In general, members of the public have the right to attend and observe all meetings held in public. However, in certain circumstances when documents contain confidential or restricted information, members of the public will be asked to leave the room when those items are being discussed.

Meetings are normally held in the Hurstwood Room at the Public Service Plaza.

We also endeavour to broadcast meetings and make the recordings available on the council website for up to 6 months after each meeting is held. Please note that meetings will continue in person if a broadcast fails.

Members of the public also have the right to record and report on proceedings via online media and local news forums. Recording excludes those sitting in the public gallery, the privacy of these must be respected. For details of the protocol for recording meetings of the council, please read The Recording Photography and Social Media Protocol.

Public Participation

In addition to attending or watching meetings, the public can participate in various council, Cabinet and Committee meetings held by Havant Borough Council as shown below.

Members of the public have the right to ask questions of members of the Cabinet at ordinary meetings of the council. Find out more about the details of the scheme.

Please note that the right to ask questions does not extend to meetings of Annual Council/Mayor Making, Cabinet or any other Committee or Sub Committee of the council. However, the Leader of the Council may, at his discretion invite members of the public to ask questions at Cabinet meetings.

Speaking at Meetings

We currently have schemes that allow people to speak at Full Council meetings. A member of the public may speak at a meeting of Full Council provided that a summary of the text has been received by the Democratic Services Manager (DemocraticServices@havant.gov.uk), no later than no later than 12 noon four clear working days before the meeting. The speech shall reflect the summary provided. (Section A, Part B of the council Meeting Procedure Rules as set out in Part 3 of the council's Constitution).

Planning Committee meetings.

Licensing Committee meetings.

Please note that the right to speak does not extend to meetings of Annual Council/Mayor Making, Cabinet or any other Committee or Sub Committee of the Council. However, the Overview & Scrutiny Committee may invite officers, councillors or other people to address it, discuss issues of local concern and/or answer questions.

Submitting a Petition

We have a scheme which allows people to submit certain types of petition at Full Council meetings.

For details on the rules governing petitions at Full Council, including the types of petition that may be considered please read Submitting Petitions at Full Council Meetings or contact the officer named in the agenda for the meeting that you are interested in.

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