Council business set to resume – virtually

Important meetings such as planning committee had to be cancelled after the Government imposed lockdown restrictions to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

 As part of the Coronavirus Act 2020 the Government has given permission to councils and police and crime panels to hold virtual meetings so important decisions can be discussed and made public during the lockdown.

 At Newcastle City Council, the first such meeting is set to take place on Friday, April 17, when planning sub-committee will discuss proposals to allow the Assistant Director of Planning to determine planning applications which ordinarily would have been made by planning committee.

 The council is keen to ensure that planning applications are determined without unnecessary delay to enable the city to get back to normal as quickly as possible once the restrictions are lifted..

 The council also has plans for Cabinet to meet on Monday April 20 when they are expected to consider a report on the city-wide response to the effects of Coronavirus.

 Council leader, Cllr Nick Forbes, said: “Every single one of us has been affected by the pandemic in one way or another and some much worse than others.

 “Inevitably there is talk now about when and how the lockdown can be lifted. By not observing social distancing the restrictions will have to stay in place a lot longer, so I urge everyone to abide by the restrictions.

 “Elected members have a responsibility to represent their residents - and important decisions must be taken about services and the council’s response to the virus.

 “Our officers have been looking at ways in which we can resume meetings in public by using new software. This will enable meetings to take place over the internet, allowing members and officers to discuss proposals while observing social distancing.

 “The decisions will help to keep the city functioning in these challenging times and improve our ability to get up and running again once the lockdown is lifted. Again, I urge everyone to only go out once a day for essential reasons only: food, medicine or exercise.”

 Although the software is still being installed and tested, it is envisaged that residents and the media will be able to observe virtual meetings by clicking a link on the council’s website. For information keep an eye on the council's website.