Decision details

(1)   The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be recorded.

(2)   The Chair reminded Members that the Council had declared both a Climate Emergency and an Ecological Emergency. These are serious decisions, and mean that, as this was an emergency, all of us, Officers and Members had that in mind as we carried out our various roles and tasks for the benefit of our District.

(3)   The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.

(4)   The Chair advised that the normal procedure rules in respect of debate and times to speak will apply.

(5)   The Chair advised that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting. A comfort break would be held at an appropriate time, should proceedings continue at length.

(6)   The Chair advised Members of the ongoing Community Governance Review survey which was being conducted to look at parish arrangements. The survey was open until the 7 October 2024 and posters had been provided to Members to distribute in their wards.

(7)   The Chair invited Members to attend the Youth Democracy Day on Thursday 14 November and to email Committee Services with their availability and asked Members to promote the event to any school contacts.

(8)   The Chair advised Members that all residents were invited to take part in the Churchgate conversation to help shape the future vision of the Churchgate shopping area of Hitchin, via an online survey.

(9)   The Chair advised that the date for April Council had been confirmed as Tuesday 1 April 2025 and that Annual Council would take place on Thursday 22 May 2025.

(10)         The Chair informed Members that the Monitoring Officer had given dispensation to all Members to take part in any debate and votes in relation to the motions on ‘Two Child Limited to Benefits’ and Changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance’ on the basis that they declare any such interest before the item was introduced and debated.