Decision making on hold at Sheffield Council because it is still 'not lawful' to hold meetings remotely

It follows criticism that the council had not been clear about how decisions will be made during the coronavirus crisis - which has put a stop to gatherings and going outside unless necessary.

Gillian Duckworth, director of legal and governance at the council, said: "The Coronavirus Act 2020 enables the government to introduce regulations about how local authority meetings are run. As yet they have not done so, therefore remote decision making is not yet lawful.

"We are actively looking at the best way of holding remote decision making meetings so they are lawful, open and transparent. We look forward to the regulations being made soon by the government to support council decision making."

In the meantime, the council said decisions were on hold.

A number of people have raised concerns about what will happen and suggested meetings such as those of the planning and highways committee, full council and cabinet could be held via Zoom or by using other video conferencing tools - allowing the public to still ask questions.

Brian Holmshaw, Green Party candidate, said: "For cabinet and full council meetings, without the introduction of Zoom, or a similar remote conferencing or online service, up to half an hour or more of public questioning will be lost as a way of scrutinising Sheffield City Council decisions.

"It is vital that our democratic rights are not lost in the necessary concern to save lives by reducing our physical contact."