Issue - meetings

a)       To consider the format of the forthcoming Council cycle of meetings given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Members are reminded that virtual or hybrid meetings are not currently lawful. Options include:

·         Holding in-person meetings in the Corn Exchange Main Hall under social distancing measures;

·         Holding the next cycle of meetings as Advisory Committee meetings – ratification of recommendations to take place at the Full Council meeting on 2^nd August, with accompanying urgent delegations to the Town Clerk as set out in the Annual Meeting of 4^th May 2021 (Minute no. 227 refers).

b)      To consider special dispensation for members not to attend if in-person meetings take place. Written requests for dispensation are to be made to the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered the most appropriate way to hold the next cycle of Council meetings in the absence of legislation on virtual meetings in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Members agreed as national restrictions had been extended until 19^th July, there was no difference from when the decision had been taken to hold virtual Advisory meetings in May. Therefore, it was a sensible and cautious approach to continue holding virtual meetings during the next cycle with an in-person meeting to pass any un-delegated recommendations on 2 August 2021.

Resolved:

That, the forthcoming cycle of Council meetings be held as Advisory Committee Meetings with ratification of decisions, not made under delegated powers, taking place at an in-person Full Council meeting on 2 August 2021.