The Government is considering changes to the rules around councillors attending meetings virtually – something the LGA has been calling for since 2021.
In a response to a written parliamentary question, Local Government Minster Jim McMahon said allowing hybrid meetings “could be a helpful step” towards ensuring that local government is “modern, efficient, flexible and diverse”, and towards breaking down barriers “that prevent people from seeking to serve their communities”.
Cllr Louise Gittins, LGA Chair, called the statement “encouraging”, adding: “Council meetings are an essential part of local democracy. They are where decisions that impact residents’ daily lives are made. So, we are glad to hear the minister’s commitment to an evidence-based approach to any legislative change.
“The legal requirement for councillors to attend meetings in person can hinder some people from fully serving their communities as councillors.
“We’ve seen during the pandemic how virtual meeting technologies can support democratic decision-making in emergencies. Councils should be given the freedom and flexibility to choose whether and when to allow virtual attendance at their meetings.”