Chair and Zoom meeting

Question

Our Parish council is a somewhat behind the times... Can the chair refuse to Parish meeting via Zoom because he does not like attending via Zoom   Its that his decision or can the reset of the councillors decide otherwise
Thanks

Answer 1

Any two councillors can demand an extraordinary council meeting, stating the business to be considered. In the current circumstances, the meeting demanded can use online conference methods. When it takes place, councillors can decide to reinstate scheduled meetings, or devise a new schedule, and decide that the planned meetings should take place online. That gives complete clarity on the situation.

Answer 2

He could refuse to chair it but if the clerk sends out the summons and calls on members to attend, the deputy chair could take on his role, as long as the meeting is quorate and members have access to suitable video devices,  the agenda and agenda papers, and public viewing is facilitated.  In such an instance, the chair and other "old school pen & paper" members would have to offer an apology for absence.

Comments

As the chair is elected solely for the chairing of council meetings then I would have thought that if they have a problem they must avail themselves of the necessary training, knowledge and equipment to carry out their duties or resign and allow someone more capable to host meetings. At some point the council must have voted to hold virtual meetings and I would have thought that this problem should have been discussed and resolved at that time.

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Our vice chair has taken a sabbatical for a few months...what happens then

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When we had the last 'lock down' we did not have any meetings what so ever, the clerk took the power of running the parish business........

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Ann with respect the clerk cannot "take" any power it can only be given by the council after a meeting to authorise such power.

Answer 3

Not everyone knows how to use zoom and not everyone has internet facilities, but zoom allows access by phone. Unfortunately not everyone has a contract that allows for 2.5 hours of phone calls. (they may be pay as you go)

I would look at the reasons why the chair does not want to do zoom, it is not an easy process and he / she ,may not be able to undertake the cost incurred. Tread carefully - this could be delicate!

Comments

Should not the council ensure that councillors have the right kit to do their job? The council certainly have a duty of care for the staff and should ensure they have the appropriate training and facilities to work from home.

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Unfortunately with the known turnover of councillors it would be financially unviable to provide internet provision and hardware for all