Meetings to be held remotely thanks to law change

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Tuesday, 7 April 2020 13:36

By Keri Trigg - Local Democracy Reporter

Shropshire councillors will be able to hold meetings and take votes from home for the first time ever after urgent legislation was rushed through.

The government has temporarily removed the requirement for authorities to hold meetings in person, allowing local government to continue to function during the coronavirus pandemic.

Shropshire Council has cancelled all meetings since mid-March in line with guidance on avoiding social contact.

But it is hoped meetings will resume in the coming weeks, with councillors and members of the public able to join by video or phone call.

A Shropshire Council spokesman said: “The government has temporarily removed the legal requirement for local authorities to hold public meetings in person during the coronavirus pandemic, and from Saturday, April 4 local authorities will be able to hold public meetings virtually by using video or telephone conferencing technology.

“Shropshire Council  has been preparing for this, and some virtual meetings will take place over the coming month.

“Before each meeting councillors, the media and the public will be fully advised as to how they can follow the meeting from home, in order to hear proceedings.

“In line with the government advice meetings will remain accessible whilst ensuring that councillors, staff and the wider public are able to stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.”

Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “Local authorities are the backbone of our democracy and they are playing a vital role in the national effort to keep people safe.

“This change will support them to do that while maintaining the transparency we expect in local decision making.

“Councillors and staff are already doing the right thing by following our advice to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.

“This includes working from home wherever possible, and the new powers to hold meetings virtually will make that easier.

“It’s critical that they continue to provide essential services and find innovative ways to maintain important economic functions they perform like the planning system and they will now be able to do so.”

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