d. Absence of Chair/Vice-Chair

Section 15 (9) LGA 1972 says that, subject to any standing orders, anything authorised or required to be done by, to or before the Chair may be done by, to or before the Vice-Chair.

In relation to who chairs meetings of the Council, para 11, Schedule 12, Local Government Act 1972 says :-

• If the Chair of the Council is present, they must preside

• If the Chair is absent, the Vice-Chair must preside

• If both the Chair and Vice-Chair are absent, the councillors present must choose one of their number to preside
  
  

[see model standing order 3]

In the case of an equality of votes on any issue, the person presiding will have a second (casting) vote - Para 39, Schedule 12.