An Okehampton Town Council committee has decided to raise the possibility of livestreaming future council meetings to increase transparency.

The Policy and Resources Committee, which is responsible for the council’s finances and personnel, has resolved to suggest livestreaming meetings to the full council in order to increase the transparency of its governance to Okehampton residents and invite individuals otherwise unable to attend.

Committee members have proposed it starts livestreaming meetings via Facebook following the council’s return to the Council Chamber, though a date for this has not yet been determined. It is uncertain how soon the council will decide to return to the Council Chamber before roof repairs to the Charter Hall start.

The council are also due to discuss whether it should finance the purchase of appropriate equipment which will include a suitable video camera and speaker system.

However, it will only be a one-way system and online attendees will be unable to interact with councillors.

Therefore, it is suggested that anyone wishing to raise an issue with the council attend in person or send in a letter prior to the meeting.

The council has already planned to livestream its annual meeting on May 11 at which the new mayor will be chosen in order to invite people otherwise unable to attend.

During covid lockdowns, council meetings were held virtually through video-conferencing platform Zoom but this is now unfeasible since pre-pandemic council meeting laws have been reinstated which require councillors to meet in person.