A unique Q&A session is to take place giving residents the opportunity to quiz the leader of Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).

Members of the public usually get an opportunity to raise queries at certain council meetings, but the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions mean the majority of the authority's business is currently being conducted virtually.

As a result, FHDC will hold a special meeting dedicated to just questions and answers.

This will include public questions and ones from other councillors.

Cllr David Monk, leader at FHDC, said: "I am conscious that in the absence of a formal meeting of the council members, the public has not been able to quiz me on matters that may be of concern.

"While officers and cabinet members are always willing to respond to queries from residents, I think it would be useful to have those discussions in an open forum."

The session will take place on Wednesday, June 17 at 4pm and be broadcast live on the council’s dedicated YouTube channel for public meetings.

Residents should email their questions to committee@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk before 5pm on Tuesday, June 9.

They will be displayed on the screen during the session, with answers provided by Cllr Monk or another member of the cabinet.

There will be a maximum time limit of half-an-hour for public queries, with a further 45 minutes allocated to answer those put forward by councillors.

To help make the process fair, members of the public will only be able to ask one question each.

Submissions may also be rejected, as is usual procedure, if it is not about a matter for which the council has a responsibility or which affects the district, is deemed defamatory, frivolous or offensive, requires the disclosure of confidential or exempt information or has been already been asked within the previous six months.

Virtual meetings can be viewed at bit.ly/YouTubeMeetings

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