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(1)  
The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the
meeting would be recorded.
 

(2)  
The Chair reminded Members that the Council had
declared both a Climate Emergency and an Ecological Emergency.
These are serious decisions, and mean that, as this was an
emergency, all of us, Officers and Members had that in mind as we
carried out our various roles and tasks for the benefit of our
District.
 

(3)  
The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages
regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in
line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed
to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.
 

(4)  
The Chair advised that the normal procedure rules in respect of
debate and times to speak will apply.
 

(5)  
The Chair advised that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply
to this meeting. A comfort break would be held at an appropriate
time, should proceedings continue at length.
 

(6)  
The Chair advised Members of the ongoing Community Governance
Review survey which was being conducted to look at parish
arrangements. The survey was open until the 7 October 2024 and
posters had been provided to Members to distribute in their
wards.
 

(7)  
The Chair invited Members to attend the Youth
Democracy Day on Thursday 14 November and to email Committee
Services with their availability and asked Members to promote the
event to any school contacts.
 

(8)  
The Chair advised Members that all residents were invited to take
part in the Churchgate conversation to help shape the future vision
of the Churchgate shopping area of Hitchin, via an online
survey.
 

(9)  
The Chair advised that the date for April Council
had been confirmed as Tuesday 1 April 2025 and that Annual Council
would take place on Thursday 22 May 2025.
 

(10)        
The Chair informed Members that the Monitoring
Officer had given dispensation to all Members to take part in any
debate and votes in relation to the motions on ‘Two Child
Limited to Benefits’ and Changes to the Winter Fuel
Allowance’ on the basis that they declare any such interest
before the item was introduced and debated.