Council meetings for Babergh are set to resume remotely, following the Government's decision to grant local authorities' powers to meet and make decisions using digital technology to ensure public safety.

Council meetings across the country were suspended following the government's social distancing and lockdown measures, introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first remotely held meeting will be Babergh District Council's planning committee meeting on Thursday, April 30, and the public can get involved.

Meetings will be conducted via Skype and members of the public will be able to watch the live stream of the meeting via the council's YouTube channel

Public speaking arrangements at the meeting will still go ahead in accordance with the Planning Charters

In order to speak at a meeting, participants need to register their interest by emailing Babergh District Councils' Committee Services team at [email protected]. They will then receive a meeting invitation to allow them to take part.

Cllr John Ward, Babergh leader, said: "The coronavirus pandemic has had a massive effect on society globally, and we are working hard, together with our public sector and emergency service colleagues to respond and support our communities through the crisis.

"However, there is also work to be done to ensure that our districts can continue to function during the outbreak and beyond and we therefore welcome the ability to resume council meetings safely using IT solutions to allow us to meet virtually."

Meetings will be held remotely until the government restrictions in relation to public gatherings are lifted or relaxed.