Local Conservatives have expressed their bitter disappointment that a motion calling for Vale of Glamorgan Council meetings to be held in hybrid format was rejected by Labour councillors.
Last night, the Council considered a motion tabled by Cllrs George Carroll, Russell Godfrey and Rhys Thomas.
It called on the Council to move to a hybrid model, where councillors have the option to attend meetings either in person or virtually, as soon as possible.
Unlike most other councils in Wales, meetings in the Vale are held almost exclusively virtually. The option of attending in person is not available.
Back in April, the Council voted to move to a hybrid model. But this has still not been implemented.
Leader of the Conservatives on the Council, Cllr George Carroll said, “It’s bitterly disappointing that this motion was rejected.
“Most councils in Wales have moved to a hybrid model, with councillors attending meetings in person.
“This gives councillors the option to attend virtually, but also allows the council to benefit from the enhanced scrutiny that meeting in person brings.
“But in the Vale, the vast majority of meetings are held exclusively virtually.
“It is time for the Vale to move to a hybrid model and all necessary steps must be taken to make this happen.”
NOTE: Please find below the text of the motion considered by Full Council
The Vale of Glamorgan Council:
- Regrets that unlike other Councils in Wales, the Vale of Glamorgan Council is currently holding all Full Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings remotely and not in hybrid format;
- Recognises that in person meetings allow for more effective scrutiny and decision making than meetings that are held virtually;
- Calls for future Full Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings to be held in hybrid format, and for all necessary steps to be taken to allow for this to happen.
