j. Reporting at meetings (filming, recording etc.)

Reporting at meetings

Council meetings (including committees) must be open to the public, including the press.   The press are entitled, on payment, to copies of the agenda and supporting papers and to be given reasonable facilities for reporting a meeting.

Reporting at meetings includes:

• filming, photography or making an audio recording (e.g., using a mobile, tablet, filming     for a TV or radio broadcast)

• using any other means for enabling people not present at a meeting to see or hear  proceedings as they take place (such as live streaming)

• written reports or commentary on the proceedings during or after or oral reporting after    the meeting.  This includes blogging, social media etc.

The Government published a guide for the public which is  available by using this link .

It should be noted that there is no entitlement to give an oral report or running commentary during the meeting, which would obviously be disruptive. However, an oral commentary or report can be provided after the meeting.   

Legislation defines the 'report' as being limited to reporting on the proceedings of the meeting, including a reference to who attends and who participates including members of the public as well as councillors. 

Councils may wish to have a policy in place that covers these matters and other considerations such as restrictions that apply in respect of a vulnerable adult or child.  It is also recommended that the Chair reminds everyone in attendance at the meeting that they may be filmed, recorded, photographed or otherwise, subject to any limitations a council may put in place as mentioned above.

A council's standing orders can be relied upon to control behaviour or activities arising from a person filming, recording or photographing etc., if this disrupts the transaction of business.

Any person reporting at meetings must take care to ensure that personal data is used in accordance with data protection legislation.