First full council meeting to take place in South Tyneside since covid pandemic began

South Tyneside Council is set to hold a virtual meeting of full council next week – the first to take place since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
South Shields town hall. The council chamber will remain empty, but a full council meeting will take place onlineSouth Shields town hall. The council chamber will remain empty, but a full council meeting will take place online
South Shields town hall. The council chamber will remain empty, but a full council meeting will take place online

When the first national lockdown restrictions came into force in 2020, local authorities across the country were forced to adapt, with digital meetings allowing council business to continue.

South Tyneside Council now hosts the majority of its meetings virtually, which are broadcast on YouTube.

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However, full council meetings have not taken place since February 2020 in the borough.

As other authorities in the North East and elsewhere in the UK moved larger meetings online, the council’s failure to restart full council meetings prompted concerns from opposition councillors about the impact on local democracy in South Tyneside.

South Tyneside Council previously said it was limited by available technology so unable to host such meetings – which would normally see all elected councillors and a range of officers attend.

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Almost a year on from the last full council meeting, council chiefs have now scheduled a meeting of the borough council for Thursday, January 14.

The agenda includes the formal election of a new council leader, details of appointments of a deputy leader and appointments to the cabinet, as well as appointments to other committees.

Other items on the agenda include finance updates, questions from members of the public and councillors, petitions and a motion on support for Commonwealth veterans.

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Earlier in Janaury 2021, the council’s ruling cabinet also agreed the council meetings diary for the next three months – which includes another full council meeting to decide on the 2021/22 budget on Thursday, February 25.

Next week’s full council meeting will start at 6pm and will be held via videolink and broadcast live on YouTube.

The link to the meeting can be found here: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/watchcouncilmeetings

Agenda papers can also be accessed by visiting the council’s website: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/60650/Upcoming-committee-meetings

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