Attending Council and Committee meetings held in public and asking questions

You can attend meetings of the councils except those where confidential or exempt items are being discussed. The meeting agenda will make it clear either way and will provide reasons if the public are to be excluded.

The following government publication details 'open and accountable local government'. It contains information about the right to attend and report meetings:

• Open and accountable local government - A guide on attending & reporting meetings of local government (a DCLG document) (286KB)

Seating is available on a first come basis in the public gallery.

Room capacity is based on the current fire certificate and room layout for each meeting.

The councils will endeavour to maximise space and seating but if public seating is unavailable you may be asked to wait outside the meeting room.

Mobility transport has specific requirements: if you are attending and are in a motorised vehicle please let the clerk of the meeting know in advance preferably the day before so that advice can be given for your comfort (see the contact details in the footer of this page).

Room capacities when used with a meeting layout are as follows:

Adur District Council:
The Shoreham Centre, Pond Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5WU

• Council Chamber, The QE11 Room: 30
• Public gallery: 40

Worthing Borough Council:
Worthing Town Hall, Chapel Road, Worthing, BN11 1HA

• Council Chamber: total 120
  • Downstairs: 38 fixed seats
  • Downstairs gallery: 52
  • Upstairs gallery: 30
• Gordon Room: 75
• Committee Room 1: 14
• Committee Room 2: 30
• Committee Room 3: 14
• Committee Rooms 1, 2 and 3 (when combined): total 58

If you need any more information about accessing public meetings, please contact Democratic Services (see contact details).

Specific information relating to Adur or Worthing meetings can be found below:

• Adur District Council meetings
• Worthing Borough Council meetings

See also:

• Council meetings and committees

Adur District Council meetings

At Adur Planning Committee meetings

The speaking at Adur Planning Committee guidelines are separate and can be found on the:

• Speaking at Adur Planning Committees page

At full meetings of Adur Council

The guide below will help you understand the meetings of full council including how to ask questions:

• Making the most of Adur District Full Council Meetings - a guide (240KB)

Back to top

Worthing Borough Council meetings

At Worthing Planning Committee meetings

The speaking at Worthing Planning Committee guidelines are separate and can be found on the:

• Speaking at Worthing Planning Committees page

At full meetings of Worthing Council

The guide below will help you understand the meetings of full council including how to ask questions:

• Making the most of Worthing Borough Full Council Meetings - a guide (119KB)

Back to top