Darlington councillors on the drop in meeting attendance

Attendance in the council chamber has dropped since the coronavirus pandemic began, with nine councillors attending fewer than half of their meetings in the year to June.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils, is calling for local authorities to be given the choice of holding meetings virtually to boost accessibility.

Read more: Spotlight on councillor attendance as just two attend all meetings

The Northern Echo asked representatives from across the council for their views on attendance levels and here’s what they said:

Cllr Jonathan Dulston, Conservative leader of Darlington Borough Council

“A drop in attendance has been noted, particularly within the Labour party, where attendance for some since going into opposition has declined.

“We encourage them to get on board, they have a fantastic opportunity to hold us to account and that is what the public want.

“Whether in person or remotely, councillors should be in attendance at meetings - but remote meetings encouraged the public to watch, too.

“There must be a place in the political arena for face to face meetings and we don’t want to get away from that, but I do hope the Government can make improvements to encourage participation.

“At the beginning of the year, councillors are given the opportunity to discuss meeting times – if they have work commitments, that’s their chance to speak up."

Cllr Dulston encouraged any councillor with problems that may prevent their attendance to discuss the matter with their group leader.

Cllr Stephen Harker, Labour group leader

“Clearly attendance at meetings is both expected and important.  

“In addition to meetings, councillors undertake a range of work to support residents in their respective wards.

Read more: Attendance rates for all Darlington councillors revealed

“Those councillors who have been unable to attend meetings have continued to support residents - much of that work is done via phone, email and zoom.

“In addition, as we have multi-councillor wards, we do support each other in the work we do directly with residents. And, in case of illness we sometimes rely more heavily on our co-councillors.

“It is important that we have councillors from a wide range of backgrounds, and in this context that includes those who have a disability, or temporary but long term illness, to ensure that councils make decisions that reflect all of society.

“This may create access and attendance problems – but we must address those. We must be inclusive. We must never simply exclude people because they have particular needs.”

Cllr Heather Scott, Conservative and one of just two councillors with 100% meeting attendance

“We are elected to represent constituents and how can we do that if we’re not in attendance at meetings?

“Councillors have a duty and are paid to represent those who vote for them – if they do not attend, it is a dereliction of duty.

“We’ve only been having face to face meetings again for a  short time and previously, it was something all members appreciated they had to do.

“If they are ill, that’s a good reason for not attending but I really do feel when you are elected to service, you know times and dates of meetings and that is something you accept.

“If there’s a genuine reason for not attending, we understand but for those who regularly do not attend, I just don’t think they’re carrying out the role they were elected to do.”

Cllr Matthew Snedker, Green Party

“I have noticed the falling attendance rate of councillors over the last three years.

“I fully understand that some of my fellow councillors have had periods of ill health and I wish them a speedy and full recovery. The many waves of coronavirus has also required members to stay away to prevent the spread of the virus.

“However, the result of the low turn out by some councillors is that Bryony Holroyd and I sometimes find ourselves acting as the official opposition.

“We relish the opportunity to hold the ruling group to account and putting forward our innovative and sustainable policies for consideration.”

Cllr Steven Tait, Independent

“For some councillors, I don’t think the focus is still there – and the attendance figures show that.

“I expect people to attend meetings, they have been elected by residents to represent their views and if you’re not attending, you are not representing them.

“Residents voices are not getting heard, meetings are there to hold the cabinet and executive to account, to debate policies and to feedback and to help change things for the better for residents.

“I think if you’re not fit enough to do the job, you need to ask yourself if it is time to retire and let someone else do it.

“More people need to ask themselves if they’re doing everything they can to serve residents to the best of their ability.

“Before Covid, councillors had to attend meetings in person and remote meetings were an exception made when we weren’t allowed to leave the house.

“Buildings should be accessible for disabled people and any special requirements should be considered but I do believe decision making should be done in public – councillors have a responsibility to get to their meetings.”

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