HomeNewsStanding orders! Town Council introduces new speaking rules

Standing orders! Town Council introduces new speaking rules

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Burnham-On-Sea town councillors will have to stand before speaking during debates from next year.

In a bid to bring more formality to discussions in the Town Council Chambers, councillors have this week approved the plans.

Speakers will have to stand to attract the attention of the Chairman when they wish to speak, rather than simply raising their hands as they have done for several decades.

Cllr Neville Jones was among a group of councillors who voted against the change, calling it “completely unnecessary”.

The matter was considered during Monday’s council meeting when councillors reviewed their internal policies.

The same procedure has been in place at Sedgemoor District Council for many years, but the Town Council has taken the more informal approach.

Town Clerk Denise Emery confirmed: “The Chairman will invite speakers to speak only after they have stood to express their interest in speaking. He will be able to use his discretion for members who are less mobile.”

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