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31 Virtual Council Meetings-conventions-1 month review PDF 261 KB
Minutes:
The Committee
received a report from the Democratic Services Manager
which reviewed after one month the local conventions on how council
meetings were run in a virtual way arising from the provisions in the Coronavirus
Act 2020 and associated Regulations.
The Democratic
Services Manager informed the Committee of an amendment to the
recommendation i (deleted text struck
through).
i.
Note
that the officers recommend no change to the conventions at this stage. except
for how voting is undertaken at Full Council (see appendix), but they will be
kept under review taking into account both local and national
experience.
The Committee noted
the deletion. The Committee was advised that a member had requested that the
Chair when taking the vote went first to the spokes (rather than alphabetical)
and that this change had happened. Chairs had operated the conventions
pragmatically and there had been no concerns expressed.
Following a
discussion on the increased time that virtual meetings seemed to take the
Democratic Services Manager and Chief Executive said the following:
i.
Indicated
that it would be appropriate for Members to reflect on contributions made
at meetings. With meetings being recorded, behaviour and contributions
can be easily reviewed.
i.
Stressed
the importance of regular breaks.
ii.
Conversations
regarding timings for full council meetings had been held with the Mayor and
group leaders.
iii.
Would investigate personal development opportunities
on working in a virtual meeting environment.
ii.
Noted
the concerns raised regarding voting at full council; there needed to be a
clear view on how members had voted on each item of business and this was being
discussed with the Mayor to ensure that a procedure would be in
place.
Resolved
(unanimously) to:
i.
Note
that the officers recommend no change to the conventions at this
stage.
ii.
Consider
any changes to the conventions Members have suggested in light of experience
at meetings held so far.
iii.
Note
that a longer term review of the use of virtual meetings will be
undertaken as the national experience matures and in line with the council’s
own transformative agenda.