Citizens' rights

Citizens have a number of rights when dealing with this council. These rights are set out below and reflect legal rights plus some based on the services provided by the council.

Elections & electoral registration

  • Right to register to vote, if eligible
  • Right to vote at local, Government and European elections if registered to do so
  • Right to use a postal vote at local, Government and European elections
  • Right to use a proxy to vote for you at local, Government and European elections
  • Right to stand for election as a District Councillor, if eligible

Council and committee meetings

Attendance

  • Right to attend meetings of the council and its committees and sub-committees, except where exempt or confidential information may be discussed

Public participation

  • Right to ask questions at a meeting of the council and/or most of its committees and sub-committees through the council's Public Question Time scheme
  • Right to speak at meetings of the Licensing Committee through the council's public speaking schemes, either as an applicant or their agent/supporter, an objector or on behalf of statutory consultees
  • Right to speak at meetings of the Planning Committee through the council's public speaking schemes, either as an applicant or their agent/supporter, an objector or on behalf of a parish council
  • Right to speak on land matters at meetings of the Policy and Resources Committee through the council's public speaking schemes, either as an applicant or their agent or supporter, an objector or on behalf of a parish council

Access to information

  • Right to find out what matters will be discussed at meetings of the council and its committees and sub-committees
  • Right to see reports and background papers, except those containing confidential or exempt information
  • Right to find out the decisions made at meetings of the council and its committees and sub-committees, except those containing confidential or exempt information
  • Right to see copies of minutes of meetings of the council and its committees and sub-committees, except those containing confidential or exempt information

Other matters

  • Right to complain about council services
  • Right to make compliments and comments to the council about its services
  • Right to petition the council on matters relating to the council's work or of particular concern to the council through the council's Petitions Scheme
  • Right to contact local district councillors about any matter of concern
  • Right to complain about district councillors behaviour