Public Deputations and Questions at Council Meetings

Deputations

Deputations may be received at Council meetings provided that:

• Notice is received in writing by an Executive Director eight clear days before the meeting giving the subject to be raised
• The subject is not related to a specific planning, licensing or other application under consideration by the Council
• The subject does not raise an issue of conduct by Members or officers
• The subject does not raise an issue in the nature of a complaint
• The subject does not relate to the appointment, promotion, dismissal remuneration, conditions of service or conduct of officers
• The subject relates to a power or duty exercised by the council or seeks the support of the council in influencing other public bodies.

Additional Information

The number of the deputation shall not exceed five, of whom only one shall speak for no longer than five minutes.

There shall be no discussion on any matter raised by the deputation, but any Member may move without notice a motion for the manner in which the Council should dispose of the item.

Asking a Public Question

Questions may be asked at a meeting of the Council by any person (including members) provided that:

• The name of the questioner appears in the current Register of Electors for West Devon (unless the question is asked by a Member)
• The question is in writing, and delivered eight clear days before the meeting to an Executive Director, who shall note the date and time of receipt (but note that there is no requirement to answer questions in sequence)
• The subject does not raise an issue of conduct by members or officers
• The subject does not raise an issue in the nature of a complaint
•  The subject does not relate to the appointment, promotion, dismissal, remuneration, conditions of service or conduct of officers
• The subject relates to a power or duty exercised by the council or seeks the support of the council in influencing other public bodies.

Additional information

Questions shall be directed to a member nominated by an Executive Director in consultation with the Mayor, who may answer in writing at the meeting, or undertake to do so within seven days, or decline to offer an answer, giving reasons.

There shall be no discussion on any question or answer but, at the discretion of the Mayor, a supplementary question may be asked by the person submitting the question.

After 15 minutes from the start of the first question, no further questions shall be received at that meeting from members of the public unless the person presiding decides otherwise.