Issue - meetings

A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.

Note: In order for officers to undertake any background research, it would be helpful if members of the public contacted the Scrutiny officer listed at the foot of the agenda, at least one working day before the meeting to provide brief details of the matter to be covered.

Mrs Acton attended the meeting to speak in relation to an alleged drugs problem at Poynton High School and the death of her son. Mrs Acton stated that the inclusion of item 6 on the agenda – Management and Prevention of Drug Misuse in Cheshire East Secondary Schools, was ill timed and inappropriate due to the commencement of the inquest into the death of her son.

Mrs Acton suggested that her son died due to inaction, as prior to his death, she had raised concerns regarding a drug problem in Poynton High School. However nothing was done and she contended that the relevant authorities had failed to keep her family safe. She made reference to ongoing complaints and questioned the appropriateness of the role taken by the Chairman.

In light of the above, the Chairman requested a vote on whether or not he should remain in the chair for the meeting. The Committee unanimously agreed that he should remain Chairman.