Sefton Council to Boost Transparency with Live Streaming of Meetings

Sefton Council is planning to live stream meetings to ensure its decision making is as transparent as possible.

At their meeting on Thursday 25th July, the Council’s Cabinet members are expected to approve a budget provision for the installation of bespoke live streaming equipment in both Bootle and Southport’s town halls.

The final budget provision will be considered at a meeting of the Full Council in September.

This will mean members of the public can watch meetings of full council and committees from anywhere without having to attend in person, although all meetings, will remain open for the press and public unless otherwise stated.

Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said: “Since becoming Leader of Sefton, I promised when possible we would bring in a live streaming service for our residents who cannot make our meetings in person.

“Now we are in a position to do so, and I am delighted that we can take this important step to ensure our decision making process is even more transparent.

“All Council meetings are advertised in advance along with full agendas and minutes and can be found in the Calendar of Meetings section at www.sefton.gov.uk/your-council.

“We welcome the public and the media to attend our meetings and scrutinise first-hand what goes on and what is said.”

Nearly all Council meetings are open to the public although there are on occasions exclusions when issues such as matters affecting identifiable individuals or commercially sensitive information is discussed.   

Cllr Atkinson added: “At next week’s meeting my Cabinet colleagues will discuss the introduction of live streaming and if it is agreed, all councillors will have the opportunity to give their thoughts on the service at the next full Council meeting in September.”