Statement: Full Council meeting cancelled
Published: Monday, 28 June, 2021
Regrettably, because of the ongoing restrictions and to avoid unnecessary cost, the Council has decided to cancel its meeting on July 15.
The legislation means councils cannot hold remote meetings anymore so meetings involving all councillors, officers and the public have to be held in person. The Government’s roadmap out of lockdown has been extended and the Council meeting involving all 51 councillors cannot be held at a safe social distance in the Ebley Mill Council Chamber which has a Coved-safe capacity of 26.
The council faces extra costs in holding the meeting in a bigger venue at Stratford Park Leisure Centre where the Annual Meeting was held, at a cost of more than £3,000 but we do not believe it prudent to dip into the public purse for this again.
This decision, which has not been taken lightly, has cross-party support and we would reassure the public that this does not impinge on decision-making and the democratic process.