Issue - meetings

In accordance with Procedure Rules Nos.11 and 35 a period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the meeting on any matter relating to the work of the body in question.  Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman or person presiding will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers. Members of the public are not required to give notice to use this facility. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours’ notice is encouraged.

Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.

Keith Smith of Macclesfield Civic Society referred to letter he had submitted, and which had been circulated prior to the meeting, in which the Society made clear its support for the formation of a single Town Council for Macclesfield.  This was considered by the Society to be most appropriate for the size and importance of the town, would have local accountability, give opportunities for local involvement and participation, and bring it in line with all the other towns in the Borough.  He expressed concern that the draft leaflet did not give an example of what the cost of a special levy might be as he considered this necessary to help people fully understand the different options. 

Sue Mason was pleased at the amount of consultation carried out to date but sought reassurance that the final decision would be subject to a public ballot. 

Liz Braithwaite was concerned that the draft literature circulated did not detail the areas affected as, in order to fully engage with people, they needed to be clear about whether or not they were affected.

Ray Perry sought clarification of the options available following reference in the local press to the Macclesfield Local Service Delivery Committee.  He also was of the view that Macclesfield should have a Town Council to bring it in line with the other major towns in the Borough and he considered that most people in Macclesfield were of the same opinion. 

The Chairman thanked everybody for their contributions and confirmed that all the comments would be noted and taken into consideration.  He confirmed that residents would be balloted on the final options and that the purpose of the consultations was to establish the views of electors and interested persons.