Monmouthshire Council waiting for Welsh Government regulations on remote meetings

Gwent councils are “waiting” for the Welsh Government to issue regulations before considering remote meetings.

It has been more than three weeks since the UK went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic and all five Gwent councils have had to use emergency protocols to delegate decision-making.

The UK Government passed emergency legislation on April 4 to allow English councils to hold remote meetings and the Welsh Government is currently in the process of doing the same.

So, will the councils hold remote meetings once the legislation has passed?

Newport City Council said: “We are waiting for Welsh Government to issue the regulations so we can consider the requirements and decide how to proceed.

“As the council already has an extensive scheme of delegation in place, we are able to conduct business without the need for meetings during the period of lockdown.”

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council said they have no plans to hold meetings during the coronavirus pandemic.

A council spokesman said: “The meetings, when held, will be virtual meetings and any reports and minutes will be published on the Council’s website.”

Monmouthshire County Council said they would consider remote meetings when the legislation is in place.

A spokesman said: “The council is working with the Welsh Government to draft regulations that will allow remote meetings.

“Once the regulations are in place, we’ll test run the software and work out the best way of supporting meetings.

“We will then work with councillors to allow them access to that software so we can plan for remote meetings.”

Torfaen County Borough Council said they would only consider a remote meeting if an urgent decision is needed.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has been contacted for comment.