Lib Dems call for Shepway to webcast meetings

3.45.47pm GMT Sun 22nd Nov 2009

The Liberal Democrats are calling on Shepway Council to follow the example of other councils and make meetings available to watch on-line. Web-casting of meetings is increasingly common and low cost, and the Lib Dem motion seeks a partner company to make the meetings available at no or very low cost to local taxpayers.

The motion to the next Shepway District Council meeting says:

"This Council notes the example of Kent County Council, Maidstone Borough Council and others in involving the wider community in Council business through live and recorded web casting of many Council meetings.

"This Council supports the principle of web casting of its meetings if a suitable media partner can be found to deliver it at very limited cost, or the possibility of no cost to this Council."

Shepway Liberal Democrat Group leader, Lynne Beaumont, said:

"The public have a right to see what is going on in our Council meetings, and the internet means that we make that much easier. Other councils such as Maidstone and Kent have shown how this can work, with meetings available both live and archived on-line.

"it's obvious that some meetings will be of more interest than others, but working with a local business - such as one of our local papers or fantastic new media companies n the area - we could work to engage local people more in Council business and council decisions without any huge cost."