Questions about town and parish councils
Follow Councillor Q&A on BlueSky

Follow us on BlueSky

+1 vote
by (130 points)

4 Answers

0 votes
What did they DO to prevent this happening?
by (11.7k points)
+2 votes
Unfortunately this is something I have come across whereby an officer attempts to make public experience so difficult and unwelcome as a matter of routine. I vividly remember the first ever meeting I went to observe and finding seats so far back was practically in another village with the first 3 rows with papers on them marked "RESERVED" in bright red font for good measure (despite nobody ever making use of them). I asked very politely and was flatly refused. I spoke with the Cllrs (who all basically given up trying to manage this particular Clerk) who were sympathectic but basically terrified of "underming her". The next meeting i arrived with a tripod with a mounted SLR Camera & Microphone and placed it down in close proximity explaining I'd taken advice (with the advice printed for the clerk to read) and id be recording the meetings moving forward (including every committee meeting). Well short story what a change.. afterwards.
by (10.0k points)
+1 vote

Tell the PC you have hearing impairment and cannot hear what is being said. 

Ask for reasonable adjustments to mitigate your hearing difficulty - could be as simple as moving closer if that works or ask them to have a mag loop hearing amplifier fitted as would be required by law

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/equality/equality-act-2010/your-rights-under-equality-act-2010

That should do the trick. 

by (24.8k points)
0 votes
The council, like all businesses, would be required by law under the DDA to make reasonable adjustment to allow you to observe proceedings but what counts as reasonable does depend on individual circumstances.  Is the room/building where the meeting takes place owned by the council?  What size is your council?   A large council with direct control over the building/room would be expected in law to do a lot more than a tiny council which rents a room in the local village hall which itself has little or no facilities.  I'd suggest asking your council if it would work with you and the venue to improve things for you.
by (22.0k points)

Welcome to Town & Parish Councillor Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community. All genuine questions and answers are welcome. Follow us on Twitter to see the latest questions as they are asked - click on the image button above or follow @TownCouncilQA. Posts from new members may be delayed as we are unfortunately obliged to check each one for spam. Spammers will be blacklisted.

You may find the following links useful:

We have a privacy policy and a cookie policy.

Clares Cushions logo Peacock cushion

Clare's Cushions creates beautiful hand made cushions and home accessories from gorgeous comtemporary fabrics. We have a fantastic selection of prints including Sophie Allport and Orla Kiely designs and most covers can be ordered either alone or with a cushion inner. Buying new cushions is an affordable and effective way to update your home interior, they're also a great gift idea. Visit our site now

3,127 questions
6,181 answers
8,612 comments
10,955 users
Google Analytics Alternative