Submit Public Questions to Full Council - Liverpool

Civil Rights and Equity England 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

For residents of Liverpool, England who want to ask elected members a question at Full Council, this guide explains the official process, who enforces the rules and how to submit. Different requirements apply to time limits, subject matter and notice periods; check the council's guidance and the council procedure rules before preparing your question. For the official page on public questions see the council guidance Questions and petitions[1] and for the formal procedure rules see the council constitution Council constitution[2].

Prepare a concise, factual question and include your contact details as the council requires.

How public questions work

Full Council normally allocates a set period for public questions at the start of a meeting. Questions must usually be about matters for which the council has responsibility and should not be defamatory or abusive. Expect a time limit per question and a limit on the number of public questions per meeting; specific limits are set out in the council's procedure rules and meeting guidance noted above [2].

  • Notice period: check the Questions and petitions page for the required days' notice.
  • Written requirement: most questions must be submitted in writing to Democratic Services.
  • Contact: Democratic Services handles submission and will confirm receipt.

Penalties & Enforcement

The council procedure rules and meeting guidance set the enforcement framework for public questions. Specific monetary fines for improper questions or behaviour at Full Council are not specified on the cited pages; enforcement focuses on procedural remedies and removal from meetings where necessary [2].

  • Authority: the Mayor or chair has authority to enforce standing orders and rule a question out of order.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: ordering a question to be disallowed, requiring withdrawal of offensive material, asking the questioner to leave the meeting, or referral to a committee for further action.
  • Inspection/complaint pathway: complaints about procedure or conduct should be sent to Democratic Services or the Monitoring Officer; see Resources below for contacts.
  • Appeals/review: specific appeal mechanisms and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; the constitution and Democratic Services explain review routes.
If your question is ruled out of order you can ask Democratic Services for the reason in writing.

Applications & Forms

The council does not publish a standard downloadable "public question" form on the questions guidance page; submissions are usually accepted by email or via the meetings inbox as described by Democratic Services on the council site, and any required information is set out on the Questions and petitions page [1]. Fees are not applicable for submitting a public question.

Preparing your question

  • Be concise: state the issue in one short paragraph and include the action you want the council to take.
  • Check deadlines: submit within the notice period shown on the council page.
  • Provide contact details: name, address and email or phone so Democratic Services can reply.
  • Avoid prohibited content: defamatory or abusive language will be disallowed.
Keep a copy of your submitted question and any council acknowledgement email.

Action steps

  • Draft your question clearly and check it meets the scope in the council guidance.
  • Email Democratic Services or use the meetings inbox as instructed on the council site to submit your question.
  • Submit within the notice period and retain the confirmation.
  • If a question is ruled out of order, request written reasons and consider re-submission or a formal complaint to the Monitoring Officer.

FAQ

Who can submit a public question to Full Council?
Any Liverpool resident or organisation directly affected by council decisions may submit a question, subject to the eligibility rules on the council's Questions and petitions page.
Is there a fee to submit a public question?
No fee is required to submit a public question to Full Council.
What happens if my question is ruled out of order?
The Mayor or chair may rule a question out of order; ask Democratic Services for the reason and consider the Monitoring Officer or formal complaint routes described in the constitution.

How-To

  1. Check the council's Questions and petitions guidance for current notice periods and eligibility.
  2. Draft a concise written question including your contact details and any supporting facts.
  3. Send the question to Democratic Services or the meetings inbox by the stated deadline and request confirmation of receipt.
  4. Attend the Full Council meeting or request a written response if you cannot attend.
  5. If your question is disallowed, request written reasons and follow the review or complaint process described in the constitution.

Key Takeaways

  • Check notice periods and submit on time.
  • Submit in writing to Democratic Services with contact details.
  • Enforcement is procedural; monetary fines for questions are not specified on the cited pages.

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