Question 10

Question 1

Do the press and the public have the authority to attend public meetings?

Answer 1

Yes they have the right to

Question 2

Access to principal authorities is protected by?

Answer 2

Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985

Question 3

When may the public be excluded from public meetings?

Answer 3

1. Confidential information would be disclosed in breach of the obligation of confidence
2. the decision-making body concerned passes a resolution to exclude the public during an item in which disclosure of exempt information is likely
3. it is necessary to maintain orderly conduct or prevent misbehaviour at a meeting

Question 4

What is confidential information?

Answer 4

information provided to the local authority by a government department upon terms forbidding its disclosure to the public, or information the disclosure of which to the public is prohibited by or under any enactment or a court order

Question 5

What is exempt information?

Answer 5

Information relating to a variety of subjects e.g Any part of an agenda, report or other document which contains exempt information.

Question 6

What type of privilege protects reports of council meetings ?

Answer 6

Qualified privilege

Question 7

How many days beforehand should a agendas and reports be made ?

Answer 7

5

Question 8

How are decisions that are made in cabinet and not open to the public published?

Answer 8

They must be recorded and made to the public

Question 9

Can you tweet, blog, film, audio-record and take photos of meetings?

Answer 9

Yes- let them know beforehand if you record

Question 10

Under what section does it state that any person interested can inspect a local authority’s accounts, contracts, bills, vouchers and receipts to make copies?

Answer 10

Section 15 of the audit commision act 1998