South Tyneside council meetings situation branded a 'disgrace' by opposition councillors

Bosses at South Tyneside Council have admitted it is likely to be next year before it is possible to hold a full meeting of all councillors.

Chiefs claim they are hamstrung available technology, although some smaller committees have resumed work by videolink after COVID-19 restrictions prevented meetings being held in person.

But other local authorities in the North East and the rest of England have managed to hold larger sessions, prompting concerns about the impact on local democracy.

“I gather [council committee] meetings have been better attended virtually than the physical meetings at the town hall,” said opposition Green Party councillor David Francis.

“On the subject of digital engagement I think it’s really important to lead by example.

“What example are we as the council setting if we don’t embrace technology and if we end up going a year without a full council meeting?”

Cllr Francis was speaking at a meeting of the borough council’s People Select Committee, which was held remotely and broadcast via YouTube.

He has previously called the failure to restart meetings of the full 53-member council a ‘lockdown on democracy’ – a claim South Tyneside Council has denied.

The 73-member Sunderland City Council held a full council meeting on September 23, while one for Durham County Council, which has 126 elected councillors, is scheduled to for October 21.

Tracey Dixon, the deputy leader of the council, said: “The officers are finding it extremely challenging but are working through a process to try and get this up and running.

“We have had regular meetings about this, but it is about getting the technology in place so meetings can continue and don’t drop off.”

Council officers insisted the necessary technology was in place, but added it is yet to be tested to see if it can cope with the numbers necessary to stage a full borough council meeting.

Opposition councillor John Robertson said: “Why has it not been tested?

“The public are desperate to see what’s going on with local democracy and we’re telling them it’s going to be 2021, which is a disgrace.”

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