Issue - meetings

The report of the Executive Manager – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough Wide Leadership, Councillor Robinson presented the report of the Executive Manager – Finance and Corporate Services outlining the use of the public speaking protocol over the past twelve months.

Councillor Robinson confirmed that the Council was keen to ensure that it was transparent in its operations and decision-making processes. In March 2018, Council had approved the introduction of Citizens’ Questions at both Cabinet and Council, and Opposition Group Leaders’ Questions at Cabinet, for a trial period of 12 months. The trial period had proved successful and it was hoped going forward it would continue to be used. Cabinet welcomed scrutiny and it was important that questions were asked and challenges made by both the public and the opposition. The Council was asked to adopt formally the public speaking protocol, Citizens’ Questions and Opposition Group Leaders’ Questions. Councillor Robinson advised that one amendment was proposed, in respect of the deadline relating to the submission of Citizens’ Questions, to revise the deadline to mirror that of Opposition Leaders’ Questions so that both deadlines came after the agenda had been published.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Edyvean.

Councillor Gray confirmed that the Labour Group had read the report with interest and were in agreement with the proposal to amend the deadline for the submission of Citizens’ Questions.

Councillor Thomas stated that before becoming a Councillor she had spoken using the Citizens’ Questions procedure and stressed the importance of having that opportunity. The Independent Group welcomed the adoption of the procedure and she thanked officers for the support and guidance she had received when she had submitted questions and stressed the importance of maintaining that support in the future.

It is RESOLVED that:

a)    Council adopts formally the public speaking protocol, Citizens’ Questions and Opposition Group Leaders’ Questions, and instructs the Monitoring Officer to amend the Constitution accordingly.

The deadlines relating to the submission of Citizens’ Questions be revised to mirror those of Opposition Leaders’ Questions and be reflective of those in place for Planning Committee.