West Norfolk Council Argues For Meeting Streaming

West Norfolk Council wishes to continue streaming meetings online despite the easing of Covid restrictions.

17:35 10 August 2021

Streaming meetings online has helped West Norfolk Council save more than the cost of hiring two new full-time staff, a council member has claimed yesterday. 

 

The comment follows the local council’s decision to continue with its current hybrid arrangement even after their emergency powers to conduct business online has expired in May. Following the easing of Covid restrictions, local councils were expected to return to face-to-face sessions for decision making purposes. 

 

Labour group leader Charles Joyce argued that the current system, which allows committee members to be physically present while other councillors and officials join remotely, is the best option in ensuring the safety of all parties and helping local authorities save on travel expenses. 

 

He said: "I support the interim arrangements and we’ll have to wait and see what happens at the end of September."

 

"It's not the panacea of all problems, having remote meetings.

 

"The fact that we're able to be here, and the regulations weren't extended, I think is a good thing.

 

"We need to get things back to normal and, within that new normal, the flexibility of having someone join us remotely is well worth having."

 

Council leader Stuart Dark said: "Thankfully we have low hospitalisation but you’re still having a lot of people having to isolate and it’s right at this time to keep the arrangements we have.

 

"September is an appropriate time to reflect and change in a more considered way."