Falkirk Council continue virtual meetings

In a historic first for the council, they used a teleconference to bring members together.

Councillors agreed to set up an executive committee that will steer the council through the coronavirus crisis, which has made meetings impossible for over a month now.

Since then, senior council officials have had emergency powers to make decisions, working in consultation with the three political group leaders.

The 12 members – five from the SNP, four Labour and three Conservatives - will meet using secure video conferencing technology.

These meetings will not be open to any members of the public, but recordings will be made available shortly after the meeting and agendas and background papers will still be available beforehand.

The executive will meet every fortnight until the scheduled summer break.

The body will be responsible for all council decisions with the exception of planning, which will continue to meet via video calls, although site visits and deputations will not be possible.

Falkirk Council leader, Cecil Meiklejohn, said: ‘As we move from the immediate response mode in to the recovery, renew and refresh program it is important that there is than increased opportunity for elected member to be involved.

She added: “Our continued thanks to all our staff, particularly those on the front line at this difficult time, who are continuing to  work to enable critical front line services to be delivered and to all our community volunteer who have given their time and efforts to support our most vulnerable citizens, and the real difference they are making to the welfare  of those in the community.”

Labour group leader Robert Bissett welcomed the council meeting again, and he also paid tribute to the key workers and council staff who were responding to the pandemic.

He said: “I think the setting up these committees shows that we are moving forward and getting the council moving again towards some form of a new normal, which I am sure the public and businesses will welcome.”

Councillor Lynn Munro, leader of the Conservative group, said it had been a good meeting and agreed it was a positive step.

However, she said the new executive is facing huge challenges, including how to ensure children get back into education and how local businesses can be supported when so many of them are facing despair.