The Public Gallery at the Dee Why Council Chambers was at full capacity for the 15 June Council meeting, with a colourful crowd including placard carrying supporters of those opposed to the rate increase as well as those in support of and against the Notice of Motion calling for Support for local connections to Palestine, a ceasefire in Gaza and condemnation of antisemitism and islamophobia.

After a rowdy session of public speakers and then a marathon discussion toing and froing through questions, points of order, 3-minute speeches and numerous amendments which were voted down, Councillors eventually voted 11 for and 4 against the original motion to increase the rates by the amount supported by IPART along with adopting all the Strategic Plans and associated Budget and Financial reports.

Two of the must listen to moments of the meeting were Cllrs Robins and Harvey, both providing the most impassioned and interesting 6 minutes of the entire night, three hours into the meeting which went for about five hours. Check them out on the Council youtube site.