The Government’s remote attendance announcement is a ‘positive step’ that gives councils greater power, says the LGA.
Following the Government’s recent confirmation that local authorities can now engage in meetings remotely, the LGA has highlighted the benefits of a more flexible and accessible work culture.
Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA said the policy change gives ‘councils the power to create arrangements that work best for them and their communities.’
‘In-person attendance remains important, but it must be balanced against the advantages remote attendance can provide in removing barriers to participating in the democratic process.’
Whilst local authorities are now permitted to form their own policies about meeting practices, the Government has revealed its plans to ‘work collaboratively with the sector to develop clear and supportive guidance in relation to both remote attendance and proxy voting policies.’
‘We’re pleased that the Government recognises that councils should be trusted to set out the arrangements and decide for themselves how best to use this flexibility’, Cllr Gittins commented.
‘We are also reviewing the proposed introduction of proxy voting at full council meetings and will work with government to clarify any outstanding questions on how this will be practically implemented’, she added.
