Government White Paper proposes legislation for remote access to Council meetings

Andrew De'Ath (14 August 2008  09:51)

The Government has published a White Paper recommending new legislation to support Councillor's remotely accessing meetings. The proposal would allow authorities to modify their attendance and voting procedures as necessary to allow remote voting. An Authority will have to 'opt in' to remote attendance and voting and, in doing so, will demonstrate that it has positively considered the effect and consequences of remote attendance. The legislation would apply to county councils, district councils, London boroughs and parish councils. The Government doesn't considers that remote attendance or voting measures would cost more than current arrangements, and that it may result in costs savings as travel expenses are cut.

The proposal states that at least one member must be physically present at the meeting and that person must be in audio contact with any member attending remotely, with or without a video link. In addition members of the public physically present at the meeting must be able to witness what is happening, at least through audio contact. If the opportunity for the public to participate in the meeting is available, this must be provided for and remote attendees must be able to hear the contributions.

The White Paper builds on the 2006 White Paper, 'Strong and Prosperous Communities'. It is part of part of the Government's wider agenda to modernise the democratic system, to strengthen participatory democracy . The Communities in Control White Paper aims to empower local people and local communities - passing more power to more people through every practical means.

The White Paper has been strongly influenced by the Councillor Commission, which reported last Winter.

The remote attendance proposal sits alongside recommendations to:

• Develop and strengthen overview and scrutiny
• Increase the visibility and accountability of local public officers

The consultation on the White Paper runs until 30th October 2008.

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