Calls to broadcast Staffordshire council meetings rejected by cabinet members
Senior Cannock Chase councillors have voiced cost concerns in response to calls to broadcast public meetings so that residents who cannot attend in person can still view proceedings.
Cannock Chase Council does not currently webcast its meetings or provide audio or visual recordings online afterwards, unlike many other Staffordshire authorities that provide such facilities on their websites or YouTube.
In November Councillor Paul Jones, who became the district authority’s first Reform UK member when he was re-elected last year, put forward a motion to the full council to “enhance transparency through recording and broadcasting of public meetings”.
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He called on the council to recognise “the importance of openness, transparency, and public engagement in local democracy”. He added: “In an era of digital accessibility, it is essential that residents of Cannock Chase can observe and participate in council proceedings, regardless of physical attendance.”
The motion was referred to the council’s cabinet for consideration because of its financial implications. But it was recommended at Thursday’s cabinet meeting for the council to not proceed with measures to enable recording or broadcasting of public meetings at this time.
Cabinet members heard it would cost “quite a significant sum” to install equipment to enable audio and visual recording in just one council meeting room. But meetings also take place in rooms other than the main council chamber, such as the smaller Esperance Room where cabinet sessions often take place.
Councillor Jacquie Prestwood, Resources and Transformation Portfolio Leader, said at Thursday’s cabinet meeting (January 29): “It should be said the council already complies fully with the law on publishing agendas on meetings, making them open and publishing documents. The council already allows third parties to stream and record at public meetings.
“The council doesn’t possess any audio visual equipment that would allow streaming of meetings. Attempts to stream meetings with a web camera during the Covid years produced poor quality footage with poor quality sound and viewing figures remained relatively low.
“There would be a significant cost to arrange for public meetings to be streamed by the council. In order to pick up audio, the council would need to purchase adequate audio visual equipment.
“I have got to say I’m somewhat surprised to have received this motion from a party that advocates cost-cutting. We’re potentially looking at a short-term fix but high costs.”
A report to the cabinet said council officers sought a quote for equipment in 2023 that amounted to £70,500. Recent costs published by other councils in the last few years indicated costs of around £70,000 to £180,000.
The district authority is considering moving from its current Civic Centre in Beecroft Road. And the council is also facing its own demise as part of local government re-organisation, when the current district, borough and county system in Staffordshire is replaced with unitary authorities.
Councillor Sue Thornley, Housing and Corporate Assets Portfolio Leader, said: “I think it would be foolhardy to spend that money on a building we don’t know is going to be here in two years’ time.”
Councillor David Williams, Community Wellbeing Portfolio Leader, said: “Stoke-on-Trent City Council have recently been discussing this. On their existing system there were 42 people on average viewing live – some meetings had just 11.
“I think it is right we talk about this, but when the current agenda of moving to local government reorganisation is it a prudent use of money? I think it would be more of a fool’s errand.”
