Issue - meetings

Council is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following item:- 

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the Council itself to decide whether or not to consider it in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and should balance the interests of individuals or the Council itself in having access to information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers. 

The Mayor reminded Council that it had been recommended to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following item (item 10) on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information.

Councillor Whitaker moved, seconded by Councillor Redfern:

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Several Councillors expressed a wish to keep the questions and debate to matters which were not exempt for as long as possible. A vote was then taken on the motion, which was clearly lost, allowing the press and public to stay in the meeting.