Hailsham Town Council Issues Updated Guidance on Public Attendance at Meetings

Hailsham Town Council has reaffirmed its commitment to openness and community engagement by issuing updated information on how residents and members of the press may attend and observe Council and committee meetings. The Council continues to encourage public involvement in local decision-making and aims to ensure that residents understand how they can participate.

Members of the public and the press are welcome to attend all Council and committee meetings, except where confidential or sensitive matters require discussion in private or where informal workshops are taking place.

Attendance at public meetings

• All Council and committee meetings are open to the public and attendees may enter or leave as needed, provided they do not disrupt proceedings.
• The public and press may be asked to withdraw if commercially confidential or sensitive matters are under consideration.
• A 15‑minute public forum is held at the start of each meeting during which residents may address councillors. The Chair may extend this period at their discretion.
• Questions may be submitted without notice but to ensure a full response, written or emailed questions should be received at least two clear working days before the meeting and must include the name and address of the questioner.
• The Chair may permit additional questions where appropriate.
• Oral questions do not guarantee a written reply unless the responding member confirms otherwise.
• Questions must relate to Council business or, where relevant, to the remit of the specific committee.

The Town Council’s public committees

• Assets Management Committee (Town Council-maintained buildings and land)
• Communities Committee (Town revitalisation, markets, events and Hailsham Youth Service)
• Finance & Governance Committee (Precept, budget, finance, policy and contracts)
• Planning & Development Committee (Commenting on planning/development related matters)
• Neighbourhood Planning Committee (Production of Plan guiding future development)
• Staffing Committee (staffing matters and recruitment)
• Post Office Committee (Management of High Street Post Office franchise)

A full schedule of committee meetings, along with bi‑monthly meetings of Full Council, is available on the Town Council website. Agendas are published online and displayed on the noticeboard outside the Town Council offices.

Statement from Corporate Services Manager Emily Hastings

Corporate Services Manager Emily Hastings said: “We want residents to feel confident in approaching the Council and to understand how they can take part in local democracy. Attending meetings is an effective way to see how decisions are made and to raise matters that are important to the community.”

“Public involvement strengthens the quality of our work. When residents share their views, it helps ensure that decisions reflect local priorities. We encourage anyone with an interest in the town’s future to observe our meetings and take an active role in civic life.”