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030: Slough Borough Council's Schools Transport Policy Appeal Hearing Procedure Valid 22 July 2005   Introduction   The Transport Appeal is determined by a panel of councillors chosen annually by the ruling political group or coalition which controls Slough Borough Council. The word "Officer" means a paid official of Slough Borough Council. It is a term commonly used in British society to denote someone of a supposed superior class. In some circumstances using the word "Officer" can intimidate members of the public. In this version, the council's usage of "Chair" has been replaced by Chairman because chairs are what normal people sit on. The chairman will be one of the councillors on the panel. To avoid confusion in some parts of this procedure "Member" and "Members" have been replaced by councillor and councillors respectively.   The Hearing        1  The Chairman will formally open the hearing by introducing those present in the room and their status in terms of the proceedings.      2  The Chairman will ask the Officer to introduce his/her Report.      3  The Chairman will ask any questions that arise from the report and will invite other councillors and the Appellant to ask questions that might arise from the report.      4  The Chairman will invite the Appellant to present his/her case.      5  The Chairman will ask any questions that might arise from the Appellants presentation and will invite other councillors and the Officer to ask questions that might arise from the Appellant's presentation.      6  The Chairman will ask either the Officer, or the Appellant, or both, any questions for clarification of any issues in contention and invite other members to ask such questions.      7  The Chairman will invite the officer to make a closing address. New issues and new evidence must not be introduced or presented at this stage.      8  The Chairman will invite the Appellant to make a closing address. New issues and new evidence must not be presented at this stage.      9  The Chairman to will ask the Officer, the Appellant, and any others persons not authorised to stay, to leave the meeting so that the councillors can deliberate and make a decision. The persons authorised to stay are the Members of the Sub-Committee, the Committee Administrator and the Legal Advisor.      10  The decision of the Sub-Committee will be communicated to the Appellant by letter sent within 2 working days of the Meeting.    Notes The Chairman can at any time take advice or ask for information from the Committee Administrator or the Legal Adviser. The Appellant can be represented by a councillor, a lawyer or any other person whom she/he chooses. If appropriate, the Chairman might vary the procedure with the agreement of both parties. If appropriate, the Chairman might place time limits. 25 July 2005