How do Council meetings work?
Council meetings are where councillors discuss local issues and make decisions on behalf of the community.
Most meetings are open to the public, and residents are welcome to attend and observe.
Types of Meeting
The Council holds different types of meetings throughout the year.
Full Council Meetings
These are the Council’s regular meetings. Councillors discuss local matters, consider reports and make decisions.
Annual Council Meeting
Held each May, this meeting includes the election of the Chair and other annual business.
Extraordinary Meetings
These are special meetings called when important business cannot wait until the next scheduled meeting.
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting is different from a Parish Council meeting. It is a meeting for everyone who lives in the parish and provides an opportunity to discuss local issues and hear about community activities.
Before a Meeting
Before each meeting, the Council publishes an agenda.
The agenda is a list of the topics that will be discussed and decided at the meeting. In most cases, councillors can only make decisions on items that appear on the agenda.
Agendas are usually published at least three clear days before a meeting.
What Happens at a Meeting?
Meetings usually follow a set order, which may include:
- Apologies for absence.
- Declarations of interest.
- Public Question Time.
- Approval of previous minutes.
- Reports and updates.
- Planning matters.
- Financial matters and payments.
- Other council business.
The Chair leads the meeting and makes sure everyone has a chance to speak and that the meeting follows the rules.
Public Question Time
At the start of each Full Council meeting, members of the public can ask questions or raise local concerns.
Public Question Time is an opportunity to speak directly to the Council. It is not a debate and is not part of the formal decision-making process.
Questions may be answered during the meeting, in writing afterwards, or considered at a future meeting.
How Decisions Are Made
Councillors discuss each item before making a decision.
Most decisions are made by a vote. Each councillor has one vote, and the option with the most votes is usually carried. If there is a tie, the Chair may have a casting vote.
Minutes
Minutes are the official record of the decisions made at a meeting.
Draft minutes are prepared after the meeting and are approved at a later meeting. Once approved, they are published on the Council’s website.
Attending a Meeting
Residents and members of the press are welcome to attend most meetings.
Meeting dates, agendas and minutes can be found in the Meetings section of this website.
Learn More
You may also wish to read:
- Public Question Time Procedure
- Guide to Parish Council Meetings
- Standing Orders
- Meeting Agendas and Minutes