Public speaking and asking questions at meetings

We welcome public attendance at all our meetings and there are opportunities for you to speak or ask questions of councillors. SCDC is committed to improving the quality of public involvement in its decision-making.

Council, Cabinet and Portfolio Holder Meetings

Members of the public and parish councils may ask questions of any councillor at ordinary meetings of full Council, and of any member of the Cabinet at Cabinet meetings or at meetings of individual Portfolio Holders (Cabinet members with delegated responsibilities for particular services). Certain guidelines apply (This link will open in a new window). If you are not able to ask your question in person, your written question may be read by the Chairman on your behalf.

Planning Committee

Arrangements for public speaking at Planning Committee meetings allow a spokesman for the objectors, followed by the applicant (or the agent or a supporter), a representative of the parish council, and the local Member (even if not a member of the Committee) an opportunity (though there is no compulsion) to address the Committee for up to three minutes each. Members of the Committee may then wish to ask questions of the speaker in order to clarify points just made.

Scrutiny and Overview Committee

Members of the public may make statements or ask questions of councillors at meetings of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee, subject to certain criteria (This link will open in a new window). Depending upon the nature of your question or statement, you may be invited to speak at the beginning of the meeting or at the point in the agenda at which a related item is scheduled. Members of the committee may ask you questions for clarification. If it is not possible to answer your question at the meeting, a written response will be provided.

The Scrutiny and Overview Committee welcomes suggestions from members of the public and parish councils of issues of concern which it could scrutinise. Please contact Jackie Sayers, Scrutiny Development Officer, scrutiny@scambs.gov.uk (This link will open in a new window) or via the contact centre on 03450 450 500.

More information

Please see these guides to public speaking and questions (This link will open in a new window) or contact Democratic Services (This link will open in a new window) on 01954 713030 for advice.