COVID-19 response: Council meeting procedures

From 26 March 2020, the COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 introduces changes to the way in which local authorities conduct their meetings and provide information to the public.

An amendment to the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) provides local authority members with the ability to attend a meeting via audio visual link despite any limitation in the standing orders.

An amendment to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) provides that a meeting may be ‘open to the public’ by broadcasting live audio or video meetings, where reasonably practicable. After the meeting the audio/video and/or a written summary of the meeting is to be made available online. An agenda, any associated report and meeting minutes may be made available free of charge online. Previously these types of documents were able to be viewed by the public at Council offices or public libraries.  Hard copies of those documents must still be provided by post on request.

These changes to the LGA and LGOIMA will have effect until the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 expires or is revoked.

The Act can be viewed here.

For more information, please contact our  Local Government Team.