RECORDING COUNCIL MEETINGS

Question

For a couple of personal reasons (increasing deafness and disputes about what was said at meetings) I am planning to submit a motion to my Council requesting them to consider  installing  a recording system with microphones/headphones etc  etc .  This I see as having many benefits especially as it relates to openness and transparency .

Are there any pitfalls with introducing such a scheme  and with a  Council of circa 20 members does anyone have a grip on the potential costs?

Answer 1

2 very different ‘issues’ but potential for a combined solution.
If hearing is becoming difficult on a person level then the council should make reasonable provision for suitable assistance under accessibility and equality premise - a mag hearing loop for example.
To record discussions due to disputes is a separate issue and - if it is creating tension and / or dispute - then it might be beneficial to audio / video record.
To do so has significant advantage across several reasons.
Livestream or upload as community engagement

Openness & transparency

accurate record keeping

Dispute resolution

Audit trail

If all else fails, apersonal recording device is cheep and really useful.

Answer 2

Nothing to stop you from recording the meeting yourself without a resolution from the council. Only polite to advise the other councillors in advance but it's your right to do so.