THE official ruling that local councils will not be able to continue to hold virtual meetings after May 7, despite a number of COVID-19 restrictions remaining in place has been met with disappointment.

A number of councils have expressed their concerns following the judgement in a High Court application made by Hertfordshire County Council, lawyers in local government and the association of democratic services officers versus Secretary of State for housing, communities and local government, that councils cannot continue to hold online and hybrid meetings beyond May 7.

Moving forward, plans are already in place for Cornwall Council to return to its face-to-face meetings but Devon County Council says this will pose a real ‘logistical challenge’.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “In anticipation of a return to face-to-face meetings, the council has been developing arrangements to enable council, cabinet and committee meetings to take place face-to-face from the time of the council’s annual general meeting on May 25. This work is being supported by public health. We will be confirming the arrangements in due course.”

However, Devon County Council’s spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that physical council meetings must now legally resume before wider lockdown restrictions have been eased.

“This will present all local authorities with a real logistical challenge in ensuring that this can be managed in as safe, open and transparent way as possible.”

Sarah Mason, county executive officer for Cornwall Association of Local Councils (CALC) believes that although many councils are keen to return to normality, the disappointment has stemmed from the removal of choice. She said: “We are aware that many councils wish to return to physical meetings as soon as it is safe to do, but are disappointed that this ruling removes their choice as to when and how this might be.   After the elections, local councils must meet before May 24th, even though many of the normal venues remain closed.  The ruling will pose some real challenges for local councils until the vaccination programme has been completed and confidence is rebuilt.  The CALC is now working hard to provide a checklist for local councils, clerks and the public on how to meet safely.”

Cllr James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association agreed: “It is very disappointing that this last avenue to allow councils to hold online and hybrid meetings whilst COVID-19 restrictions are still in force has not been successful. councils by law, have to hold annual meetings within 21 days following local elections, so many will now have to use very large external venues to allow all members of the council to meet in person.

“Councils want to continue to have powers to hold online and hybrid meetings even when restrictions have been lifted. A recent LGA survey of its members revealed that 83% of councils said they would be very likely or fairly likely to conduct meetings both online and in a hybrid way once the coronavirus emergency was over if they had the power.

“The current flexibility has been paramount in allowing access for both councillors and the public into council meetings.  Many councils have, in fact, seen significantly increased participation by the public in meetings where important decisions are made about planning, housing and the provision of local services. Councils want the flexibility to continue to meet in this way and continue their business, especially in times of emergency such as when flooding occurs or if there is significant traffic disruption due to weather conditions.

“The government gave clear evidence at the hearing in support of allowing the option of online and hybrid meetings. Unfortunately, the judgement is clear that primary legislation is needed to allow councils to use technology to hold meetings.”

• Pick up next week’s Post to find out how your local councils will be adapting to this new ruling.