UPDATE
As of the Council Meeting on Monday 2nd August 2021 the Emergency Consultation Panel is immediately dissolved.
Original
Before the imminent expiry, on Friday 7th May 2021, of the ability to hold virtual meetings under “The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020”, the Town Council at the Annual Council Meeting on Monday 3rd May 2021 at Agenda Item 13 and in accordance with Standing Orders Section 26 implemented the Emergency Consultation Panel (ECP) and suspended Standing Orders.
The Town Council recognises that as all Councillors are volunteers, they cannot be classed as workers and therefore would be unable to hold physical meetings in accordance with the Government’s COVID-19 Response until:
- At least Step 4 -not before 21 June, and
- Suitable accommodation to hold socially distanced meetings is available.
As a result of the ECP being implemented all Council, Committee and Sub-Committee meetings are cancelled until after the ECP is dissolved.
The Town Council regrets that they have had to implement the Emergency Consultation Panel, but this is the only way for the Council to be able to function without having physical meetings.
When to dissolve the ECP will be continually reviewed but this will not be before Step 4 is in place.
During this period, please contact the Town Clerk as usual on clerk@wantagetowncouncil.gov.uk