Public meetings chairperson

Question

If the chairman calls a public meeting, not a council meeting, does he or she have to preside over that meeting?

Such as a local planning matter where the residents wish to discuss a matter with the council outside a council meeting.

Answer 1

It would be normal for the person who called a public meeting to preside, although there are no rules governing this.

Comments

Who signs the notice for a public meeting of the sort cited above please?

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This isn't something that's covered by any legislation. Anybody has the right to call a public meeting. If the parish council issues a notice of meeting, it's a parish council meeting. Otherwise it's just an informal get-together.

Answer 2

A public meeting as in this case to obtain residents views on a planning application is normally decided if one is needed by the Chair and Clerk and the date and time is just posted in the normal places.  No agendas or minutes are issued but it does need someone just to manage the meeting and make sure everyone gets to speak in a calm manner.  We have held several over zoom in the last couple of years and in person before that.