Want to see your elected representatives nodding off during meetings? Want to see your elected Mayor Ian Stewart snarling at the public gallery when campaigners laugh at his statements? Want to see local democracy inaction?...
…Well, from today, everyone has the right to film, record and photograph all public meetings of local government bodies under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014. This means, not just full council meetings but Cabinet meetings and committee meetings, indeed anything that's open to the public.
A press release issued by the Local Government Department today explains… "The new law aims to end active resistance amongst some councils to greater openness. Councils have even called the police to arrest people who tried to report, tweet or film council meetings, or claimed spurious `health and safety' or `reputational risks' to digital reporting.
A Plain Guide to the new law issued by the Department states "We would discourage any system which `vetted' journalists or restricted reporting to `approved' journalists. Councils should support freedom of the press within the law and not seek to restrict those who may write critical comments."
The Salford Star, of course, does intend to begin filming a variety of full Council, Committee and Cabinet meetings for our readers' delight (or to get your kids of to sleep depending on your view). We will be starting a new YouTube channel called Salford Council Inaction, in tribute to the old and esteemed Granada TV production World In Action.
Ironically, and in a move that would make many ex World In Action cameramen spin in their retirement homes, it was Conservative Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles, who signed the Parliamentary order allowing the new press freedoms.
"Local democracy needs local journalists and bloggers to report and scrutinise the work of their council, and increasingly, people read their news via digital media" he says "The new 'right to report' goes hand in hand with our work to stop unfair state competition from municipal newspapers – together defending the independent free press.
"There is now no excuse for any council not to allow these new rights. Parliament has changed the law, to allow a robust and healthy local democracy" he adds "This will change the way people see local government, and allow them to view close up the good work that councillors do."
Absolutely!
The Salford Star has written to Salford Council notifying it of our intentions to film public meetings and asking what provisions it is making for such a venture.
* The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 covers more than the new press freedoms, it also covers public access to documents and decisions, of which one paragraph stands out… "No item can be considered if the item is not available for inspection by the public with 5 clear days' notice."
Given how notoriously bad Salford Council is at posting minutes and agendas on its website, the Salford Star will be holding the Council to account on this point.
** if anyone has video and editing skills and would like to help out just get in touch info@salfordstar.com
* The main photo is a `Here's one we did earlier' shot of mental health campaigners occupying Salford Council chamber over cuts to the service.
UPDATE: 27th August - Watch the first live Salford Star TV broadcast from Salford Council's Audit Committee meeting - http://bambuser.com/channel/salfordstar
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