Agenda item - Chair's Communications

83.1      The Chair stated the following: Concerns were raised recently amongst committee lawyers with regard to the risk of challenge if members are absent for a portion of the consideration of an item. As a result, we have introduced a new protocol. This protocol is not uncommon in other authorities. So, “Would Committee Members please note that where a decision is made on an agenda item, to be able to participate in the debate and vote Members must be present throughout the entirety of the Committee’s consideration of that item, including the officer presentation, any public speaking, and the question and debate session. In the event that a Member needs to leave the Chamber briefly during consideration of an item, but still wishes to participate, the Member should indicate to the Chair that they need be excused. If this is the case, I will briefly suspend the meeting for the duration of their absence.”