The Local Government Association (LGA) is reporting that the Government is considering changes around councillors attending meetings virtually.<\/p>\n
According to the reports, the new Government “has signalled” they are open to looking again at flexibility around virtual attendance at council meetings.<\/p>\n
In response, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is encouraging that the new Minister has signalled he is open to looking again at flexibility around virtual attendance at council meetings \u2013 something the LGA has been calling for since 2021.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cCouncil meetings are an essential part of local democracy. They are where important issues are debated and decisions that impact residents’ daily lives are made. So, we are glad to hear the minister\u2019s commitment to an evidence-based approach to any legislative change.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe legal requirement for councillors to attend meetings in person can hinder some people from fully serving their communities as councillors. Additionally, we\u2019ve already seen how virtual meeting technologies can support democratic decision-making in emergencies during the pandemic.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cCouncils should be given the freedom and flexibility to choose for themselves whether and when to allow virtual attendance at their meetings.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n