Further to minute 11 (29/9/2011) the Director of Law HR and Asset Management submitted a report which set out the current practices of neighbouring Councils in respect of recording meetings (Appendix A), and proposed a Standing Order and/or a Protocol on the use of recording media in Council buildings, during Council meetings (Appendix B). It also recommended that decisions on recording media other than during meetings should be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with Group Leaders to be determined based on the merits of the request and that there would be no filming/recording/photography at any time in Council buildings if a request had not been made and permission given.

Councillor Blakeley expressed his concern regarding the time that had been taken to deal with this matter which had originated from his complaint concerning the actions of an individual councillor.

Members discussed the issues raised in the Director’s report but in the interests of openness and transparency it was decided that no further restrictions would be placed on the use of recording media in Council buildings.

Resolved – That the report be noted and that no further action be taken regarding this matter.

Further to minute 3 (21/6/2010) June 2010), the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management, presented a report which set out the current practices of neighbouring Councils in respect of recording meetings (Appendix A), and proposed a Standing Order and/or a Protocol on the use of recording media in Council buildings, during Council meetings (Appendix B). It also recommended that decisions on recording media other than during meetings should be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with Group Leaders to be determined based on the merits of the request and that there would be no filming/recording/photography at any time in Council buildings if a request had not been made and permission given.

There was a general discussion during which members expressed their reservations regarding the proposed use of regulatory procedures to control the use of recording media in council buildings, having regard to the need for transparency in the way in which the council conducts its business and also continue to allow photography at weddings and other social functions held in the town hall.

It was moved by Councillor Blakeley and seconded by Councillor Rowlands that:

“ The Committee recommends the following:

(a)  that the use of recording media within meetings open to the public be unregulated and welcomed, as part of the Council’s drive to engage more residents in the workings of the council;

(b) rejects any controls over the use of social media at such meetings and congratulates staff on the creation of Council profiles on Twitter and Facebook;

(c) recommends to Cabinet  that all requests for filming rights for broadcasters and producers be managed by the Corporate Marketing Department;

(d)  instructs the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management, to enforce all current legal restrictions, including the use of photography at the counting of ballots.

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It was moved as an amendment by Councillor Jones and seconded by Councillor Williams that:

“  That this matter be referred to a future meeting to allow a much wider discussion involving all members of the council before a decision is made.”

The amendment was put and carried (9:3)

The motion, as amended, was put and carried (12:0)

Resolved (12:0)- That this matter be referred to a future meeting to allow a much wider discussion involving all members of the council before a decision is made.