Issue - meetings

Recommendation:

Executive Members are asked to make a recommendation on the future of remote access and in person meetings for the County Council, to the Chief Executive Officer under his emergency delegated powers, for onward recommendation to full Council for review at its meeting on 16 February 2022.

Considered - Report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) presenting options for holding formal committee meetings from 16 February 2022.

County Councillor David Chance introduced the report and provided an overview of the current position, including drawing attention to the data on committee meetings held between 19 May 202 and 5 January 2021, and the available options moving forward.

Members noted the balance between the associated risks of meeting in person at this stage, the advantages of face-to-face meetings, and the benefits gained from holding meetings remotely.

County Councillor Janet Sanderson suggested it would be a retrograde step to revert fully to meetings being held only in person.

Executive Member Gareth Dadd suggested that if the current arrangements were to remain in place, there should be a slight change in emphasis, in that the decision to proceed with holding an in person meeting should lie with the Chairman, following discussion with the Leader and Chief Executive.

Having noted all of the information provided, it was

Resolved:  To recommend to the Chief Executive officer that using his emergency delegated powers he recommend to full Council on 16 February the continuation of informal virtual committee meetings, allowing Committee Chairmen the option of holding a meeting in person should it be considered more appropriate, on a case-by-case basis, and having consulted with the Leader and Chief Executive.