Your democratic rights

Any resident of the London Borough of Hillingdon.

Questions may be put to the Leader of the Council or any member of the Cabinet. Details of who is responsible for what function are available. Email democratic@hillingdon.gov.uk and we will be pleased to answer any queries you may have.

Yes - as long as it is about a matter for which the council has responsibility or affects the borough.

However, the question will not be allowed if it is defamatory, frivolous or offensive, overtly party political in nature, requires the disclosure of confidential information or is similar to one asked at a previous council meetings in the past six months.

All questions must be put in writing to Democratic Services at democratic@hillingdon.gov.uk.

A contact name and address must be given with a telephone or email address in case of query. You may only submit one question to each meeting and no more than two questions can be asked on behalf of one organisation.

There is a time limit of 30 minutes for public questions at each council meeting. Any question that is the same as one asked in the last six months will be ruled out.

We will confirm that we have received your question and send you details of what happens before, during and following the meeting.

Democratic Services can provide advice if you need help in framing your question or you are not sure who is the right person to put it to.

Yes, all questions must be received by the Head of Democratic Services no later than noon, seven working days before the day of the council meeting to enable time for research so that full answers can be given. You can find out when the next council meeting is on our website.

Yes - nobody may submit more than one question at any one meeting and no more than 2 questions may be asked on behalf of one organisation. There is a time limit of 30 minutes for questions at each council meeting. Any question that was the same as one asked in the last six months would be ruled out.

No - if you are unable to attend you can request that the Mayor ask the question on your behalf.

Yes - if you attend you may put your question in person. You cannot speak otherwise or comment.

Yes - all questions will be placed in a register open to public inspection. Each question will be asked and an answer given in public at the council meeting.

Any rejected questions will also be included in the register with the reason for rejection.

Any question that is not answered within the 30 minute time limit will receive a written reply within 5 working days of the meeting.

There will be no discussion after a question has been answered but a councillor can propose that the issue is referred to the Cabinet or a relevant committee for further consideration. A vote would be taken on such a proposal without debate.

Any question that is not reached within the 30 minute time limit will receive a written reply within five working days of the meeting.