THIS AFTERNOON SEES TECHONOLOGY USED TO CIRCUMVENT THE CATASTROPHIC EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON OUR DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY

RESIDENTS in Atherstone and North Warwickshire get their first opportunity later today to watch democratic accountability back in action since Covid-19 brought local government almost to a full stop.

Technology will help restart the process of the public being able to witness decision-making by its elected representatives.

Warwickshire County Council is urging the electorate and local taxpaying businesses to join the live streaming of its 'virtual' Cabinet meeting this afternoon – and watch history being made.

The meeting is the first of three in the next seven days to affect the Atherstone and district population.

Today's proceedings in Warwick will be followed by a full council meeting – conducted via Zoom – of the Atherstone-based North Warwickshire authority next Wednesday, and the following day the annual meeting of Atherstone Town Council by the same method.

County council leader Izzi Seccombe said today's meeting had been organised with the "safety of my Cabinet and all our elected members at the forefront of our decision-making".

She added: "We will be following Government guidelines and staying alert to stay safe and control the virus.

"I would encourage all residents to watch this broadcast from 1:45pm." It's been two months since councillors across Atherstone, North Warwickshire and the county at large met in committees to discuss relevant civic businesses relating to planning, health, environment, leisure, education and waste collection. Executive decisions have been taken in conjunction with the normal advice from the teams of council officers – with priorities being afforded to halthcare, education and waste and recycling issues. Councillor Seccombe added: "Since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic, at Warwickshire County Council we have been fully committed to exploring the ways that we can do things differently to rise to the challenges posed by the virus, whilst keeping local democracy as open and transparent as is possible." For those wishing to view the livestream, it is advisable to join slightly ahead of the 1.45pm start by following this link.