A CUT in the number of people who can speak or ask questions at Somerset Council meetings has been criticised by Conservative opposition councillors as ‘a step backwards for local democracy’.

The Liberal Democrat-run authority has reduced from eight to six the number public questioners who are allowed time at full council meetings.

But Cllr Faye Purbrick said it sent the wrong message to residents about their right to be heard.

Cllr Purbrick said: “It just seems like a reduction in democracy.”

Conservative group leader Cllr Diogo Rodrigues said: “At a time when residents are already frustrated by rising council tax, reduced services, and the council’s ongoing financial emergency, we should be doing more to involve the public, not less.”