Members of BCP Council have come face to face – albeit wearing masks.

On Tuesday this week, 76 councillors attended the annual council meeting at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). This was thought to be the first full council meeting in the country to be held in person, since the High Court ruled on 28 April 2021 that council meetings should be attended in person. This was in line with the Local Government Act 1972, which does not make provision for local authorities to hold meetings virtually. Emergency legislation introduced at the start of the pandemic to allow local authorities to meet remotely, expired on 7 May 2021.

 Graham Farrant chief executive of BCP Council said: “I was very pleased with the way in which the council was able to safely transition back to face-to-face meetings so quickly. The set up at the BIC was very impressive, with strict social distancing and COVID-safe measures in place. Our team did a brilliant job supporting the in-person meeting broadcasting it live, consistent with our commitment to be a modern, accountable and accessible council.”

Cllr Nigel Hedges was elected as chairman of BCP Council, and Cllr Laurence Fear as vice chairman for the coming year.