Public Participation Instructions

Guidance for Public Participation Sessions

  • The public participation session is for business on the agenda only.
  • Members of the public may make representations, answer questions and give evidence at a meeting which they are entitled to attend in respect of the business on the agenda. 
  • The period of time designated for public participation at a meeting shall not exceed 15 minutes unless directed by the chair of the meeting. 
  • A member of the public shall not speak for more than three minutes. 
  • A question shall not require a response at the meeting nor start a debate on the question. The chair of the meeting may direct that a written or oral response be given. 
  • A person who speaks at a meeting shall direct his/her/their comments to the chair of the meeting.
  • Only one person is permitted to speak at a time. If more than one person wants to speak, the chair of the meeting shall direct the order of speaking. 
  • A person shall raise his/her/their hand when requesting to speak and stand when speaking (except when a person has a disability or is likely to suffer discomfort). The chair of the meeting may at any time permit a person to be seated when speaking. 
  • No discussion or debate will take place on any representation or statement made. 
  • The council may discuss the comments when it formally considers that agenda item, debates the matter, and makes a decision on the matter. 
  • If you question or comment does not relate to an item included on the agenda it will not be heard. 
  • Members of the public may wish to communicate about business which is not included on the meeting agenda in alternative ways e.g. contacting the clerk on 01522 703912 / clerk@saxilbyparishcouncil.gov.uk or attending the monthly council surgery at the village hall.
  • When directed to speak by the chair please stand and state: 
  1. Your Name 
  2. Your organisation (if relevant) 
  3. The agenda item the statement or question refers to 
  4. If it a statement or question 
  5. Read out your statement/question 
  6. Your statement or question will be noted by the council.