Cabinet to invite public questions

As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting active citizenship and increasing its accountability, the District Council is introducing public question time at the start of all Cabinet meetings. Whilst arrangements are already in place for members of the public to speak at Development Control Meetings and ask questions of the Scrutiny Committees, this new initiative gives an opportunity for questions to be put to the Leader and Cabinet Members about the work of Cabinet. Questions will need to be received at least 2 working days before the meeting, and up to 15 minutes will be set aside before the start of each session to deal with these. Answers will be provided at the meeting where possible.

There are also plans to allow questions at all the council’s public meetings. To make sure that this new development is open to all, translation and signing services can be made available.

Cllr. Peter Amos, Leader of the Council, explained: “I am pleased to announce this new opportunity for local people to raise their concerns directly with elected members. All Cabinet members are committed to democracy and accountability, and we see this new measure as another step towards the open government we aim to deliver.”