Public Speaking Time/Open Session
In accordance with paragraph 2.32 of the Committee Procedural Rules and Appendix 7 to the Rules a total period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the Committee on any matter relevant 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.
Minutes:
The Chairman read a statement submitted by Mr Graham Goodwin relating to the requirement in the Council’s Code of Conduct Complaints Process for complainants to agree to the complaints process being confidential preventing them from disclosing the contents of the decision notice even if the complaint is upheld. Mr Goodwin stated that other local authority complaint processes did not have this confidentiality clause. Mr Goodwin asked that the Committee to review the Complaint Policy to bring it in line with the intentions of the Nolan Principles (openness and transparency) and natural justice.
In response, the Chairman stated that Committee could consider this request under Item 13 – Committee Work Programme.