As a resident of York there may be times when you want to attend meetings to have your say. You might want to bring a particular issue to the attention of councillors, contribute to a debate, or give your views on a planning application or development.

How do I arrange to speak at a meeting?

If you want to speak at a meeting, contact Democratic services by 5.00pm the day before the meeting. A democracy officer will put you on the list of speakers and answer any questions.

Only one person is allowed to speak for or against an item on the agenda. Requests to speak are registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups or organisations should choose one spokesperson to represent them.

Anyone may attend a public council meeting if they just want to observe.

How do I find out when meetings take place?

Agendas for meetings can be found on the council meetings page, at local libraries and on the Guildhall notice board, usually five days before the meeting.

You can also contact Democratic services to find out when a meeting is taking place or to request an agenda.

Where do the meetings take place?

Most council meetings take place at the Guildhall, except for some planning meetings which occasionally take place at rural locations. Full details including venues are published on Guildhall notice board usually five working days before the meeting takes place.

Who usually attends meetings?

The councillors who sit on that particular body, one of whom chairs the meeting.

Council officers may also attend meetings to give expert advice. However, they are not voting members and cannot make decisions.

Are there any meetings which I can't attend?

Most of the council's business is conducted in public unless it is commercially sensitive or is about an individual. The public may be asked to leave while such an item is discussed.

The agenda will list any items that will be discussed in private.

What will happen at the meeting?

The public speaking session is usually near the beginning of the meeting.

When it is your turn you will be invited to address the councillors. You will have up to three minutes to speak and then the councillors may ask you some questions.

You are not entitled to address the meeting other than during your three minutes and when answering questions.

What happens next?

If you have spoken about something on the agenda the councillors will usually discuss it and announce their decision immediately.

You are free to leave the meeting when you wish.