Council meetings should be filmed and posted online to boost transparency. 

That’s the view of two South Ayrshire councillors who have put forward a motion calling for the broadcast of proceedings. 

Since the pandemic was declared in March, meetings have been held online but privately – with no public or press access.

Before lockdown they were held in Ayr’s County Buildings with residents and the press able to attend. 

Conservative councillors Ian Davis and Hugh Hunter want the discussions to be made available for everyone to watch on video going forward.

Councillor Hunter, who represents Prestwick, said: “The public in South Ayrshire have a right to expect they can observe meetings.This is long overdue.

“We really need transparency.”

The motion calling for video recording has been lodged by Ayr North councillor Ian Davis and seconded by Councillor Hunter. 

Councillor Davis said: “This motion represents the first step towards the livestreaming and or video recording of council meetings.Recordings can then be published online for the public to view.

“The pair’s motion asks the council’s IT department to prepare a feasibility report on the costs and technical options to make it happen. Politicians will decide whether to pass the motion or not at a full council meeting on Tuesday, September 1. 

Councillor Davis added: “If successful, this embracing of technology will increase the transparency of the council and make the debates that take place during decision making visible to our communities.

"More residents will be able to see and hear how their elected representatives serve their constituents.”