Somerset’s Liberal Democrat-run Council has voted to reduce the number of public speakers allowed at Full Council meetings, a move branded by the Conservative Opposition as a step backwards for local democracy.
At the latest Full Council meeting, councillors approved a proposal to cut the maximum number of public questioners from eight to six. The change was challenged by Conservative councillors, who argued it sends the wrong message to residents about their right to be heard.
Conservative Councillor Faye Purbrick led the call to amend the proposal and retain the existing eight-speaker limit and said, “Why are we reducing public participation? It just seems like a reduction in democracy.” Cllr Purbrick also questioned how the six speakers would be chosen, warning it could come down to “fastest fingers first,” disadvantaging those without the time or access to respond immediately.
The amendment was formally seconded by Conservative Councillor Sue Osborne, who supported the case for protecting public participation saying, “I’m always slightly concerned when we look at reducing any opportunities for public participation". She added, “Full Council, apart from the scrutiny committees, is really the only opportunity the public have to express their views, their concerns to us, and potentially hold us to account.”
Councillor Diogo Rodrigues, Leader of the Conservative Opposition, supported the amendment and echoed concerns that reducing the number of public speakers risked sending the wrong signal to residents.
Despite the concerns raised, Councillor Ross Henley defended the change as a “minor adjustment” and the majority of Liberal Democrat councillors voted down the amendment.
Cllr Rodrigues said, “At a time when residents are already frustrated by rising council tax, reduced services, and the Council’s ongoing financial emergency, we should be doing more to involve the public — not less. This sends the wrong message at the wrong time.”
