STORY
Local government bodies have renewed calls for ministers to change the law so councillors can attend formal council meetings remotely, arguing that the current rules are outdated and make it harder for some people to serve in local democracy. The Digital Democracy Partnership has written to the Government urging legislation in the next parliamentary session, after earlier Government proposals suggested a move towards allowing remote attendance in some circumstances.
Councils were able to meet remotely during the Covid period, before the legal basis for doing so expired, and campaigners have long argued that a return to some form of hybrid attendance would help councillors with caring responsibilities, disabilities, work commitments or long journeys in large rural areas.