PEOPLE can now have an informal chat with councillors before, and speak during, some formal meetings of Crediton Town Council.  

It comes as the local authority is “looking at ways to improve open and transparent communication with the public”. 

The new rules only apply to so-called “full council” meetings, which take place every one to two months.  

There will be 30 minutes of open discussion before each meeting, in which members of the public can talk to elected representatives and council staff. Councillors are not compelled to attend. 

In addition, during the formal meeting, people can now raise their hand to speak with a time limit of three minutes. 

“Following the full council meeting on June 25, changes have been made to the council's standing orders and a new informal discussion session approved,” a Crediton Town Council spokesperson said. 

“Before each full council meeting, there will now be an opportunity for informal and open discussion amongst members of the public and the council.  

“All members of the council are invited to attend and the importance of this session has been heavily discussed by members.  

“This will not form part of the meeting, however, and therefore members are not required to attend this pre-meeting discussion. 

“The open discussion will begin at 7pm, with the full council meetings starting at 7.30pm.  

“Self-serve refreshments will be available and it will be an informal, social format, encouraging open conversation.  

“The council is looking at ways to improve open and transparent communication with the public, alongside providing the opportunity to meet and chat with members and officers in a relaxed environment.  

“This is a new idea and we are looking forward to seeing how it develops. 

“In addition, standing orders now allow members of the public to contribute to discussion during the formal meeting.  

“This can be done so by the member of the public raising their hand and they will be given three minutes to speak.  

“A copy of the revised standing orders are available on our website.” 

You can also find out when the next full council meetings will be and see meeting agendas on the council’s website.