Liberal Democrats success - Public Questions to be allowed at Council Meetings (Suffolk County Council Liberal Democrats)

Suffolk County Council Liberal Democrats <info@suffolkcclibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats success - Public Questions to be allowed at Council Meetings

September 25, 2008 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrats have succeeded in persuading Suffolk County Council to allow the public to ask questions at meetings of the full council.

Speaking about the issue, Group Leader Kathy Pollard said, "We have been pushing for public questions to Suffolk County council for many years. I am extremely pleased that the public will now be able to ask questions directly to the council about issues that concern them."

Liberal Democrats originally put the matter to the council at its meeting on the 22nd of May 2008. The public will be allowed a period of 20 minutes to quiz the administration on issues relating to council business, with the option to ask a supplementary question. Questions must be submitted in advance, however. The public will also be able to speak on Rights of Way issues for the first time.

Cllr Pollard added, "This is another step in increasing the openness and accountability of this council, as well as involving the public in the democratic process. This would not have happened without our intervention".