Council Meeting Attendance Plummets After Lengthy Budget Debate

Someone complained about a council meeting. Few council members stayed to listen and talk. This happened during Denbighshire Council’s meeting. Councillor Feeley spoke to Chairman Scott about it Thursday. Many members left the room or logged off early.

They were about to present a report from the standards committee. Councillor Feeley said most members had left after a long debate on the budget and council tax, which lasted four hours. The meeting was still happening then.

Chairman Scott wanted to keep going and told those present they could continue. He also reassured online participants that enough people were there.

Councillor Irving stayed, though tired, and mentioned feeling “worn out” to another. Councillor Feeley disliked the attendance drop later.

Feeley said it happened before when, last year, few listened to the chair speak. She asked to move the report earlier this year and they agreed, but nothing changed in writing.

She asked if the report could come earlier to help discussion before early departures. Council officer Gary Williams took note and clarified no disrespect was meant. Councillors acknowledged the 2024 standards report contents.