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Does Provost Fletcher not understand the rules concerning meetings.
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TOPIC: Does Provost Fletcher not understand the rules concerning meetings.

Does Provost Fletcher not understand the rules concerning meetings. 4 years, 10 months ago #1

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On another thread we have reported how Cllr Fletcher does not understand the legislation in relation to Audio Requests (Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.)

He appears to be of the opinion that the decision to permit or deny is that of the chair.

However the legislation is very clear, as are ERC standing orders and also the opinions of two senior committee services officers.

The chair does not have that privilege to dictate to other councillors, those present at the meeting must make the decision, not the chair.

Does Provost Fletcher not understand the rules concerning meetings. 4 years, 10 months ago #2

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Then we come onto another matter, which is one of many, that in our opinion
he has not followed procedure, since he began chairing full council meetings.

Section 50 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 which will be covered in more detail on another thread, relative to what we believe is being abused by this council.

Councils can can exclude the press and public from certain items, with caveats.

At the full council meeting Councillor James Fletcher said in relation to the last item of the agenda "Can I have your approval because it has to be a private paper".

A person in that position MUST observe both the proper wording and the terms of the legislation, it is imperative.

There is no such reference to such a thing as a 'Private Paper'.

There are only two classification of material that can be considered unsuitable for the press or the public to hear.

'Confidential' or 'Exempt'

Re: Does Provost Fletcher not understand the rules concerning meetings. 4 years, 10 months ago #3

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In our opinion (to be expanded on on detail on another thread) this paper was neither.

"IT HAS TO BE A PRIVATE PAPER" does infer that the matter is closed and no objections can be heard, even though he proceed that comment with 'Can I have your approval'.

The act that he was relying on provides hat the councillors present must be provided with the opportunity to object, and or question the clerk to the council, who is always present, as to why they should approve such a REQUEST.

In our opinion this right was withheld from the councillors due to the wording of the statement, and given that not one of those present would be aware of the finite s of the legislation would consider questioning Cllr Fletcher's dictate.
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