Ask the Leader
Leader’s Question and Answer Session at the Westminster Scrutiny Commission
The Leader’s Question and Answer session is an opportunity for the Westminster Scrutiny Commission to scrutinise the work of the Leader. It is also a chance for you to get involved in the scrutiny process at Westminster.
The Leader’s Question and Answer sessions will take place twice a year at the following Westminster Scrutiny Commission meetings:
Get involved – put your question to the Leader
If you would like to ask the Leader a question you can come along to one of the twice yearly sessions and ask your question in person. Alternatively, you can submit your question in advance and it might be selected by a Member of the Westminster Scrutiny Commission to be put to the Leader during the session, on your behalf. If it is not selected, or if it requires an urgent response, you will receive a written response.
Guidelines for submitting questions
Who can ask a question?
Anyone who is living, working or learning in the City of Westminster can ask or suggest a question to be put to the Leader.
How do I ask a question?
- You can ask your question at one of the twice yearly Q&A Sessions, time permitting, or submit it in advance. To submit your question in advance you can either fill out our online form or download the (PDF) printable form and sending it back us. Submit your question suggestion to be put to the Leader.
- When submitting a question, please give your name and address and if possible a contact telephone number or email address. This will enable us to invite you to the meeting if your question is selected. This will also ensure we can send a written response if your question cannot be asked during the session.
- Questions must be submitted by the following dates if you would like the Commission to consider asking them at the Q&A Session:
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| Tuesday 9 October, 2007 | Wednesday 26 September, 2007, 5pm |
| Monday 14 July, 2008 | Tuesday 1 July, 2008, 5pm |
| Monday 26 January, 2009 | Monday 12 January, 2009, 5pm |
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What can I ask?
- Your question must relate to a matter for which the Council has responsibility or which impacts on the City of Westminster.
- The questions should relate to the work of the Leader. If they do not, they may still be asked or may be passed onto the appropriate Cabinet Member or Chief Officer for a written response.
The following types of questions cannot be addressed:
- Questions relating to detailed particular service issues (such as why a particular refuse bin has not been emptied), or to specific planning, licensing or grant applications or appeals
- Any questions which would require the disclosure of confidential or exempt information. (Please contact the the if you require an explanation of these terms).
- Questions which are considered defamatory, frivolous, offensive, or otherwise improper.
Who decides which suggested questions are asked?
Members of the public who attend the Q&A Session will be given the opportunity to put a question to the Leader during the first section of the Session, which will last for approximately thirty minutes. Members of the Westminster Scrutiny Commission may select some of the questions submitted by members of the public in advance of the Session to be asked during this section. Any questions submitted but not asked will be the subject of a written response by the Leader, or if it is more appropriate, by a Cabinet Member or Chief Officer.
Further information
If you have any further questions about the Leader’s Question and Answer sessions, please contact the
Westminster Scrutiny Commission by completing the online contact form or by telephone on 020 7641 2802.
