It’s been confirmed – members of the public do not have to attend to hear their question answered at full council.

An argument has been going on for some months about whether or not people have to attended or just confirm their identity prior to a full council meeting.

The issue was raised by a member of the public concerned that people who worked were “disadvantaged” by the procedural rules of attending, as advertised on the council website, and in letters sent to those who submitted questions.

A response was given by council leader Clr. David Simpson at full council in October that the constitution did not state that a questioner had to attend but identify themselves.

However, Clr. Jacob Williams said this was not what David Edwards, who raised the initial question, was referring to rather the official guidance given to the public.

Mr. Edwards was then refused a further question at the following full council meeting to clarify the matter, said Clr. Williams.

Council leader Clr. David Simpson said on Thursday (January 24) at corporate overview and scrutiny that guidance had been amended and he thanked Mr. Edwards for raising the matter.

Mr. Edwards also spoke to the committee and said there had been a “disconnect” between what the leader’s response was and what happened in reality.

He added that he had received an apology from a senior officer for “emails going on in the background” that were derogatory about him.

Clr. Mike Stoddart said he was “disappointed in the leader trying to put lipstick on this particular pig” adding the council has “an inability to say ‘we might have got it wrong’.”