A Visitors' guide to Council meetings
Introduction
This leaflet is one of a series that explains procedures within Clackmannanshire Council.
The information explains what happens at a Council meeting. While it does not describe all the rules that apply to Council meetings, it should give you an insight.
When and where does the Council meet?
The Council meets once every six weeks, with a break during the summer. The meetings are usually held in the Council Chamber at Greenfield, Alloa. Details of the meeting dates are published on the meetings diary section on this site.
Special Council meetings can be called if a decision is needed before an item can be discussed at an ordinary meeting of the Council. Our Standing Orders explain the circumstances and procedures for calling a Special meeting.
Can the public come to the meetings?
Clackmannanshire Council welcomes visitors to the Council Chambers.
Most of our meetings are open to the public and representatives from the press and they are very welcome to sit in and listen to the proceedings. The seats for the members of the public are at the back of the Council Chamber. A plan showing the layout of the Council Chamber can be found in the downloadable version of this leaflet.
Unless you have applied for and been granted permission you will not be able to speak at the meeting. You may leave and re-enter the meeting at any time.
Mobile phones should be switched off in the Council Chamber.
Occasionally, for legal reasons or reasons of confidentiality, we may have to take the meeting in private. These exempt items are usually the last on the agenda and public and press will be asked to leave the meeting before the debate begins.
Who comes to the Council meetings?
Our 18 councillors all attend the Council meetings. We sit round the table, with the Provost as the convenor. The Chief Executive and the Clerk to the Council, (the Head of Strategy and Customer Services), sit at the top table, beside the Provost, to provide guidance and advice.
Usually at least one officer from each Council service will attend to answer councillors' questions. A business support officer takes the minutes. The press also attend to report what happens in the local papers.
What happens at Council meetings?
Our Council meetings usually start at 9.30 am but this can vary. After the opening, the Provost will deal with the items of business as they appear on the agenda, allowing time for questions and debate. If all the councillors do not agree on a decision, a vote will be taken to decide the matter.
Copies of all non-confidential reports are available at the start of each meeting. The agenda and reports are also available in local libraries.
If you would like a copy of the agenda, please contact us using the details below. Copies of the agenda and reports are available to download from the meetings diary section on this site.
Is a record taken of the meetings?
The official record of our Council meetings is contained in the 'minutes'. This is not a word-for-word note but a record of our decisions. Minutes of our Council meetings are public documents. You can view electronic copies on tthe meetings diary section on this site and copies are available in our libraries.
Please note that no camera or recording equipment is permitted in the Council chambers without permission.
Other Council meetings
In addition to full Council meetings decisions can be taken at our committees, which are also open to the public.
Main Committees
Our Planning Committee takes decisions on a range of regulatory matters including planning applications and planning enforcement. While the Regulatory Sub-Committee of the Planning Committee has responsibility for licensing functions such as taxi licensing and the licensing of marriage venues. Our Scrutiny Committee monitors the performance of Council Services and the use of Council resources and a Workforce Committee has the responsibility for hearing and determining appeals by council employees and recognised trade unions.
Who can help you?
A business support officer attends each meeting and will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
For more information please contact us using the details below.
You may also be interested in...
Related Publications & Documents
Page & Site Tools
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Strategy and Customer Services
Greenfield House, Tullibody Road, Alloa, FK10 2AD
Tel: 01259 452004 / 450000 Fax: 01259 452230
Email: customerservice@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form
