Issue - meetings

The Chair shall propose that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the discussions on the following items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information defined in Paragraph 14 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972: Information relating to the financial business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

There is an acknowledged public interest in openness in relation to the use of public resources and related financial issues. It is also acknowledged that there are occasions, to protect the financial and commercial interests that matters related to such information need to be discussed without being publicised. The report deals specifically with financial and business matters as well as estimated procurement prices and related discussions. Publication of such commercially sensitive information could adversely affect the interests of the bodies and the Council and undermine the confidence of others to share sensitive information for consideration. This would be contrary to the wider public interest of securing the best overall outcome.

It was resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion on the following item.