Councils Live Streaming Meetings Urged to Show Caution

Councillors have agreed to consider live streaming last month.

12:33 05 July 2022

Councillors have been urged to exercise caution during meetings as they discuss matters that have a direct impact on the lives of rate-paying public, a report on moves to broadband full council and committee meeting on the internet reads. 

 

The report said: “The chamber makes very important and difficult decisions, affecting the lives of our ratepayers and public,” 

 

“Therefore, members, council officials and external individuals may have concerns over the live recording and retention of these images.

 

“Consideration should be given to consultation with those affected by this possible change in practise.”

 

Prior to the pandemic, residents follow debates and witness votes by attending the chamber at the council's Cloonavin HQ in Coleraine. When Covid struck, councils were forced to livestream their meetings and allow members to meet remotely or in a hybrid format. 

 

Many local authorities say that hybrid meetings not only allowed them to function effectively throughout the pandemic but also have the potential to "transform" the local government. 

 

“It could encourage a more diverse offering of people getting involved in politics by breaking down traditional barriers such as childcare (or other caring responsibility), access to travel, work commitments, etc,” the submission states.