Public addresses and questions to the Leader or other Cabinet member received in accordance with Council Procedure Rules in the Constitution relating to matters for decision in Part 1 of this agenda.

Up to five minutes is available for each public address.

The request to speak accompanied by the full text of the address must be received by the Director of Law, Governance and Strategy by 5.00 pm on Thursday, 8 January 2026.

The briefing note will contain the text of addresses submitted by the deadline, and written responses where available.

A total of 45 minutes is available for both public speaking items. Responses are included in this time.

The Chief Executive has submitted a report regarding a recent letter from the Government.

Council is recommended to:

1. That Members consider and express views in relation to the City Council 2026 local elections following a letter from Minister McGovern to the Leader of the Council seeking her views on the postponement of the elections and if this could release essential capacity to deliver local government reorganisation.

The report will be published as a supplement to the agenda.