We recently reported that “DSO and LLG to seek court declaration on ability to hold remote meetings” but it has now been reported that the Government is looking to change law to make hybrid council meetings permanent.

Reported over the weekend, the Sunday Telegraph said the Government will change the law to make permanent the temporary provision made for virtual council meetings. The power is set to expire on May 7 but the Government is now set to consult councillors with a view to extending the law.

Last week Mr Jenrick told a meeting of council leaders that this kind of innovation “has been a resounding success, enabling local councils to keep going despite the restrictions and increasing access to local democracy”.

He added that “thousands of people have logged in remotely to watch proceedings, exemplified by the meeting of Handforth Parish council that made Jackie Weaver a household name”.

The move is backed by the Local Government Association which has said that remote meetings “could encourage a greater diversity of candidates to put themselves forward as councillors, including those in full-time employment”.

Source: Sunday Telegraph