Speak Out Against Attack on Local Democracy

Barnet Council are planning to change the constitution to dramatically reduce resident scrutiny at Committee Meetings. Please sign this petition to request Barnet to withdraw their proposals.

CURRENT SITUATION

Barnet residents are allowed to submit as many questions as they believe are necessary in relation to any agenda item on a Council Committee.

Over a monitored period, the majority of committees received less than three public questions per meeting and nine received no public questions at all.

A Barnet resident is allowed to speak for a maximum of three minutes per question. Barnet councillors are able to ask the resident questions. There is a maximum 30 minute time limit for questions and comments.

WHAT ARE BARNET COUNCIL PROPOSING?

A Barnet resident will now be restricted to one question per agenda item and only two questions will taken in the order of receipt by the Governance Service. A Barnet resident will be only allowed to submit a 100 word comment to a Committee.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Barnet councillors will not be allowed to ask any questions of a resident.

Barnet residents will no longer be entitled to three minutes at committee meetings.

Barnet say this is about saving money and giving more opportunities to residents. It will do neither especially, if residents are forced to submit multiple FOI requests to get important answers.

If you think that Barnet Council is gagging its residents then please sign the #No2GaggingInBarnet petition and share widely.