You may have seen the government’s recent announcement to introduce proposals enabling remote council meetings. SLCC welcomes the announcement, which marks a significant victory in our long-standing campaign for greater flexibility in local democracy.
The proposed reforms align with SLCC’s long-held position that remote meeting options are essential for enabling participation from those with caring responsibilities; supporting councillors managing illness or disability; increasing diversity in local democracy; and enhancing accessibility to local decision-making.
The government has opened a consultation on these changes which you can access here. The consultation runs until 19 December 2024. It is also possible to complete a response online at the UK.Gov citizens’ space.
Responses are invited from councils, individual councillors, members of the public and local government representative organisations. SLCC will be making its own response to the consultation under the last category and would welcome input from members, which can be submitted to Michael King, Head of Policy and External Communications, michael.king@slcc.co.uk by 5 December.