To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

(a)       To receive declarations of personal interests in respect of items on this agenda.

For reference:  Having declared their personal interest members and officers may remain in the meeting and speak (and, in the case of Members, vote on the matter in question).  If the Member’s interest only arises because they have been appointed to an outside body by the Council (or if the interest is as a member of another public body) then the interest need only be declared if the Member wishes to speak and/or vote on the matter.  A completed disclosure of interests form should be returned to the Clerk before the conclusion of the meeting.

(b)       To receive declarations of personal prejudicial interests in respect of items on this agenda.

For reference:  A Member with a personal interest also has a prejudicial interest in that matter if a member of the public (with knowledge of the relevant facts) would reasonably regard the interest as so significant that it is likely to influence their judgement of the public interest.  Where a Member has a personal prejudicial interest he/she must leave the meeting during consideration of the item.  However, the Member may remain in the meeting to make representations, answer questions or give evidence if the public have a right to do so, but having done so the Member must then immediately leave the meeting, may not vote and must not improperly seek to influence the outcome of the matter.  A completed disclosure of interests form should be returned to the Clerk before the conclusion of the meeting.

(Please Note:  If Members and Officers wish to seek advice on any potential interests they may have, they should contact Democratic Services or Legal Services prior to the meeting.)

To consider any other items that the Chairman decides are urgent.

To consider passing a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting prior to consideration of the following item on the agenda on the grounds that exempt information (as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)) is likely to be disclosed.