DCLG considers video conferencing for joint committees and combined authorities

The Department for Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation on proposals to give local authorities operating joint committees, and combined authorities, but not councils as a whole, the ability to hold formal meetings using video conferencing facilities.

Making any change to the rules on how these meetings are held in England would require changes to the Local Government Act 1972.

Under Schedule 12, the 1972 Act makes it clear that all those taking part in a council meeting should be physically present in the place where the meeting is taking place.

“The Government considers that these rules still remain appropriate for council meetings that do not involve the meetings of a joint committee, or a combined authority,” the DCLG said.

“However, given the quality of video conferencing facilities available today it is right that local authorities operating joint committees, and combined authorities, be given the ability to hold meetings on multiple sites.”

Joint committees and combined authorities “present particular geographical challenges when holding meetings”, the Department added.

The DCLG said there would need to be appropriate safeguards to maintain town hall transparency.

“The use of video conferencing to hold meetings could remove those barriers of time and distance that might arise where a meeting of a joint committee or combined authority is held at a location far from the home of a councillor or member of the public. Not only could this lead to a potential saving in travel expenses, but it could help ensure that people are not discouraged from participating in these types of pan-local authority meeting, and would encourage more joint-working in local government,” it added.

The DCLG proposes that access to video conferencing facilities to hold council meetings be available at local authority or combined authority sites that are suitable for holding a meeting with public access.

“This would include, for instance, a local town hall of a constituent council of a combined authority or of a local authority operating a joint committee with other local authorities. A constituent council or local authority member would not be able to participate in a meeting held by video conference from their home, or from a private premises.”

Allowing members to take part from home or some other private premises would undermine visible democratic scrutiny and public debate, the Department argued.

The consultation paper can be viewed here. Responses should be received by close on 11 January 2017.