Please see below.
Rachel Morris Gwasanaethau Democrataidd/ Democratic Services Est/Ext 4025 Llinell Uniongyrchol/Direct Line 01267 224025 E:Bost/E:Mail: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
From: Democratic Services Unit
Sent: 25 February 2011 15:20
To: 'xxxxxxxxxx'
Subject: FW: Recording of meetings
Good afternoon xxxxxx,
Please see response below.
Regards
Rachel
Dear Mrs Thompson,
While the law requires us to allow public access to meetings, it does not require us to allow
recording of proceedings by members of the public and our current practice is that it is not permitted,
and this is respected by the media who report our proceedings.
I regret that the same principle would need to be applied to your request.
There are many legal and practical considerations which need to be addressed and resolved before
a Council can consider going down the route which you are suggesting. The Council is aware
however that there is a developing public interest in the use of modern technology at meetings of
Councils and other public bodies, and will be reviewing this issue in the light of legislation and
government guidance. How that is progressed will be a matter for Council members to decide at a
future date.
From: xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx]
Sent: 23 February 2011 13:17
To: Democratic Services Unit
Subject: (RM) Recording of meetings
From;
xxxxxx thompson
Cae Brwyn
Hafod Bridge
xxxxxxxx
SA19 8BG
Democratic Services Unit
Dear Sir
Could you please let me know whether, in the interests of transparency, Carmarthenshire County
Council would have any objection to members of the public recording committee meetings from the
Public Gallery in County Hall. This could be either a sound or video recording which could then be
used to illustrate the democratic process to residents of the County. I trust the Council has no
objection to the use of mobile phones (on 'silent' of course) by the public in the Gallery to relay
information to other residents through social networking sites such as Twitter.
If the Council has any objections to any or all the above, please state why. Please note, I would not
expect it necessary to obtain permission prior to each meeting.
A quick response would be welcome prior to the County Council meeting on 28th February.
Thank you
J Thompson