Approval
This policy was approved at the Parish Council Monthly Meeting on 4 March 2020
Open and Accountable Local Government
A guide for the press and public on attending and reporting meetings of Local Government.
Introduction
In August 2014, the 1960 Act was amended by the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014 (“the 2014 Regulations”). This amended the 1960 Act to provide that a person may not orally report or comment about a meeting as it takes place if he is present at the meeting of a parish council or its committees but otherwise may:
- film, photograph or make an audio recording of a meeting
- use any other means for enabling persons not present to see or hear proceedings at a meeting as it takes place or later’
- Report or comment on the proceedings in writing during or after a meeting or orally report or comment after the meeting.
Guidelines and Principles
These have been, produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
Open and Accountable Local Government
A guide for the press and public on attending and reporting meetings of Local Government.
The plain English Guide gives practical information about what the new rules mean for members of the public attending meetings of local government bodies, this includes Parish and Town Council.
Part 1 is the relevant section and focuses on the use of various communication tools for reporting the proceedings of any meeting of a local government body which is open to the public. DCLG guidance suggests that Councils may wish to have a policy in place in respect of the filming, recording, photographing or other reporting of firstly persons who object to the same and secondly children and vulnerable adults.
Council Policy Statement
The Council acknowledges that it is required by legislation to allow any member of the public to take photographs; film and audio record the proceedings and report on all public meetings. The Council acknowledges that no prior permission is required but asks that any person wishing to film or audio record a public meeting let Council staff know in order that all necessary arrangements can be made for the public meeting.
The Council will provide “reasonable facilities” to facilitate reporting.
The Council will provide a space to view and hear the meetings, seats and a table. This will not be part of the seating arrangements for the Council itself or an area required by Council staff or invited guests.
It is not permitted to provide a running verbal commentary.
Those undertaking reporting must not act in a disruptive manner. This could be any action or activity which disrupts the conduct of meetings or impedes other members of the public being able to see, hear or film etc. the proceedings.
Examples are listed but are not inclusive:
- Moving to areas outside the areas designated for the public without the
consent of the Chairman, - Excessive noise in recording or setting up or re-siting equipment during the
debate and discussion. - Intrusive lighting and use of flash photography, and
- Asking for people to repeat statements for the purpose of recording.
Public will be excluded from a meeting, under the Council’s Standing Orders, if acting in a disruptive manner.
Recording equipment must be removed from the chamber if at any stage the meeting becomes a private meeting.
No trailing cables or plugging in to sockets of electrical equipment will be permitted.
Children and vulnerable adults are not to be filmed, recorded or photographed or otherwise reported about where the relevant responsible adult has not given consent. In the case of a vulnerable adult this is a medical professional, their carer or legal guardian. In the case of a child, their parent, legal guardian or teacher).
Part of the public area will be used, if required, for children and vulnerable adults or those public attending who do not wish to be filmed, however, this is within the limitation of the Council Chamber and its layout.
Persons taking part in the public participation section, excluding children and vulnerable adults as indicated above, may be filmed, recorded or photographed or otherwise reported whether they are in a designated area or not.
Persons filming meetings etc. are likely to record personal data of individuals. These persons must take care to ensure that personal data is used in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Responsibilities
The policy is intended to clarify the requirements of the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014 for the benefit of employees, Councillors, members of the public and members of the press.
The Chairman of the Council or Committee meetings will be responsible for its implementation and deal with any disruption associated which disrupts the conduct of meetings or impedes other members of the public being able to see, hear or film, audit record, take photographs and use social media such as tweeting and blogging.
The Chairman of the Council or Committee will remind those present at the meeting
of this Policy. In particular, reminding individuals who wish to film to avoid those who
have expressed a wish not to be filmed or children or vulnerable adults without the
express permission of the parent or responsible adult.
Enforcement
Enforcement of the policy will be undertaken by the Chairman of the Council or Committee meeting as appropriate. Behaviour deemed to be disruptive will be dealt with under Council Standing Order No. 2 (Disorderly Conduct at Meetings).
This policy for filming, videoing and reporting of council meetings was formally
adopted by the Council at its meeting on 4 March 2020.
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