Joint Local Access Forum

What is the Joint Local Access Forum (LAF)?

Local Access Forums are advisory bodies. Section 94 of the CROW Act defines their statutory function as being to advise as to the improvement of public access to land in the area for the purposes of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area, and as to such other matters as may be prescribed.

Following the procedure identified in Section 94, Regulation 13 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Kingston upon Hull City Council established a Joint Local Access Forum (LAF).

Although supported by East Riding of Yorkshire and Kingston upon Hull Councils the Joint LAF is an independent body.

The Rural Policy and Partnership Service within the council provide the secretariat for the Joint Local Access Forum.

Who sits on the forum?

Membership of the forum is as follows:

• Hazel Armstrong (Chair)
• John Nicholson (Vice-Chair)
  
• Clive Bolton
• Michael Butler
  
• Dr Janet Cochrane
• John Gatenby
• Keith Greenwood
• Gordon Hawcroft
• Dr Andrew Hersom
  
• Terry Holmes
• Andrew Nunn 
• Prof Ian Reid
• Stephen Richardson
• Linda Samuel
• Councillor John Holtby (East Riding of Yorkshire Council)
  
• Councillor David Craker (Hull City Council)

Who chairs forum meetings?

Meetings of the forum are chaired by Mrs Hazel Armstrong.

Can I apply to join the Joint Local Access Forum?

The Secretariat always welcomes interest from people with a knowledge and passion for open-air recreation, access and rights of way to join the Local Access Forum, however, currently they have no vacancies as there is a full cohort of members. The Secretariat will, however, retain contact details of any interested parties and will contact them when a vacancy is available.  

To find out more about this role and contact details please see the document below:

Information for future candidates - Joint Local Access Forum (pdf 308kb)

When are meetings of the forum?

Joint Local Access Forum Meetings

The locations of meetings are varied to give fair access to people living in different parts of the area covered by the Joint LAF.

Are meetings open to the public?

Yes. Meetings are open to the public but there may be some matters which will be considered in private. During such situations, members of the public will be asked to leave the meeting at this point. The circumstances under which we can consider matters in private are tightly controlled by law.

Refreshments

Please note: refreshments are not normally available for members of the public to access at meetings.

Can I record, film, take photographs or use social media during meetings?

Yes, new legislation means that you can film, record, take photos and use social media during open meetings. For more information please visit the photography, filming and social media use page.

Can members of the public speak at meetings?

Yes. Members of the public are permitted to ask questions or raise areas for future discussion at the beginning of every meeting, at the discretion of the Chairman. 

We would recommend that any questions should be forwarded to the Secretariat 7-10 days in advance of the meeting to enable issues raised to be investigated so that a response can be given at the meeting.

How and when can I view agenda and minutes?

Agendas

Agendas and reports for the forum are placed on public deposit five clear working days before each meeting and can be viewed by selecting the relevant agenda below.

Reports containing exempt or confidential matters will not, however, be available.

Minutes

Minutes for forum meetings are placed on public deposit following each meeting and can be downloaded by selecting the relevant minutes below.

Please note: that agendas and minutes of meetings prior to those available online may be obtained by contacting the committee manager, Tracey Tomlinson:

Email: tracey.tomlinson@eastriding.gov.uk

Tel: (01482) 393203

East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Democratic Services
County Hall
Cross Street
Beverley
HU17 9BA.

Please note: there may be a charge for copying any information. Contact us for more details.

Where can I view the annual report?

To view the latest annual report of the forum please click on the document below:

Joint Local Access Forum Annual Report (pdf 9mb)