- Every meeting of the Council, its Committees, Sub-Committees and Short Life Working Groups will be open to the public, except in special circumstances which are set out below. (CS)
When are the public sometimes not allowed to be present?
- The public must be excluded from a meeting of the Council or a Committee, Sub-Committee or Short Life Working Group when an item of business is being considered if it is likely, because of the business itself or what might be said, that confidential information as meant by the relevant law would be given to members of the public. [The relevant law in this case is Section 50A(2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973]. (CS)
- The Council may decide, by passing a resolution at any meeting, to exclude the public when they are considering an item of business if it is likely, because of the business itself or what might be said, that exempt information as meant by the relevant law would be given to members of the public. The resolution to exclude the public will make clear the proceedings or which part of the proceedings of the meeting it applies to and state the description of the exempt information. [The relevant law in this case is Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973]. (CS)
- It is always open to the Council in order to stop or prevent disorderly conduct or other misbehaviour at a meeting, to exclude or eject members of the public whose presence or conduct is impeding or is likely to impede good conduct of the meeting. If a member of the public interrupts any meeting, the Provost may warn the person. If they continue the interruption the Provost may order that they are removed from the meeting. (CS)
