Plan to continue "virtual" Rotherham Council meetings after pandemic

CONTINUING virtual meetings after May is still under consideration, the Government has told RMBC.

Rotherham Council leader Cllr Chris Read wrote to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government calling for an extension to rules brought in because of the virus.

RMBC attendance rates have increased thanks to remote sessions held online.

Twice as many councillors turned up for all their expected appearances in 2020 than in the three previous years combined.

Local government minister Luke Hall said: “The Government keeps all policy under review.

“To extend the facility for councils to continue to meet remotely, or in hybrid form, after May 7 would require primary legislation.

“We have received representations from local authorities and sector representative organisations making the case for the continuation of remote meetings and are carefully considering next steps in this area.”