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Written question asked by Anne Marie Morris (Conservative) on Monday, 28 June 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 July 2021 (named day). It was answered by Luke Hall (Conservative) on Thursday, 1 July 2021 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Local Government: Meetings

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of returning to in-person local council meetings during the outbreak of covid-19 on wide and full participation in those meetings.

Answer

The Government issued Covid-19 guidance to ensure local council meetings take place safely. The guidance actively encourages local authorities to continue to provide remote public access until 19 July, at which point it is anticipated that restrictions on indoor gatherings will be lifted. It is for local authorities to satisfy themselves they have met the necessary requirements and apply the Covid-19 guidance to ensure meetings take place safely.

However, we recognise there may continue to be concerns about the potential risks of holding face-to-face meetings. The Government continues to work with sector representative bodies to ensure that local authorities understand the guidance and are aware of the full range of options available to them.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
23203
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Disease control Local government Meetings Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk