Braintree District Council holds many public meetings for discussion of a whole range of local issues and concerns, from planning matters to housing and environment.

People have always been able to contact the Council, through the elected Members or staff at the three offices in Braintree, Halstead and Witham.

The Council wants people to have the chance to put their views or questions direct to its Committees. You can ask a question or make a statement on any matter of local concern, whether it is on the day's Agenda or not. If Councillors or Members of the Committee can answer the question there and then, they will. If not, they will ensure that you receive a written reply normally within 10 working days of the meeting.

Please remember that the Council cannot be committed to a course of action just from one question and answer, that wouldn't be democratic and the Council has to follow established procedures when deciding on action or policies.

All our public meetings normally start at 7.15pm. Please arrive by 7.00pm and make yourself known to the Chairman or an officer.

Your question can be put to the first available Committee or to the Committee most appropriate to your subject. Most Committees are held at local halls or venues and the location is often decided nearer the time.

You can ask a question (maximum of two minutes) or make a statement (maximum of 3 minutes). A period of 30 minutes will be set aside for all questions, statements and answers at the start of the Committee meeting. This will be done on a first come first served basis. Therefore please contact a Member of Democratic Services by emailing alison.webb@braintree.gov.uk or telephoning on 01376 552525 48 hours in advance to give notice of your intention to speak at a meeting.

If you want someone to read your question for you, say so and the Chairman of the Committee will ask it for you but you must be present at the meeting. The Chairman will reserve the right to over-rule questions or statements which repeat ones made earlier or which are defamatory.