The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
An investment of £11,900 per year is made into webcasting South Holland District Council meetings, a recent publication of its contract register showed.
The council broadcasts its 12 monthly planning meetings and occasional other meetings likely to be of broad interest.
Coun Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities, said: “I believe it’s a benefit particularly regarding planning issues.
“People couldn’t all attend but are happy to watch it by webcast. We are in an area where there is not great public transport and this allows people to watch and take part in the democratic process.
“It is also recorded evidence.
“Democracy is expensive but anything that supports it at a reasonable price is worth pursuing.
“I want all meetings to be as public and open as possible. I would support the present arrangement and if we were looking to increase that would have to look at the value for money.”
The contract the council has for the service is £35,700 for the three years to 2019.
Angela Newton, independent group leader, agreed that transparency and democracy can be costly but is vital.
She said: “Often people can’t get to a meeting but want to hear what has been said. I don’t think it is an unreasonable amount of investment.
“People on the planning committee take decisions more or less on the spot and I don’t think this should be chopped out of the budget.”
Meetings can be viewed live or after the event via www.sholland.gov.uk
