‘You’re now watching Cooncil Telly’
DRAMAS of a different kind could soon be hitting our television and computer screens.
Councillors are calling for the decision making process which goes on in council meetings to be screened so the public can see democracy at work.
Cameras are already in many council chambers across the country, and now Councillor Douglas Chapman, (SNP, Rosyth), has again called for all council meetings to be uploaded to YouTube or podcasted live to let the people of Fife see exactly what goes on in meetings.
At the education, social and communities scrutiny committee this week he said: “Many councillors are very concerned that the new cabinet system is undemocratic.
“One way of allaying our fears would be for all meetings, including the new executive and policy groups, to be televised either by pod-cast or via a social media outlet such as YouTube.
Transparency
‘‘This would bring a level of openness and transparency to the whole process and would allow Fifers from Kincardine to St Andrews access to their council and allow them to monitor how decisions were being made.”
A similar motion to introduce cameras to council meetings last year was also made by Cardenden councillor Mark Hood and the administration agreed to look into the costs and practicalities of the move.
Speaking to the Press, most councillors seemed in favour of becoming television stars in the future.
Councillor Arthur Morrison, (SNP, Kirkcaldy East), said: “It is happening more and more often in other areas, so I don’t see why Fife shouldn’t follow.”
Councillor Kenny Selbie, (Labour, Kirkcaldy Central), said: “I don’t think this would be a particularly difficult issue as long as people behave themselves.’’
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North east
