Ian Mills, director of education, said the move reflected the growing importance of education-industry links and need to take account of the views of commerce, “where relevant”.

Soundings have already been taken with the local enterprise company and with the chambers of commerce about a nominee.

Among its other non-voting representatives, the committee, which comprises all 26 councillors, has opted for one headteacher and one teacher, along with one school board member. The council is in the unusual position of having school boards in every school.

The committee may also investigate bringing in a young person’s spokesman.