Questions asked by the public

Question

Hi
My local town council are thinking of banning any public questions during town council meetings. They are suggesting that the public write any questions at least 7 days before the meeting.

Are the council allowed to ban any questions at meetings.

Thank you

Answer 1

Yes.  Public question time at Town/Parish Council meetings is not a mandatory legislative obligation.

Answer 2

As far as I am aware there is no legislation that requires/compels councils to conduct any form of public participation session. So should a council collectively (via a majority) agree to the approach you have outlined they are perfectly within their right to do so. That been said personally its not something I could ever support.  This tier of local government should be doing everything it can to really connect with our residents & embrace openness and transparency.

Answer 3

However, if you are using the model standing orders, you will need to remove or modify 3e-k, as they give the public the right to speak.