Anyone using drones to film in public places will need to tell Screen Auckland about their intentions, and follow new Civil Aviation Authority rules.