We operate a first come first served basis. When a meeting room reaches maximum capacity, we will close the doors to keep everyone safe and to meet fire regulation rules.
As part of our ongoing commitment to be open, fair and transparent, Full Council and Cabinet meetings are also video streamed live via the North Somerset Council YouTube channel.
When attending public meetings, we politely request that you behave with courtesy, tolerance and respect at all times to councillors, council officers and other meeting participants.
Please do not interrupt proceedings unless you are invited to do so.
Please do not use abusive, threatening or disruptive behaviour.
Anyone who causes a disturbance may be asked to leave or may be removed from the meeting.
To ensure that our meetings remain a safe and accessible place for those attending, please note that visitors are admitted on condition that they will allow themselves and their belongings to be searched, if requested by council staff.
Personal defence equipment is not permitted and UK law prohibits the carrying of certain self-defence items which are lawful in other countries. Any visitor found in possession of such items, such as flick knives, butterfly knives and personal defence sprays, will be refused entry and reported to the police.
The following items are not permitted at any of our meetings:
Please restrict the size of bags brought to meetings as there are no facilities for storage of bags or other personal items. All bags may be searched upon entry. You may also be subject to secondary searches once inside the meeting.
When a meeting moves into confidential sessions, all members of the public and media must leave the room. If relevant, the Chair will invite attendees to return to the public meeting once the open session resumes.
North Somerset Council is committed to providing accessible facilities and reasonable adjustments to ensure that all community members can attend and participate in meetings. If you have any specific requirements or questions, contact us by using our customer enquiry form.
Some meetings may be video streamed to improve openness, understanding and accountability of local decision making. These meetings are streamed live and are also available on-demand within 48 hours.
See the live and on-demand webcasts section on our YouTube channel.
When you speak at a council meeting, you should expect your contribution to appear on the webcast. If this creates a problem for you, please contact democratic services before noon on the day before the meeting at which you wish to speak.
Videos are made available for public viewing for three years after the date of the meeting.
While the camera focuses on the debate taking place, members of the public walking through the council chamber may inadvertently appear in camera shot. The public observation areas are not in the field of view.
The audio for the webcast is taken from the chamber microphone system which does not pick up ambient sounds from the public areas.
People coming to open meetings have the right to:
Commentary to filming is not allowed during meetings. If you’re going to a meeting you may be filmed by others at the meeting.