Attending Council Meetings

Did you know there are a large number of meetings that members of the public can attend and participate in each year? In these meetings Councillors discuss important matters that could concern you as a resident of the District.

Can I attend meetings?

Yes. Citizens of the District have the right to:

• attend meetings of the Council, boards and Committees except where confidential or exempt information is likely to be disclosed; and
• attend meetings of the Cabinet when key decisions are being considered.

Which meetings can I attend?

You can attend any of the following meetings of the Council:

• Council - consists of all 38 members
• Cabinet - considers executive decisions
• Planning Committee - determines planning applications
• Scrutiny Committee - the Policy Development Group
• Licensing Committee - considers all licensing matters
• Audit and Governance Committee

What other rights do I have?

• You have the right to sign and present a petition to the Council and to address Members in support.
• You have the right to sign and present a deputation to the Council and to address Members in support.
• You have the right to participate in the question and answer session at Cabinet, Council and the Policy Development Group.
• You have the right to speak at meetings of the Planning Committee in favour of or against applications.

See the links in the navigation section on the right for further details.

Access to Information

• You have the right to find out from the Forward Plan what executive key decisions are being considered.
• You have the right to see reports and background papers, and any records of decisions made by the Council and the Cabinet.

All papers are available to view on-line and in reception at the Council Offices.

Where can I find out when meetings are taking place?

Information regarding all meetings of the Council can be found on the 'Meeting Dates, Agendas and Minutes' page, or by visiting the notice board in the reception at the Council Offices.