Speaking at a council meeting

Many of our council and committee meetings are open to the public.

Local residents have the opportunity to ask pre-registered questions and present petitions.

There is time at the beginning of meetings (except quasi-judicial meetings and the Standards Committee) for members of the public to ask a pre-registered question of the Full Council, Cabinet, Executive Members or a committee.

How to ask a question

You must send us your questions in writing by 7.30pm four working days before the meeting (inclusive of the date of the meeting)

  • questions must be relevant to the work of the meeting
  • only one question per person

Post or email your questions to:

Governance Services Manager
The Campus
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6AE

democracy@welhat.gov.uk

What happens when you ask a question

If you are able to go to the meeting:

  • you will ask your question at the beginning of the meeting
  • the chairman will provide a response.
  • follow up questions will not be allowed
  • no debate will be permitted on any question or response.

If you are not able to go to the meeting:

  • your question will be read out at the meeting
  • a written response will be sent to you.

Your question will be shared with all members of the committee and will be available to the public.

For more information or advice on asking a question at a meeting contact the Governance Services Team.

Access for deaf and hard of hearing residents

We can supply signers for members of the public who are hard of hearing. Contact us beforehand to request a signer.

We also have a loop system in all our meeting rooms.

Governance Services

Address: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Offices
The Campus
Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL8 6AE