Public question time could be introduced at council meetings

Residents could be given a dedicated opportunity to question Newtown councillors under proposals being examined following concerns about the current arrangements.

A report on adding a set place for public questions to council meetings is to be prepared by Town Clerk Ed Humphreys.

The change was suggested during the full council meeting in July, as members considered amendments to the Public Participation Policy.

No new question session was approved at the meeting.

The existing system allows eligible residents to speak for up to three minutes, but only about matters already listed on the agenda.

It is designed as an opportunity to address the meeting rather than question councillors or hold a two-way discussion. Any response or supplementary question is at the chair’s discretion.

Councillors approved separate changes to the policy, including bringing forward the deadline for registering to speak.

Requests must now reach the Town Clerk’s office by 4.30pm on the day of a meeting. The previous deadline was 15 minutes before the usual 6.30pm start.

Officers said the later deadline was impractical because staff could be travelling to the venue or carrying out technical preparations.

The revised policy will also confirm that members of the public can attend some meetings in person. Outdated names of former mayors will be removed from the accompanying visitor information.

Public participation normally lasts for up to 15 minutes, although the chair can allow a further 15 minutes.

The council has not said when the report on introducing a dedicated question session will be considered.