Democracy returns as PKC plans to stop emergency powers
Perth and Kinross Council’s chief executive has announced the council plans to move away from emergency powers from August 17.
KarenReid and herexecutive team have had the power to make emergency decisions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Atthis week’s virt u al m eeting of the full council (June 24), Ms Reidsaid if there wasnoresurgenceof COVID-19, PKC wouldmove backto full democratic decisionmaking from August 17.
Atthe previous meeting of the full councilonMay 20, councillors agreed to continue with emergency powers until September 30 but to also suspend them atthe earliestopportunity.
OnWednesday, Ms Reid told councillors:“Given the positive information we are receiving from the government,Ihave been able to schedule all committees earlier.
“As of August 17, we will revert to full democraticdecisionmaking.”
Shethen revealedcouncil committees will beable to beginmeeting from as early July.
SNP group leader councillor Grant Laing said:“I amglad we are moving back to committees.
“I would like to pass on my group’s thanks tothe chief executive and the team and all the work theyhave putin.I thankthemfor working over and above and handling it so well in the period.”
The Conservative council leader was also keen tothank council staff who had worked throughoutthe crisis.
Cllr Murray Lyle said:“Theyhave worked through numerous weekends.I would ask to record my sincere thanks to the staff ofPerth and Kinross Council.”