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The new arrangements were pushed through last week at the council's Governance Committee where conservative members all voted in favour of the new arrangements despite strong disagreement from opposition members. The move was brought about by a recent disruption to a Council meeting which resulted in the Mayor asking a resident to leave the chamber. The side gallery seats 19 people in comfort which is on the same level as the floor of the Council Chamber and affords unrestricted views. However, the balcony has very restricted views, is uncomfortable and the occupants are not visible to councillors. At the same meeting the Residents' Association put down a recommendation that, after reserved seats had been taken, the general public would continue to be allowed to sit in the side gallery. However, all conservative members voted against this. Cllr Clarence Barrett, Leader of the Opposition (RA), said: "We hear many times how this is meant to be an open Council, however this latest piece of totalitarian nonsense would give even George Orwell a shock. We should be encouraging people to become more involved in how local democracy works, not making it more difficult. "If the rationale is that disruptive elements are consigned to the balcony, then we need to be sure that all councillors are setting a good example on the floor of the chamber." The new arrangements, which come into immediate effect, allows invited guests into the gallery while staff, press and people with mobility difficulties are seated in the area behind the councillors at the rear of the Chamber. Seating and public access arrangements for Regulatory Services Committee meetings are subject to a separate report to be considered at a future date. The 'Gods' is a frequently used term in theatre for the cheapest seats, highest up and which are furthest away from the stage. 12.11.11 |
The general public will no longer be able to view Council and Cabinet meetings from a side gallery in the Council Chamber but will instead be banished to a balcony.