PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT COUNCIL MEETINGS
Scriven Parish Council believes in involving the general public whenever possible and welcomes them to its meetings. In fact, by law, members of the public must be admitted to all meetings of the council but the law does not permit the public to take part in the debates. The Council has therefore, adopted a policy of having 'Public Participation' periods at the beginning and end of Council meetings giving members of the public and our District and County Councillors, an opportunity to speak. Obviously in order for this to work effectively it is necessary for the Public Participation periods to be organised and controlled and they are therefore, subject to the following conditions:.
Whilst the members of the Council will endeavour to respond to any questions that are raised they cannot take a decision on any issue raised during a Public Participation session unless the issue is specified on the Agenda of the Council Meeting or the Clerk has been delegated powers to deal with it as urgent.
Any member of the public attending a Council meeting may submit a written question if they wish. If detailed issues are to be raised by the public then they must be put in writing to the Clerk.
If you wish to take part in a Public Participation session please be aware that you will be speaking in public and that press reporters may be present, therefore you should not say anything you would not wish to be reported.
Complaints will not be accepted in the meeting and are to be referred to the Clerk in writing.
We hope that you will find attending a meeting useful and if you have any queries or would like further information please contact the Clerk.
- A total maximum of fifteen minutes will be allowed for members of the public to address the meeting.
- Public participation sessions form part of the Council meeting in law and shall be duly minuted.
- Speeches or presentations should not last more than 3 minutes.
- The Chairman is in overall control of the meeting and he or she will decide who may speak and in which order.
- The Chairman will not tolerate unruly behaviour and will use his or her powers to ensure conformity to the rules.
- The Code of Conduct shall apply to members of the Council in respect of the entire meeting.
- Good manners and respect are expected at all times.
Whilst the members of the Council will endeavour to respond to any questions that are raised they cannot take a decision on any issue raised during a Public Participation session unless the issue is specified on the Agenda of the Council Meeting or the Clerk has been delegated powers to deal with it as urgent.
Any member of the public attending a Council meeting may submit a written question if they wish. If detailed issues are to be raised by the public then they must be put in writing to the Clerk.
If you wish to take part in a Public Participation session please be aware that you will be speaking in public and that press reporters may be present, therefore you should not say anything you would not wish to be reported.
Complaints will not be accepted in the meeting and are to be referred to the Clerk in writing.
We hope that you will find attending a meeting useful and if you have any queries or would like further information please contact the Clerk.
