The Government has written to NALC confirming their intention to clarify rules on sending agendas electronically to councillors.
NALC has long pressed for this change to help parish and town councils modernise how they operate.
The letter from the Department for Communities and Local Government to NALC’s chief executive takes forward an ongoing commitment from the local government minister Brandon Lewis MP on this issue, reiterated last week in response to a written parliamentary question from shadow minister Andy Sawford MP.
In his response Brandon Lewis MP said: “Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires local authorities (both principal and parish councils) to send summonses to attend meetings by post. Reflecting the take-up of digital communications, Ministers are minded to issue an Order under Section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000 to facilitate this being done electronically; although we do believe that councillors should continue to have a right to receive communications in hard copy by post should they wish, and that this should be reflected in any legislative change. We will be undertaking an informal sounding shortly on the wording of any draft Order with key partners, including the Local Government Association and the National Association of Local Councils.”
Councillor Ken Browse, Chairman of NALC said: “This reform to rules over forty years old is long overdue but very welcome and will help parish and town councils operate more efficiently and effectively. I am grateful for the cross-party support on this issue and shows the voice of our important tier of local government is being heard and acted upon”.
The Government intend to make an Order later this month.
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