Public Questions
Public Question Time - A Scheme of Operation
Subject to the following a member or members of the public may ask a question, make a statement or present a petition on any matter which relates to the business of the Broads Authority or any of its committees.
- A 20 minute time allocation shall be allowed at the beginning of all meetings for dealing with such questions, statements and petitions.
- Written notice of at least 4 working days must be given to the Chief Executive, signed by the questioner, who should supply his/her address and contact number. If the questioner is unable to attend the meeting a written answer will be provided and the question will not be placed on the agenda.
- Any questions deemed by the Chief Executive to be defamatory or which relate to a specific officer or member will not be included on the agenda and the questioner will be informed in writing accordingly. In consultation with the questioner the Chief Executive may edit a question or statement if it is felt to be too lengthy and time-consuming.
- The Chairman or Vice-Chairman will invite the questioner to read his/her question and where appropriate allow them to make a brief statement explaining the background.
- A prepared response will be spoken to by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Authority or the relevant Committee Chairman.
- At the discretion of the Chairman the questioner may be allowed to ask a supplementary question, which may be answered by the appropriate Committee Chairman or officer if the necessary infroamtion is available. If not a written answer will be provided within 14 days.
- Except at the discretion of the Chairman there will be no debate on the question(s) and answer(s) provided, but if members of the Authority so decide, it may be agreed to refer the matter to the next appropriate meeting and to request an officer's report.
- Petetions will be received immediately following any questions. The nature and object of the petetion, and the names of those making it should be delivered in writing to the Chief Executive at least 7 days before the meeting. Signatures of the petition shall appoint one person to speak on their behalf for up to 3 minutes.
- A record of questions asked and replied given will be recored in the formal minutes of the meeting.
