Asking questions at authority

This information explains the how the public can submit and ask questions at meetings of the Authority.

• How much notice is needed to submit or ask a question?
• Are the questions in any specific order?
• How many questions can you submit?
• What type of questions may be rejected?
• How will I know if my question is rejected?
• What is the protocol for asking the question at the meeting?
• What is the position on asking supplementary questions?
• How will questions not answered at the meeting be dealt with?
• What happens if the question needs to be referred to the Cabinet or a committee?
• What is the time limit for public questions and answers?
  

Who can ask questions at Authority meetings?

Any member of the public may ask questions of the Chair of the Authority, Committee Chairs or representatives of  the Authority on external bodies at ordinary meetings of the Authority.

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How much notice is needed to submit or ask a question?

A person may only ask a question if notice of it has been given in writing (or by email) no later than 10am five clear working days in advance (e.g. Wednesday for a meeting on the Thursday of the following week).

The person submitting the question must give their name and address and name the member of the Authority to whom the question is being put.

The question submission notice should be sent to:

Paul Hughes
Clerk to the Authority

Email: paul.hughes@london-fire.gov.uk
Tel: 020 8555 1200 ext 30081,
LFB Headquarters
169 Union Street,
London,
SE1 0LL

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Are the questions asked in any specific order?

Questions are asked in the order in which their notice was received (please note that the Chair may group together similar questions).

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How many questions can you submit?

A person can submit one question at any given meeting (no more than two questions can be submitted on behalf of an organisation).

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What type of questions may be rejected?

A question may be rejected if it:

•Is not about a matter for which the Authority has responsibility;
•Is defamatory, frivolous or offensive;
•Is substantially the same as a question which has been put at a meeting of the Authority in the past six months; 
•Requires the disclosure of confidential or exempt information; or
•Relates either to the employment of an individual, or to ongoing litigation

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How will I know if my question is rejected?

If a question is rejected, you will be sent written advice, including the reasons for the rejection. Rejected questions will include reasons for rejection. Copies of all valid questions will be circulated to members no later than at the meeting and will be made available to the public attending the meeting. 

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What is the protocol for asking the question at the meeting?

The Chair will read the question.   If a questioner is unable to attend the meeting, a written reply will be given.

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What is the position on asking supplementary questions?

You are not entitled to ask supplementary questions. A member of the Authority may ask one supplementary question for the purpose of elucidation only.

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How will questions not answered at the meeting be dealt with?

Any questions that cannot be dealt with during public question time (either because of lack of time or because of the non-attendance of the member to whom it was to be put, will be dealt with by a written reply.

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What happens if the question needs to be referred to a committee?

Unless the Chair decides otherwise, no discussion will take place on any question, but any member may move that a matter raised by a question be referred to the appropriate committee. Once seconded, such a motion will be voted on without discussion.

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What is the time limit for public questions and answers?

A total time limit of 10 minutes is allowed for public questions and answers. A question being answered at the time limit shall be completed.

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