Council using online resource to continue democratic process during pandemic

Starting with the Audit and Standards Committee meeting on 28 April, all Council meetings will be conducted virtually for the duration of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Following the national emergency declared by the Government, with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the Coronavirus Act 2020 was enacted in March 2020.

Under the Act and subsequent regulations, local authorities now have the discretion to hold meetings without the requirement for all councillors to be present in the same place, which was the requirement prior to the social distancing rules.

To ensure that Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings continue to be accessible to the public they will now take place virtually and can be viewed via the Council’s website.

All meeting dates and papers will continue to be published on the website with a link to each broadcast which will be via the Microsoft Live Teams platform. Members of the public wishing to view a meeting should click on the link and follow the instructions in order to gain access. A recording of the meetings will be available on the Council's website.

Public speaking at the Planning and Regulatory Committee will also continue virtually so as to ensure the public can continue to participate during these unprecedented times. Information on how to apply to speak at a Planning and Regulatory Committee meeting can be found at www.broxbourne.gov.uk/publicspeaking.

Members of the public who require further information on the new arrangements can email Marcus.Mariconda@broxbourne.gov.uk before 5pm on the day of the meeting.

Last updated: 30 April 2020

Published: 23rd April 2020