First virtual council meeting successfully held in Exeter

Published: 8 April 2020

The Council has held what is thought to be the first completely virtual decision-making meeting by a local authority in the country.

The Government recently revised the rules allowing council meetings to be held remotely for the first time, in line with its guidance on social distancing during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Guidelines state that the public should be given reasonable access to view the virtual meeting.

Tuesday night’s Executive meeting was arranged at very short notice, with all councillors and officers taking part and voting over Skype.

The meeting was live streamed by the Communications team using Facebook Live, and a recording has been uploaded to the Council’s news website for all to see.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “It was the first meeting for the City Council to be virtual, and we think it is the first in the country after the recent change in the regulations by Government.

“I was pleased that we were able to carry on the business of the Council, albeit at a distance, and  I want to thank all the officers and members of the council for making it happen successfully.”