ALL MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEE ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND PRESS

Public Participation at Parish Council meetings

Meetings of the Parish Council are not public meetings but are a meeting in public.

Members of the public have a statutory right to attend meetings of the council as observers but have no legal right to speak unless authorised to do so by the Chairman. However, as part of its community engagement, Heacham Parish Council sets out a time for public participation at its meetings when members of the public are invited to speak or ask questions.

Members of the public are welcome to stay for the Council meeting after the public session and are asked to respect the fact that this is a meeting to conduct council business and interruptions during council business are not permitted.

Rules set out in the Council’s Standing Orders:

• This session will be limited to a maximum time of 15 minutes.
• The time for each member of the public to speak is limited to 3 minutes.
• If more than one member of the public wishes to speak on the same topic then they should nominate one person to speak on their behalf. This will avoid duplication and make the best use of the public participation period.
• Written statements must be received by the Clerk at least 3 days prior to the meeting.