Councillors welcome plans to resume council meetings

The regulations, which came into effect on Friday, May 1, allow councils to hold meetings remotely including by, but not limited to, telephone conferencing, video conferencing, live webcast and live interactive streaming.

Council’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Mealla Campbell confirmed that a remote meeting of Council will now take place on Thursday, May 14.

“Our councillors have been keen to get back to meetings but I believed it was important that the proper framework was in place to allow remote meetings,” said Cllr Campbell.

“Calling a meeting in the absence of regulations may have adversely affected the council and any arising decisions.

“Furthermore, meeting during a period where we had a tension between local government regulations and emergency regulations would have created difficulties around public access and access for members and staff who may be shielding or self-isolating.

“Therefore on balancing all of those issues and others, I made the decision to wait and call a remote meeting when the regulations were issued.”

The Lord Mayor continued: “Earlier this week I had written to the Minister for Communities to see what progress had been made in regard to the new regulations and yesterday [Thursday] the Chief Executive received confirmation that these regulations would be in place from May 1.

“Consequently, I have now set a meeting date for May 14 which allows staff and members time to get accustomed to the new platform for council meetings.

“Like many others, we too have had to adapt and find new ways of working in response to the crisis and, while it will be challenging, I am very much looking forward to chairing a full council meeting remotely.”

The Department also confirmed that provisions have been made to allow remote access to meetings for both members of Council and the public.

The DUP has welcomed the introduction of these regulations but claimed they would still like to see councillors meeting in person, where possible.

“The announcement of amendments to legislation that will now permit remote meetings is a welcome development,” said DUP councillor, Darryn Causby.

“However, as an essential service, we are still of the view that members should be physically present in meetings where possible. We understand there are concerns regarding health and safety but we know there are ways that this can be done safely.”

SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon said it is important Council adapts to its new way of working.

“Life has changed for everyone and the way Council operates its democratic structures are no different,” said Cllr O’Hanlon.

“By all accounts, guidance around public gatherings and meetings, along with social distancing measures will be with us for some time and it is important that we all adapt to our new ways of working.

“These new regulations allow councillors and officers to meet in a safe way, in line with public health guidance and in the knowledge that any decisions taken are legally sound.

Speaking about these regulations independent councillor, Paul Berry said: “I welcome this new guidance as it is vital our democratic process continues during this pandemic.

“Ever since our last full council meeting in the WJ Mayes Hall we, as councillors, have had a good process in place where we receive daily updates from various Departments.

“Just last week one of our directors outlined how Council was looking at various options at holding meetings remotely.  I have every confidence in our Chief Executive, senior officers and staff in general and I commend them to date for all their work.”

The Ulster Unionist Party’s Julie Flaherty welcomed the introduction of the regulations: “As a group we have been waiting patiently for this announcement for quite some time.

“The new guidelines will be helpful as they will now allow us to lawfully proceed with our democratic business whilst following all social distancing requirements and ensure we comply with government guidelines.

“This finally gives us the opportunity to continue with council business as we are mandated to do on our constituents behalf. The clear message remains and has not changed: Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.”

Speaking about the regulations, the Department’s Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA said: “These regulations that my Department has put in place will be welcomed by all councils as it will enable them to proceed with their democratic businesses while meeting social distancing requirements.

“This crisis has required new ways of working for many and these changes will enable councils to make the changes needed to ensure important business continues.”

Sinn Fein were asked for comment.

Councils are now also allowed to postpone their annual meeting until 30th September and hold other meetings as they consider necessary.

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