Have your say at council meetings

There are a number of different ways you can have your say or get involved at council meetings.

Representations

At the discretion of the Chair of the meeting, members of the public may address the council, cabinet, committee or panel. This could include the presentation of a petition, about any report on the agenda for that meeting, in which you have a relevant interest.

Council meetings

Deputations

Deputations, which may include the presentation of a petition, are a way to raise issues you may be concerned about. This can be done in person at council meetings. If you wish to make a deputation, please write to us, explaining the subject you want to cover. Your letter or e-mail must be received at least seven working days (this does not include Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays) before the meeting at which the deputation is to be made.

The Mayor shall have the discretion to reject or refuse any request or may determine that such a request should be redirected to the Executive, a committee or sub-committee of the council or, by agreement, a third party (e.g. a partner).

The deputation shall not be entertained by the council where the issue:

Is within the terms of reference of a Specialist Committee
Is or relates to matters of a quasi-judicial nature
Is defamatory, frivolous or offensive
Refers to legal proceedings being taken or being anticipated by, or against, the Council
Relates to the provision of personal (e.g. care package, housing) services

Furthermore, if the deputee has a commercial or financial interest in the issue, the deputation shall not be entertained and the deputee shall be advised accordingly by the Service Director: Legal & Business Operations.

Questions

Questions may be asked at council by members of the public who either live or work in the city.

If you wish to ask a question write to the Democratic Services Manager, setting out the details. Your letter or e-mail must be received at least seven working days (this does not include Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays) before the council meeting at which the question is to be asked.

Email: democratic.services@southampton.gov.uk

Write to:

Democratic Services Manager
Southampton City Council
Civic Centre
Southampton
SO14 7LY

Petitions

At a meeting of the council any Councillor or a member of the public may present a petition as long as it is submitted in accordance with the council’s scheme for handling petitions.