What can happen to the procedure if a member of the public fails to appear at a hearing?

The option indicating that the hearing may be rescheduled or proceed based on available information is correct because it reflects how hearings often adapt to attendance issues. In many instances, if a member of the public fails to appear, the authority conducting the hearing has the discretion to either move forward with the information they have or to reschedule the hearing for a later date, allowing the absent party another opportunity to participate. This approach is designed to ensure fairness and to maintain public input in the procedural process, preserving the opportunity for community engagement even if someone misses a specific hearing.

This flexibility is particularly important in public hearings, where stakeholder participation is critical for transparency and accountability. Therefore, the procedure remains robust, accommodating potential absences without compromising the objectives of the hearing.