Town hall first for Blackpool as democracy goes virtual

The council chamber usually echoes with the sound of debate as politicians wrangle over key decisions about the future of the town.

But since lockdown began in March, councillors have been unable to swap opinions in the usual robust way.

This week saw history made when the council held its first ever virtual meeting using video technology with 18 councillors taking part, chaired by Mayor Coun Amy Cross and using hand signals to vote.

It has now been agreed to hold all further meetings in this way in order to enable the democratic process to continue.

The meeting was streamed on YouTube enabling the public to watch it.

Council leader Coun Simon Blackburn said: “At our meeting on Monday, we agreed that until further notice, and thanks to the provisions of the Coronavirus Act of 2020, all council meetings will take place in a virtual format until further notice.

"This allows those who need to self-isolate to continue to take part in the democratic process, and maintains real-time public and press scrutiny of our proceedings.

"I felt that the meeting went well, thanks to the immense efforts of council staff, and the willingness of councillors to embrace technology, and the chairmanship of The Mayor.

"For future full council meetings, where possible, I would like to see all 42 members able to take part, rather than the 18 we had on this first meeting, but that will be easier now that we’ve had our first live experience.”