Speaking at Meetings

Members of the public can speak on non-confidential items appearing on committee agenda in accordance with the following rules:

1. A person's intention/wish to address the committee must be registered on the speaking sheet just prior to the meeting (the Committee Manager will advise where and how to sign). The intention to speak cannot be registered any earlier or by any other means than this.

2. The opportunity to speak is given to one person in support of each agenda item and one person against only, the first person, either way, to enter his/her name on the sheet taking precedence in the event of more than one person wishing to speak.

3. The Chairman will indicate to the speaker when they can address the committee.

4. Each speaker will be limited to three minutes' speech which will be timed.

5.  The Chairman will give the opportunity for a contrary view to be expressed when only one member of the public has spoken on an item (either for or against), even though no entry has been made in advance on the speaking sheet.

6. If an agenda item is deferred, a registered speaker can also choose to defer his/her speech and will then automatically have the right to speak on the same item at the next meeting.

7. The Chairman can exercise his/her discretion to not hear a speaker if, in his/her opinion, the issue/organisation/person concerned has already received an adequate hearing.