The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the way local authorities conduct their meetings. With the introduction of emergency legislation allowing councils to hold statutory meetings remotely, the issue of virtual meetings has become a hot topic of discussion among council lawyers. However, this temporary provision is set to expire on 6 May 2021, leaving many councils uncertain about the future of remote meetings.
Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) have been at the forefront of advocating for permanent legislation to enable virtual local authority meetings. In a recent judicial review, the High Court declined to declare that councils could continue to hold meetings remotely post-6 May 2021. This decision has prompted LLG and the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) to take action by reaching out to the Labour government to seek a more permanent solution.
The response from Minister Jim McMahon has been positive, emphasizing the government’s commitment to modernizing local government and breaking down barriers that prevent people from serving their communities. McMahon expressed interest in exploring the possibility of hybrid meetings as a step towards achieving this goal. LLG and ADSO have welcomed this response, highlighting the success of councils in conducting hybrid and remote meetings during the pandemic.
The organizations have stressed the importance of evidence-based discussions and a robust governance framework to ensure the proper functioning of virtual meetings. With over 4,000 responses to the government’s call for evidence on virtual local authority meetings, LLG and ADSO believe that these responses can inform the ongoing discussions with the government. They are committed to working with their partners to provide the necessary evidence and procedural framework to support the implementation of remote provision in local government.
It is important to note that any changes to legislation to allow for permanent virtual local authority meetings would apply to England only. In Wales, the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 has already made provisions for Welsh local authorities to meet remotely. As the debate continues, it is clear that the push for virtual meetings is gaining momentum, with stakeholders eager to embrace a more inclusive and modern approach to local government operations.
In conclusion, the campaign for legislation to enable virtual local authority meetings is gaining traction, with council lawyers and government officials engaging in constructive discussions on the way forward. The success of remote meetings during the pandemic has highlighted the potential benefits of incorporating virtual elements into council operations. With a focus on evidence-based decision-making and a strong governance framework, the move towards permanent provision for virtual meetings could mark a significant step towards a more efficient and inclusive local government sector.
