Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to allow local authorities to hold public meetings remotely after the 6 May local elections.

To extend the facility for councils to continue to meet remotely, or in hybrid form after 7 May 2021 would require primary legislation.

There is no option to extend the current regulations under the Coronavirus Act 2020 as section 78 (3) contains the sunset date of 7 May 2021.

There is considerable pressure on the Government’s legislative programme, but the Government is carefully considering next steps in this area.