Inserted into the Councillors' documents for council meetings is a short note reminding them how to behave. One can only wonder what fate would befall any faithless atheist councillor who decided to linger at the back of the classroom to avoid the prayers, and was not seated 5 minutes before the entry of the Chair and Vice-Chair, accompanied by the Chief Executive (at which point all must stand, although there are one or two in the public gallery who do not observe this tradition). In any case, it's a timely reminder that when the country is sliding into economic chaos and the council's debt runs to £248m, respect for the Chair and Officers remains a priority.
I'm sure, of course that such additional monthly reminders are necessary for orderly meetings and add to that the recent removal of Any Other Business, the recent addition to require seven seconders to any Motion, the ban on Councillors tweeting, no Public Questions etc etc all mean it's probably best just to keep quiet and do your time....
REMINDER NOTICE
Councillors' cooperation in observing the following protocol at meetings of the county council will be very much appreciated
1. COUNCILLORS TO ASSEMBLE 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE MEETING
Councillors are requested to take their seats in the chamber at least 5 minutes before the meeting is due to start. Group meetings, if they are held in the chamber will need to finish 15 mins prior to the formal start time.This will allow sufficient time for all members to be seated prior to the chair and vice chair of council entering the chamber and formally commencing the meeting.
2.COUNCILLORS TO REMAIN STANDING UNTIL THE CHAIR LEAVES THE MEETING
When the chair declares the meeting closed or in the event of an adjournment members are requested to stand and remain standing until the the chair and vice chair leave the chamber.