Council rejects call to boost number of in-person meetings

Controversial calls to encourage more in-person attendance at local authority meetings have been defeated at a full meeting of South Lanarkshire Council.

- STEWART MCCONNELL

Last November, the council considered proposed changes to the Standing Orders on Procedures.

They were approved, but in response to a point raised by Independent Councillor David Watson it was agreed that officers would bring back a report on councillor participation at meetings, specifically whether councillors should be able to participate remotely or have to be physically present. It was noted that this matter would first be discussed at the Standards and Procedures Advisory Forum (SPAF), which duly considered this on March 25.

Officers supported the current approach being continued. This would be consistent with the approach of other Scottish local authorities, and also reflect the likely legislative developments in England. The legislative default position is that participation is to be in person, but the statutory framework also now permits the holding of hybrid/remote meetings, on the direction of the chair/depute chair.

In addition, there would be a significant risk that any approach which did not offer suitable flexibility might be unlawful in terms of the Equality Act 2010. This is because there would always be a need to have due regard to the council's legal duties, in particular in respect of protected characteristics.