Councillor Argues Against Remote Participation for Key Council Meetings

A council opposition leader has stated there is “no need or desire” for councillors to participate in meetings and cast votes remotely. While most Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council meetings presently mandate in-person attendance, the government is currently seeking input on allowing hybrid and online involvement. Conservative councillor Phil Broadhead has proposed a motion urging the council to support the existing regulations, which necessitate a physical presence for voting. Mr Broadhead clarified that he has no objection to certain less significant meetings occurring online, but emphasized that some issues “are too important for Zoom”. Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Mr Broadhead asserted: “The public rightly expect their elected councillors, who are paid for their time, to have the decency to physically turn up in person to make important decisions.” He added, “While remote attendance for formal council meetings was necessary for the pandemic, there is frankly no need or desire to have them now.” Furthermore, he stated, “For major meetings such as planning committees and full council, I think the idea of elected councillors sat at home with a glass of wine rather than being together professionally in the Civic Centre would leave the public wondering why they have councillors at all.” Currently, full council, cabinet, scrutiny, and governance meetings all require in-person attendance, whereas some licensing meetings are permitted to be held virtually. The government’s consultation regarding the implementation of hybrid and online participation in local authority meetings is scheduled to conclude on 19 December. Mr Broadhead’s motion, slated for discussion by BCP Council on 10 December, acknowledges the advantages of virtual or hybrid meetings but maintains that the existing requirements for councillors to be physically present to vote at formal meetings are adequate. Graham Farrant, the chief executive of BCP, conceded that the current regulations can be rather perplexing. He stated: “It’s not uncommon for some members to dial in to cabinet meetings from their foreign holidays, where they can take part in discussions, make political points in a discussion etc but not be allowed to take part in any voting – it’s quite frustrating having to apologise and explain the rules all the time.” Conversely, Boscombe Labour councillor George Farquhar argued that hybrid meetings incorporating online participation can prove effective. He remarked: “Covid showed the old ways have gone, members don’t have to be in the room. Flexible working is the new 21st Century way of doing things.” BCP Council leader, Liberal Democrat Millie Earl, indicated that the matter was not a significant concern. She commented: “There’s no need for the council to take a formal view on remote attendance and proxy voting. All councillors have been invited to respond to the government’s consultation on an individual basis and those particularly concerned about this issue should take that opportunity.” In 2020, with the onset of the pandemic, local authorities transitioned numerous council and committee meetings to online platforms like Zoom. Jackie Weaver, who serves as clerk to Handforth Parish Council, gained widespread media attention following a boisterous Zoom meeting of the third-tier authority that achieved viral status. The meeting devolved into disarray after Ms Weaver muted and removed other council members, prompting one individual to exclaim, “you do not have the authority, Jackie Weaver”. BBC Dorset can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Details concerning their approach to external linking are available.