The Government has invited comments on the draft Openness of Local Government Bodies Draft Regulations 2014. This covers filming and the use of social media at council meetings. The Government is minded to make this as soon as possible. We understand from NALC that officials are hoping to have the Regulations in force by the end of May/early June.NALC have issued a Policy Consultation (PC01-14) seeking your views on this.
These Regulations will potentially open up all parish councils to any person for the purposes of reporting. Reporting is defined in the Regulations as – filming, photographing or audio recording of the proceedings and any other means for enabling those not present to hear proceedings as it takes place or later. The aim is to allow any person to use any communication methods, including the internet, to publish, post or otherwise share the results of their reporting activities.
The Regulations will also require a written record of any delegated decision where the effect of the decision is to grant permissions, licences, affect the right of individuals, award contracts or incur expenditure which materially affects the body’s financial position.
These Regulations obviously have potentially far reaching effects on how your council conducts its meetings and how members of the public Tweet, film with their iphone or otherwise report the proceedings of the meeting.
Responses to the consultation to NALC victoria.pymm@nalc.gov.uk
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