A format change is being introduced for Bath & North East Somerset Council’s July meeting to ensure social distancing is maintained as part of previously agreed health and safety measures.
The Guildhall entrance in Bath | Photo © chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com
Although social distancing restrictions were lifted yesterday, Monday 19th July, Group Leaders at the local authority have agreed to invoke a contingency arrangement agreed in May.
The “cautious approach” has been adopted in the interests of the council’s Health & Safety duties to its councillors and staff.
As a consequence of the agreement, seating in the Council Chamber at the Guildhall will be restricted.
To enable all members to take part in debate, an informal Zoom Council meeting will now be held on Wednesday 21st July at 6.30pm.
A note of decisions from the informal meeting will then be passed onto a quorate-only meeting which will be held at the Guildhall on Thursday 22nd July at 6.30pm.
Councillor Kevin Guy, Council Leader, said: “It’s really important that all councillors have the opportunity to take part in the debate, but we also have a duty to ensure the health and safety of members and staff.
“I believe this cautious return to the Council Chamber is the right decision as we ease out of restrictions. Political proportionality will be maintained at the quorate meeting.”
Both meetings will be available to view online. The Zoom meeting will be broadcast on the council’s YouTube channel with the meeting in the Guildhall available on webcast.
