Cheaper and better for the planet. Midsomer Norton councillor asks B&NES to consider continuing with virtual meetings

The local independent councillors, including Cllr Shaun Hughes from Midsomer Norton, have asked B&NES to consider keeping all meetings which have been over the internet, virtual even once the pandemic ends.

The councillors argue that it is better financially and also for the planet, to learn lessons from how the council has operated since coronavirus struck.

They write:

Dear Dine and Will,

As a Group of Independent Councillors who have heavy workloads, family commitments and generally live outside of Bath, we have welcomed the way Covid 19 has forced the Council to hold virtual meetings.

Before Covid 19, rural Councillors could easily clock up 100 miles travel per week (3 to 4 trips to Bath per week) and up to 6 to 8 hours of that time could be spent travelling. This reflects a poor use of councillor time, an unacceptable carbon footprint and poor use of Council resources.

As we emerge from this pandemic and start to return to normal we would like:

1. An assurance from the Council Leader and Chief Executive that B&NES Council will emerge from this with a varied, logical and planned style of meeting structure fit for the future.

2. A commitment from the Council Leader and Chief Executive to investigate fully the options.

3. To see a detailed report looking into the options available and the costs to evaluate the viability of hybrid meetings.

4. This Council to lobby our MPs ensure legislation continue to allow Councils to operate Virtual and Hybrid meetings.

In our opinion it would be unacceptable given the technology available to revert back to the previous meeting arrangements.

We would like to see a balance of virtual and hybrid meetings.

There is cost effective technology available today and it is our duty given our declaration of a climate emergency to invest in a carbon neutral approach. We believe that this work should be undertaken as a matter of urgency so that any resources needed can be allocated in the February budget.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Bath & North East Somerset Independent Councillors

Sarah Bevan

Colin Blackburn

Douglas Deacon

Shaun Hughes

June Player

Karen Walker