Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to retain a hybrid system of virtual and physical attendance at local council meetings, including meetings of council committees and full council meetings, after the COVID-19 national restrictions are lifted.
The Government keeps all policy under review. To extend the facility for councils to continue to meet remotely, or in hybrid form after 7 May 2021 would require primary legislation. We have received representations from local authorities and sector representative organisations making the case for the continuation of remote meetings beyond 7 May 2021 and are carefully considering next steps in this area.