It came as a surprise to many when just over a week ago the Government decided to call time on virtual meetings for Local Authorities. Citing a lack of available space for primary legislation, the Minister in a letter to all Local Authorities stated that from the 7th of May, Local Authorities would be required to resume face to face meetings.
This decision is literally crackers. Virtual meetings have been a success and a year in, they have found their footing.
Many Councils are now operating them with a good level of competency. This has not been an easy journey. There have been plenty of moments over the last year where virtual meetings have tested everyone but starting from a low base, they have found a rhythm.
To gauge the sentiment, look no further than Jackie Weaver, the unflappable heroine of Handforth District Council. She issued a tweet call to arms rejecting the Government’s decision. It has received 7,000 likes so far.
There are a number of reasons why this is a poor move. Firstly, whilst we are coming a out of lock down slowly this move is rapid. It gives little time for Councils to prepare. This will mean disruption. Many developers will now be scrambling their teams to work through the likely delays to their planning programmes as Local Authorities reset their decision making. This will create uncertainty and disruption.
Moreover, many in Local Authority land will not be quite as confident as the Government about the vaccination programme’s ability to protect all the population. Yes, so far so good and there are green shoots. However, it’s only natural that confidence will return gradually. Not at the pace the Goverment seems to think in its letter to Councils.
Therefore, there could be a challenge for Council Committees to reach quorum. Some attendees will argue why change now when meetings can be done safely and efficiently in a virtual environment.
In what is likely to add further complication, the Government is also saying the public should only be able to attend Council meetings virtually. So how will this work for objectors or supporters – will it be a mixed approach?
All in all, I am left wondering is this a change that was necessary right now. Let me know what you think.
