Edward, Elizabeth, Prior, Seton, Shielfield and Spittal
1
Summary
1.1
Outlines the procedures for Public Question Time when Committee Members may respond to questions from members of the public (in attendance) on any matter which falls within the remit of Town Committee.
2
Recommendations
2.1
To agree to receive questions from members of the public and to respond to these accordingly.
3
Report
3.1
At the Meeting of Town Committee held on 16th November 1999 Members agreed to introduce a public question time facility as a standing item on Town Committee Agendas.
3.2
Public Question Time is scheduled for 15 minutes duration.
3.3
Members of the public who wish to ask a question concerning any aspect of Town Committee business are required to submit notification of a question in writing to the Chief Executive no later than noon on the day preceding the day on which the Meeting of Town Committee is to be held, in order that a full and proper reply may be made at the Meeting.
3.4
Members of the public may also ask questions during Public Question Time which have not been submitted in advance. When it is possible these will be answered at the meeting, but if the appropriate information is not available, a written answer shall be sent to the questioner within two weeks of the meeting date, and that answer will be presented at the next meeting of Town Committee for inclusion in the Minutes.
3.5
Priority shall be given to questions which have been submitted in advance and which can, therefore, be answered in full at the meeting.
4
Implications
4.1
Comments from the Council’s Section 151 Officer
No comments.
4.2
Comments from the Council’s Monitoring Officer
No comments.
4.3
Comments from the Head of Paid Service
None arising from this report.
4.4
Local Agenda 21
None significant
4.5
Equality
The introduction of a Public Question Time facility is in keeping with the spirit of the Government White Paper, "Modernising Local Government: In Touch with the People", which seeks more openness and enhanced public participation in decision-making processes at local government level and greater accountability on the part of local authorities.
Public Question Time is open to residents of Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal and to visitors to the town.
4.6
Crime and Disorder
It is anticipated that questions may be raised which relate to crime and disorder issues.
