Let's listen to everyone, council urged
Disgruntled residents in north Norfolk could soon have the chance to vent their spleen at all council meetings if a proposal to open them up to the public is given the go ahead.
Disgruntled residents in north Norfolk could soon have the chance to vent their spleen at all council meetings if a proposal to open them up to the public is given the go-ahead.
The move would mean anyone living in the district could ask a question or raise a concern at any public meeting simply by submitting their name, contact details and the nature of their question before the start.
Up to 30 minutes would be available at the start of each meeting for public participation and each person would have three minutes to make his or her point.
Eric Seward, portfolio holder for member services, made the proposal at North Norfolk District Council's overview and scrutiny committee last week and councillors agreed to recommend that the council alters its constitution. At the moment, any member of the public wishing to speak must submit a written question at least 14 days before a meeting and can only do so at full council meetings. The only committee which allows public involvement is planning.
Mr Seward said that put people off getting involved. He said: "Public participation in committees and full council is too restrictive and discourages people from coming along to either ask questions or raise matters of concern. We believe in open and transparent councils."
Other councils in the county already have similar procedures.
Most Read
- 1 Sainsbury's moves to quash rumour of till closures at Norfolk store
- 2 Public toilets in north Norfolk 'swamped' by campervan waste
- 3 Village pub reopening after £200k refurbishment
- 4 Banking counter to open after town's last branch closes
- 5 New chef brings taste of the Med to town cafe
- 6 Competition offers free week at Cromer beach chalet
- 7 Most desirable places to live in Norfolk according to estate agents
- 8 Person injured and road blocked after north Norfolk crash
- 9 Bird watchers set to flock to Norfolk quarry after rare bee-eaters spotted
- 10 North Norfolk pub re-opens as a hotel
Mr Seward said the proposal now had to be approved by NNDC's cabinet, followed by the full council, before it became part of the authority's constitution.