NALC backs the government's remote meeting proposals

We support the government's recent proposals to reintroduce remote meetings for parish and town councils.

Responding to a consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), we emphasised that parish and town councils should be free to decide how and when to hold their meetings.

This flexibility will empower parish and town councils to respond quicker and effectively to their communities' needs through in-person, remote, or hybrid formats.

However, we strongly opposed the introduction of proxy voting at council meetings. Echoing concerns raised by other stakeholders, we warned that proxy voting could lead to confusion, undermine democratic processes, and create potential conflicts of interest, particularly for larger councils with party-political dynamics.

The consultation sought feedback on the practicalities of enabling remote and hybrid attendance at council meetings. It also explored the possibility of proxy voting for councillors who cannot attend meetings, even remotely, due to personal circumstances.