A CONCERNED Stoke Heath resident is calling for people to have their say at district council meetings.

Dean Smith, of Miller Close, wants residents to be allowed to ask questions at the authority's various meetings.

"As the people who vote the councillors on we should be given a say on what's going on. We should be allowed to ask questions at meetings if something has come up that needs clarification.

"Questions could be asked in an "any other business" section at the end of the meeting and if the councillors or officers didn't have an answer, then it should be put as an item on the following agenda so it can be discussed," he said.

Dean, who is a Stoke parish councillor, said at Stoke there were 30 minutes at the beginning of its monthly meetings where people could ask questions.

"At the parish council we have a democratic half hour where the public can ask anything. We are answerable to residents, but it seems with the district council it is not answerable to every penny that is spent."

The problem first cropped up when Dean attended last month's cabinet meeting. He wanted to ask a question concerning green bins, but there was no chance for him to do so. But he did voice his concern before he left the meeting, and was given a verbal answer and was contacted by phone with further information.

Claire Felton, head of legal equalities and democratic services at Bromsgrove, said: "Because of the rules governing access to information within the local government legislation, we are required by law to make available to the public the agenda and items to be discussed in advance of the meeting. It is for this reason that any other business' is no longer allowed at our meetings. It is in the interest of greater openness and transparency that the public are aware of each and every topic, which is going to be discussed."

She said the council's constitution provided a clear process by which committees and boards within the authority operate.

Claire added: "There is no ability, within the procedure rules governing the operation of the cabinet meetings, for Mr Smith or any individual to ask questions and we are looking at ways in which this can be achieved. Obviously, there are many other ways in which the public can ask questions and obtain information. They can contact their ward member or the chief executive, Kevin Dicks, who will ensure the appropriate officers, respond. In addition there are scrutiny task groups that welcome public opinion and involvement."