Council meetings set for virtual return from 24 June

Renfrewshire Council’s board meetings are set for a virtual return, with the full Council meeting on 24 June taking place for the first time via Skype.

Nominated Councillors from across the political parties will attend the meeting next week and receive an update on the current situation in Renfrewshire relating to Coronavirus, as well as details of the area’s recovery plan.

Councillors will also be asked to approve that the scheduled policy boards in August and September are held remotely, as government guidance does not yet allow indoor gatherings of this nature.

Since 20 March, all council boards were suspended in line with national guidance and replaced in line with established protocols with a weekly Emergencies Board which consisted of senior council officers, including the Chief Executive, and elected members from each of the political parties.

Councillors will be asked to approve the continuation of this board throughout the summer recess, with the board moving to a fortnightly meeting and membership extended to 15.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “In what have been unprecedented times, myself and my fellow councillors have been working hard to support our local communities in every way we can, but I know I am looking forward to the return of our established meetings.

“With the Coronavirus pandemic affecting everyone in Renfrewshire, it is more important than ever that we work to provide all available avenues of support for local people and it’s right that all councillors are aware of the plans around this.

“The work of all our council staff during this time has been fantastic and I extend my thanks to each and every one of them for their hard work and dedication during this time.”

In line with the current Emergencies Board process, all meetings would be recorded and made available for the public to view as soon as possible on the council’s website.