Liberal Democrats propose public questions

4.06.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th May 2008

Liberal Democrats have today proposed new plans which would allow members of the public to put their questions directly to the Cabinet at meetings of the Full Council.

Under proposals being put forward at the next full council (22nd May) Liberal Democrats are suggesting that 20 minutes be allocated at the beginning of each council meeting so the public can have an opportunity to ask questions.

Speaking about the proposals Leader of the County's Libdems, Cllr Kathy Pollard said, "There is a drive in local government to become more open and more accountable to the public. Our proposal to allow questions from the public at Full Councils is a simple, but effective method of opening up the council and hopefully making members of the public feel a part of the democratic process. Right across the country councils are making similar policies and many authorities have been doing this for years.

This policy will allow members of the public to ask questions directly to cabinet members about key policies and decisions made on those policies. Over the last year there have been several big decisions made by the county council which have gained much public attention. Affording greater access to the tax-payers of Suffolk - in effect our employers - is only right and proper and well overdue"

The 22nd May Full Council papers are available here: http://tinyurl.com/4kwo3l