A new report highlights how Powys County Council's adoption of online meetings has significantly increased diversity among elected councillors. The study, conducted by the Disability Policy Centre, attributes this success to the flexible and remote working arrangements implemented by the council, which have made the role of councillor more accessible to individuals with disabilities, parents, carers, and younger generations. The report praises the positive impact of remote meetings on the working culture, enabling councillors to better connect with residents and fulfill their council duties.
Holding meetings online has led to a greater diversity of elected county councillors in Powys, according to a report written by the Disability Policy Centre. The study points to the adoption of flexible and remote hybrid working by Powys County Council – in response to the Covid-19 pandemic but maintained since – as being a key driver in making the role of its elected members more attractive to people with disabilities, as well as to parents and carers.
It adds that the changes have also made the role of county councillor more attractive to younger people. The report states: “All in all, remote meetings have improved the working culture for councillors at Powys County Council, allowing them to better connect to their residents and better attend to their council duties.” The study was commissioned by the Local Government Disability Champions Network, and funded by the UK Government, with the aim of highlighting good practice at councils across Wales and England that supports councillors and officers with disabilities. “I’m delighted that Powys has been recognised in this report for the work that has been done to make it a more attractive place to be a county councillor,” said Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council’s Leader and“The size of the county and long-distances that people must travel to attend meetings in person has always been a challenge, so it is great to see that our approach is having a positive impact and is now being held up as an example for others to follow.
Accessibility Diversity POWYS COUNTY COUNCIL REMOTE MEETINGS DIVERSITY INCLUSION LOCAL GOVERNMENT
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Llandrindod Wells Town Council to Monitor Sustainable Powys ProjectLlandrindod Wells Town Council will closely follow the Sustainable Powys project after a recent meeting left them with few answers. Councillor Jamie Jones attended a meeting on Powys County Council's project where representatives from the Powys Teaching Health Board and the county council discussed funding constraints. A scoping exercise allowed town and community councils to pose questions, but Councillor Jones believes the county council aimed to determine which services councils were willing to relinquish and which they would prioritize for funding. The project proposes to centralize future county council services in four towns: Newtown, Welshpool, Llandrindod Wells, and Brecon. This could result in Llandrindod Wells losing its leisure center and library, forcing residents to travel to Llandrindod Wells for council services.
Read more »
Joint Powys and Shropshire mayor suggestions rubbished by council leaderA council leader has dismissed claims a ‘metro mayor’ could rule over border areas of England and Wales as “false”.
Read more »
Powys Council Reviews Storm Response Following DarraghPowys Council has reviewed its response to Storms Bert and Darragh, which caused disruption and flooding across Wales in November and December 2024. The council has held debriefings and met with communities to gather lessons learned and plan for future emergencies.
Read more »
Lancashire County Council Won't Seek Election Cancellation Despite Government PlansLancashire County Council has stated its intention to proceed with local elections next year, despite the government's plan to abolish all two-tier local authorities in the county.
Read more »
No plans to cancel 2025 elections despite move to abolish Lancashire County CouncilCounty Hall in Preston. Pic: Blog Preston Lancashire County Council has no plans to seek the cancellation of elections to the authority next year, the Local
Read more »
Nottinghamshire County Council's New HQ Costs Rise Despite ProgressConstruction of Nottinghamshire County Council's new headquarters, Oak House, is progressing, with the structure largely complete. However, costs have increased by £888,000 due to storms and heavy rainfall. The council maintains the move from the aging County Hall will save millions in the long run. The future of County Hall is yet to be determined, with various ideas proposed, including restaurants and a hotel.
Read more »