Question time at the executive

A public question time takes place at each of the meetings of the Executive during the year.  Under the scheme, thirty minutes is set aside at the start of the meetings to allow anyone living or working in the Borough to ask up to three questions of a particular member of the Executive or to the Leader.

Questions need to be submitted in writing (by letter or e-mail) to the Chief Executive no later than 12 noon seven days before the day of the meeting.

The questions are first received by the Chief Executive who may reject a question if it:

• Concerns an issue for which the Council has no responsibility or does not affect the Borough.

• Is defamatory, frivolous or offensive.

• Requires the disclosure of confidential information.

The Chief Executive will enter each question in a book which can be viewed by members of the public.  A copy of the question(s) will be sent to the Leader of the Executive and the Councillor to whom the question has been put.  If no particular Councillor is specified, the question will be put to the Leader.  Rejected questions will also be recorded with a reason for the rejection.

What happens next?

Individuals who have raised a question will be invited to the meeting of the Executive and will be asked by the Leader to pose the question to the relevant Councillor.  If the individual is not able to attend the meeting, the Leader can be asked to raise the question on their behalf.  The Leader may then decide whether to ask the question, provide a written reply or decide that the question will not be dealt with in the absence of the individual.

Anyone who accepts the invitation to ask their question in person at the meeting can also ask one additional related question without notice. In the event that there isn't enough time during public question time to answer all questions, the Executive will respond in writing.

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