Since the good news that we posted here last week which seemingly gave those of us who wish to film council meetings the right to do so, we’ve heard different experiences.
In Bexley, a filming ban is reportedly still to remain due to the council’s existing rules.
Some of you got in touch to ask about the situation for town and parish councils and my own council in Richmondshire, North Yorkshire advised that it believed it was exempt because it did not operate an ‘executive’ structure ie. one which involved a cabinet.
I’ve been back to the Department for Communities and Local Government who confirm that not all councils are covered despite a general wish for greater openness across the board.
In a statement, a spokeswoman said today:
The Government is committed to introducing greater transparency and openness into meetings of the executive (council’s cabinet), its committees and sub committee.
The guidance applies to a district, unitary, county or London local authority that has a leader and cabinet or mayor and cabinet governance arrangements.
However the Government is clear that all councils should be open in their dealings and more accountable to their electorate.
We’ll continue look into what we can do in this matter so please do keep us up to speed on how any filming plans are going in your area.
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