Agenda item

This report requests that Council pass a resolution under s.85 of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”) in respect of all members and until the day after the date of the 2022 Annual General Meeting unless otherwise agreed.

Members considered the resolution to approve reasons for absence under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 report and amendment presented by Councillor Boden.

Councillor Boden stated that if any member is unable to attend a meeting due to Covid 19 reasons or if a meeting has been postponed or cancelled due to Covid 19 reasons then that will count as a qualifying reason for the six-month qualification to start rolling again.

Councillor Boden drew members attention to the tabled item which states that in respect of any of the first five bullet points in paragraph 5.2, being a reason for non-attendance at a relevant meeting, a member must advise Member Services in writing in advance of that meeting that one or more of those five reasons applies in relation to their non-attendance.

Councillor Boden stated that it had been agreed that an additional reason be added as provided by Councillor Booth, which would be listed as bullet point 6

·         Has caring responsibilities that cannot be catered for due to Covid-19

Councillor Boden drew members attention to the tabled item which states that in respect of any of the first six bullet points in paragraph 5.2, being a reason for non-attendance at a relevant meeting, a member must advise Member Services in writing in advance of that meeting that one or more of those six reasons applies in relation to their non-attendance.

Members made comments as follows:

1.    Councillor Mrs French expressed the opinion that given the circumstances she thinks that the proposal is totally appropriate.

2.    Councillor Sutton stated that he supports the proposal and it is wholly appropriate.

3.    Councillor Cornwell stated that the proposal makes perfect sense and added that both himself and Councillor Boden both agreed that this was the right thing to do.

4.    Councillor Hoy stated that she is pleased to see the amendment included, which gives members the opportunity to make contact to state that they are unwell.

Proposed by Councillor Boden, seconded by Councillor Booth and members AGREED

·         in relation to each and every member, as a reason for failure to attend any meeting of the Council, Cabinet, Committee or Sub-Committee (“a Relevant Meeting”) between 8 May 2021 and the day after its 2022 Annual General Meeting, the circumstances set out below, as a reason for non-attendance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972

·         the circumstances which comprise approved reasons for non-attendance at a Relevant Meeting are because the member:

1.      Has contracted or been infected by COVID-19

2.      Has tested positive for COVID-19

3.      Is suspected of having or suspects that he/she has contracted or been infected by COVID-19

4.      Has concerns that they may contract or become infected with COVID-19

5.      Is in quarantine or self-isolating in relation to COVID-19

6.      Has caring responsibilities that cannot be catered for due to COVID-19

7.      Is unable to attend the Relevant Meeting because the meeting is cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19

·         in respect of the reasonable reasons 1-6 above for non-attendance, the member must advise Member Services in writing in advance of that meeting which one or more of those six reasons applies to their non-attendance.