Decision

To approve the absence of Councillor Tricia Youtan for the purposes of section 85(1) of the local Government Act 1972 on health grounds for a period until 10 May 2027, being the date on which she is due to retire as a district councillor.

Reasons for the decision

Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 provides that a member of a local authority who fails to attend a meeting of the authority for a period of six months ceases to be a member of the authority, unless the reason for failing to attend a meeting is approved by the authority before the expiry of that period. Councillor Youtan last attended a meeting of the Council on 29 April 2026 and has been unable to attend subsequent meetings on health grounds. Therefore, if this decision is not made, Councillor Youtan would cease to be a member of Horsham District Council on 30 October 2026.

Alternative options considered

Not to approve the reason for absence. This was rejected because approving an absence on health grounds is considered reasonable in all the circumstances.