Openness at meetings

Information on the council's policy of openness at meetings.

The Local Government (Access to Information) Act says that council meetings should be open to the public and press (including agency and broadcasting journalists) except where "confidential" or "exempt" information would be revealed.
We put up notices at least five clear days before meetings. Normally we put them up at County Hall in Matlock. If meetings are called urgently, we put notices up at once.
If the meeting is to be elsewhere, we put up notices at the location as well as at County Hall.
We provide reasonable facilities for the press to take and make their reports.
Copies of the papers will be available for those attending the meeting.

Public 'question time' at council meetings

You can make your voice heard in the democratic process following the introduction of a 'Question Time'-style session during the full Council meetings. To be eligible your name must appear on the Derbyshire County Council register of electors, or be a Derbyshire Council Tax payer or Non-Domestic Tax payer.

The 30-minute session opens up the decision-making process and encourage members of the public to have a greater voice in local service provision.

Council meetings are usually held on a Wednesday and to take part in the question-and-answer session, you should submit your question in writing by 5pm on the previous Friday. This enables the authority to gather the necessary background information so that a full answer can be given.

You will then be invited to attend the meeting and table your question to the relevant member of the County Council's Cabinet.

Questions are welcome about any issue that comes under the responsibility of the County Council, or any issue that affects Derbyshire.

You should submit your question in writing to the

County Secretary
Derbyshire County Council
County Hall
Matlock
DE4 3AG

Alternatively email david.tysoe@derbyshire.gov.uk