Agenda item - Mayor's Communications.

82.1      The mayor gave the following communications:

I have only one communication:

As Members may be aware, this will sadly be Mark Wall’s last Council meeting as he will be leaving the Council at the end of March. He began working with the old Brighton Borough in 1986, more than 35 years ago. He rose through the ranks to his current position as Head of Democratic Services. He has served under administrations of all political colours with integrity, impartiality and absolute dedication. He has been the face of public service at its best. Mark has been the keystone that holds the democratic decision-making machinery together in Brighton & Hove and our democracy has been much richer for his work.

The active political culture and vibrant public engagement in our city means it is always challenging for whoever is the Head of Democratic Services. But Mark has done it with flair and absolute professionalism. At a personal level, he has supported me as Mayor both for Council meetings and in running the Mayor’s Office. He was instrumental in getting the Council the Member Development Charter and in December the Member Development Charter Plus award.

There will be an opportunity to say goodbye to Mark at the end of March, but for now, I just want to thank him for all his years of dedicated service to the Council and wish him all the best for the future.

82.2      I am hopeful that we can reach a decision today. I will be taking regular short breaks during the meeting to give everyone in the chamber an opportunity to get some fresh air and remove their masks.

I also wanted to reiterate that everyone needs to be mindful of each other so that we have a respectful debate and would like to draw Members’ attention to the updated procedural note that will be followed and has been circulated to help with the flow of the meeting.