Highland Council to hold coronavirus recovery meeting in eight weeks' time
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Highland Council will hold a special meeting in eight weeks' time to discuss the coronavirus.
The meeting on June 25 will use technology to allow remote participation – but it is unclear if the public will be allowed to watch it.
A report detailing measures taken and powers exercised in response to the coronavirus will be discussed but the focus will be on "Highland Council recovery" – understanding the impact of Covid-19 and planning for the future.
Council convener Bill Lobban said: “It is important that even at a time of crisis such as we are currently experiencing that our elected members have the opportunity to meet, to be informed and to influence our future direction.”
A spokeswoman said councillors and staff are focused on responding to the Covid-19 emergency.
"Staff across all services and areas are working hard, often in roles different to their normal jobs, to ensure a proactive, well organised and co-ordinated approach is taken across Highland," she said.
"All council business is being discharged in accordance with the government’s physical distancing guidelines including officer meetings. Meetings use telephone and video conferencing to enable participants to take part remotely and without the need to travel.
"These arrangements are being kept under constant review to improve reliability and accessibility of the technology and ensure consistency with public health guidelines at all times."
Senior councillors are meeting regularly with top council officials to consider issues with services, local requirements and changes in national policy.
The council’s planning review body will be meeting, using video-conferencing technology, on Tuesday. It is unclear if the public will be allowed to watch it.
