To receive apologies for absence.

The Chairman explained that a quorum of members had been achieved and the meeting could proceed.

Apologies for absence were received from councillors Graham Andrews, Bartlett, Bartrum, Boulter, Bowes, Chowns, Gemma Davies, Foxton, Gandy, Guthrie, Harvey, Hewitt, Hey, I’Anson, James, Jinman, Johnson, Graham Jones, Mike Jones, Kenyon, Lester, Marsh, Millmore, Norman, Phillips, Price, Probert, Swinglehurst, Symonds, Toynbee, Tyler, Watson and Wilding.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive questions from members of the public.

There were no questions from members of the public.

To receive any written questions from members of the Council.

There were no questions from members of the Council.

For Council to consider granting a dispensation, via the council’s Monitoring Officer, pursuant to section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, to Councillor Graham Jones whose compassionate leave of absence will exceed six months, on 17 May 2022.

Council considered a report by the Director of Law and Governance to agree an extension to Councillor Graham Jones period of absence to 18 June 2022. The Chairman introduced the report and proposed the motion to agree the recommendations in the accompanying report.

Cllr John Harrington seconded the motion to agree the recommendations in the accompanying report.

Council was supportive of the dispensation to extend the period of absence for Councillor Graham Jones.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: That:

a)    Council approve a period of absence from meetings by  Councillor Graham Jones pursuant to section 85 of the Local Government Act, and 

b)    The monitoring officer is authorised to extend Councillor Graham Jones current period of absence, by one month, to 18 June, 2022.