Missed votes spark calls to improve council’s online meeting system

Calls have been made to build on Perth and Kinross Council’s online meeting system after technical woes forced votes to be missed.

Meetings have generally run smoothly, but some problems have left councillors unable to vote, due to flickering out of the debate and missing key points.

At Wednesday’s planning and development management meeting, one councillor could not vote on a contentious gym demolition plan.

Two others dropped out as plans for a housing development at Crook of Devon were being discussed, one of whom relinquished his vote.

Kinross-shire councillor Willie Robertson said: “I thought the process would be fairly straightforward. I realised this was not the case when I received a sheet with a list of nine instructions I had to follow to join the meeting. While carrying out the instructions I was thinking that for many people this would not be an easy task.

“It is important it should be as uncomplicated as possible for people to make representations.”

A council spokesperson said: “Following requests from elected members, applicants and objectors, the meeting effectively allowed members of the public to make deputations.

“Everyone who wanted to speak was able to do so, following the guidance issued by the council. This was widely praised by those in attendance at the meeting, including those making deputations.

“A few elected members experienced technical difficulties and we are providing them with additional training and support.”

Picture: Steve Macdougall. Councillor Willie Robertson.