The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all our lives. Lockdowns, shutdowns and empty office buildings must surely raise a few questions about how we all operate and, indeed, how we may operate in the future.
Councils, like other businesses, must continue to operate, providing services to the public – and, as a councillor, I have still been able to conduct my role and operate effectively.
Under Section 78 of the Coronavirus Act 2020, local authority meetings can be held as ‘virtual’ or remote meetings. Technology allows this to happen over a variety of platforms and, although not new to business, it is new to many councillors.
Many councils have recorded meetings for some time, either by video or just audio, and some have even broadcast meetings live. But the concept of a ‘virtual’ meeting is not necessarily something we have embraced as councillors.
Although alien to some, this concept could bring benefit for the future of councils – working more efficiently, saving time, minimising travel and reducing impact on the environment. It does allow decision-making, and that is what councillors do. A remote meeting does not stop debate, discussion or decision, and the public still has access.
I have attended a few of these meetings now and, I must say, I find them shorter and more focused and – funnily enough – attendance seems improved. We are creatures of habit and just because we used to do things the way we did before does not necessarily mean it is the right way, or indeed the only way.
Remote meetings seem to be a good thing and with many employees across the economy working from home, it poses a question about office space. Do we really need large office spaces, and to be paying heating, power, insurance and maintenance? Maybe smaller hubs will be more cost-effective?
I am not saying that we should replace all physical meetings with ‘virtual’ ones, but I do think we need to consider how council life operates on the other side of COVID-19.