Thomas Bridge 06 August 2014

Pickles opens public meetings to filming

A new law allowing the public to film, record and tweet from council meetings will support 'healthy local democracy', according to communities secretary Eric Pickles.

A Parliamentary order signed by Pickles opens the doors of public meetings to broadcasters, national and local press, bloggers and the wider public.

Recent incidents have seen English local authorities calling for police to arrest individuals caught trying to report, tweet or film council meetings. Councillors have even been ejected from meetings for trying to record discussions surrounding airport expansion.

The Department for Communities and Local Government said the new law would aim to 'end active resistance amongst some councils to greater openness'.

Pickles added: 'Local democracy needs local journalists and bloggers to report and scrutinise the work of their council, and increasingly, people read their news via digital media.

'The new "right to report" goes hand in hand with our work to stop unfair state competition from municipal newspapers - together defending the independent free press.

'There is now no excuse for any council not to allow these new rights. Parliament has changed the law, to allow a robust and healthy local democracy. This will change the way people see local government, and allow them to view close up the good work that councillors do.'

Welcoming the news, Isle of Wight Council said it considered the Government's recognition of digital and social media 'a step forward'.

Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Democracy cannot live behind closed doors, so today is a significant step forward in opening up local government to public scrutiny.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner