Public Participation

There are a number of ways for members of the public to become involved in the Council's decision making process.

Submitting questions to the Executive 

Anyone living or working in the Borough may ask up to three questions to the Executive.  Questions need to be submitted to the Chief Executive by 12 noon, seven days before the meeting, who has the right to decline if it concerns an issue the Council has no responsibility for, is defamatory / frivolous / offensive, or requires the disclosure of exempt information.  The questioner will be invited to attend the meeting of the Executive and may ask one additional related question without notice.

Speaking at the Planning Committee

If a planning application is to be decided by the Planning Committee, objectors and the applicant have a right to address the Committee.   This right is restricted to one objector only and is only available for certain major planning applications, applications made by the Council and other applications where 10 or more objections have been received.The objector and the applicant have a period of three minutes each to make their views known.  However, no questions can be allowed due to the volume of planning applications before each meeting of the Planning Committee.

Submitting Petitions 

Any registered elector of the Borough can present a petition to the Council as long as it is relevant to Council services or the Borough.  Petitions cannot be made about planning policy or planning applications.  Anyone wishing to present a petition must deliver it to the Chief Executive by noon seven days before the meeting at which it is to be presented.  The Chief Executive will then decide whether the petition should be presented and to which Committee or, in consultation with the petitioner, decide that the subject matter of the petition has been addressed.If the petition is to be received by a Committee, the petitioner will be invited to present it for up to three minutes, explaining what it is for and the number of people who have signed it.  Councillors may then ask the petitioner questions about the petition and will discuss how the matter should be determined. 

Speaking with your local Councillor

Your Councillor, democratically elected to represent you, is working hard to voice your views and concerns and so give you a say in local issues.  All you need to do is get in touch with him or her and let your views be known.

For further information, please contact Member Services on 01483 743863 or email memberservices@woking.gov.uk