Virtual Meetings for Scarborough Council

Scarborough Council holds first virtual meeting amidst lockdown.

03:49 13 May 2020

Scarborough Council has held its first virtual cabinet meeting on 12 May amidst the coronavirus lockdown. The council has not met since March when the government introduced social distancing measures to prevent further virus spread. 

 

Councillors were previously not allowed to make decisions and take votes unless they are all present in one room. The government has since modified existing laws to make virtual meetings possible. 

 

During the Scarborough Council meeting, councillors used Zoom and allowed members of the public to watch it live on the council's YouTube channel. The council continues to test Zoom and other alternative virtual platforms for committees that require attendance by a greater number of councillors. 

 

Cllr Steve Siddons, Leader of Scarborough Borough Council said: "Despite the very difficult situation we have all found ourselves in during the coronavirus pandemic, it has always been our aim to get back to our key decision making in public as soon as possible, while adhering to the necessary social distancing and travel restrictions.

 

"I would like to thank the officers that have worked hard to test and hone the technology we will be using for next week's Cabinet and subsequent committee meetings, particularly in ensuring other councillors and members of the public will be able to participate in and view the meetings.

 

"We will continue to look at ways in which all council meetings can be held successfully using a virtual platform. We will also be advised by any future government announcements on easing of restrictions and guidance for local authorities."