Issue - meetings

Report CSD24003

At its meeting on 3^rd November 2022, the Committee considered a report on the options for introducing live-streaming of all committee meetings. The Committee decided not to live-stream meetings except in cases where the Chairman and the Chief Executive agreed that it would be appropriate given wide public interest, subject to further review after a year.

The report set out the potential costs and technical challenges of live-streaming and recommended that the current policy of live-streaming only in exceptional circumstances should be maintained. However, the majority of members considered that the problems and costs had been over emphasised and supported a move towards live-streaming becoming standard for most meetings. The impending move to the Council’s new building and to a new Council Chamber (expected to be in September 2024), was an opportunity to look at improved technical options.

It was also suggested that a policy for the use of live-steamed material should be drawn up.

RESOLVED that  

(1) The current policy of using live-streaming as a useful tool available for a limited number of meetings where there is particular interest or a likelihood that the capacity of the public gallery will be exceeded is maintained only until the new Council year when it should be re-considered in the context of the move to the Council’s new building.

(2)  A draft policy be prepared on the use of live-streaming.

(During consideration of this item Councillor Simon Fawthrop declared an interest as his wife was involved in the training of Council staff.)