Council leaders have slated the Government as “lamentable” and “discriminatory” after a High Court ruling dashed last-ditch hopes of continuing remote public meetings. Virtual proceedings, which created viral moments such as the infamous Handforth Parish Council bust-up chaired by Jackie Weaver, have been in operation throughout the pandemic to keep local authority business running.

Last month the Government stunned civic chiefs by announcing that the emergency legislation that has allowed them to take place would not be extended beyond Thursday, May 6th, the day of the local elections, so Councillors would then have to attend committees in person.

The decision was widely criticised cross-party as “negligent” and “ludicrous” when the coronavirus crisis is far from over.

Now High Court judges have dismissed a legal challenge by an alliance of local government officers and lawyers who argued Councils could use existing powers to meet virtually, so there was no need to extend the legislation.

But judges decided a “physical presence” was required at meetings. 

The judicial review was brought by the Association of Democratic Services Officers, Lawyers in Local Government and Hertfordshire County Council.

In a letter to Councils on April 29th announcing the implications of the ruling, Local Government Minister and Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall said they should “prepare accordingly” to return to in-person meetings after Thursday, May 6th.

He said: “I recognise there may continue to be concerns about holding face-to-face meetings.

“Ultimately it is for local authorities to apply the Covid-19 guidance to ensure meetings take place safely, but the Government has published updated guidance to highlight ways in which Councils can, if necessary, minimise the need for, or risks of, face-to-face meetings.”

By Adam Postans and Stephen Sumner, LDRS