Decision details

The Service Director, Democratic Services and Communication provided Members with an update in respect of the introduction arrangements to enable the broadcasting of committee meetings and the ability to operate through a hybrid approach. It was added that these developments aim to encourage engagement and improve public participation in the democratic process.

Members were provided with a proposed roll out of the hybrid and webcasting facilities, as well as details of further proposals to improve the provision of hybrid facilities by taking forward changes within the smaller committee room settings. The Service Director also took the opportunity to advise of the changes to the Council Committee pages on the website to promote the webcasting provision.

The Deputy Leader welcomed the phased approach to hybrid meetings and the importance of demonstration meetings and training to members on the different systems in place to ensure the continuation of successful committee meetings.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

(i)             To note the development of the provision of webcasting within Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, in line with the requirements of the Local Government & Elections Wales Act, 2021.

(ii)            To note the development of webcasting to further assist with the promotion of public engagement and transparency of decision making by the Council;

(iii)          To note the decision of the Democratic Services Committee in respect of the meetings that are proposed to remain as virtual meetings and those that will be facilitated through a future hybrid approach, subject to the caveats outlined within the report

(iv)          To note the meetings that will be webcast and live streamed through the Council website and the roll out of such meetings.

(v)           To note the move to the Modern.Gov system to publish information to the Council website, including Member attendance details.

(vi)          To note the funding received via the Digital Democracy Fund to further support the developments needed to be taken forward with webcasting within the Council Headquarters.