Public participation at meetings

We have a scheme that allows members of the public, and parish and town councils, to attend and speak at council meetings.

The thoughts and views of local residents and business people are very valuable in helping us to reach informed decisions.

Attending meetings

The procedure for public participation at meetings document answers the questions asked most often by people who want to speak at council meetings. This document:

• details the differences between the council, Cabinet, committees and panels
• explains how meetings are run
• includes general information about public participation immediately before meetings and speaking on agenda items.

If you are interested specifically in participating at a planning committee, refer to the having your say at Planning Committee meetings document. This explains:

• how planning applications are considered and decided
• how you can make comments on a planning application
• how you can speak on a specific planning application at a meeting.

You can download both documents below.

Procedure for public participation at meetings (PDF) [216KB] (opens new window)

Having your say at planning committee meetings (PDF) [150KB] (opens new window)

Recording meetings

In order to be open and transparent in our decision making, we support video or audio recording of meetings that are open to the public, for either live or subsequent broadcast. We also support the use of social media to report on what is happening at meetings while they take place.

You should read our guidelines before you record any council meetings. These outline when recording is permitted to take place, and aim to prevent proceedings from being interrupted by any recording.

You can download our guidance document below.

Recording and use of social media at council meetings (PDF) [32KB] (opens new window)