Stirling Council Reconsider Live Streaming

A councillor has urged Stirling Council to reconsider plans to live stream council meetings.

11:17 24 February 2019

Tory councillor Jeremy McDonald is urging Stirling Council to reconsider plans to live stream council meetings citing budget constraints. Calling on SNP/Labour administration, he said that councillors must prioritise other projects and focus on improving council services.

 

Officers who have been considering the prospect of live streaming say it could increase transparency and accessibility to the public.

 

Councillor McDonald said: “I find it ironic that given the recent secrecy surrounding the current budget proposals that the council have been seriously considering spending a considerable amount of money to increase transparency and openness.

 

“I hope in the coming budget they prioritise schools, roads, reliable bin collections and other important council services before this nonsense.”

 

The plans were previously put on hold in 2011 due to funding problems.

 

SNP councillor Graham Houston said at that time: “In view of the potential costs involved and other priorities for resources and officer effort, it has not been possible to progress.

 

“The proposal was intended to allow the public more access to what we do. It was not intended to play back and find out who said what comment to whom.

 

“I think in a straw poll we would find people feel there are better things to spend money on.”