Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, after 7 May, local authorities will be permitted to hold (1) remote proceedings, or (2) hybrid proceedings, for (a) council meetings, (b) Executive meetings, (c) committee meetings, (d) sub-committee meetings, or (e) other meetings at which members of the public are able to be present.

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.