Kettering Council to consider streaming meetings online

Kettering Council is to consider the possibility of streaming council meetings live on their website.

Northamptonshire County Council currently webcasts meetings but, if the idea was given the go-ahead, Kettering would be the first local authority in the north of the county to make the move.

Initial estimates suggest the cost of implementing and operating a webcasting system, where broadcasts could also be distributed after the event, could be in the range of £40,000 to £70,000.

However, the council does not have any provision in its 2016/17 budget for any form of webcasting of its meetings.

The council’s IT service has looked at introducing webcasting before, but there is a number of factors to consider.

The council’s microphones are at the end of their life, with replacements costing at least £20,000, and the layout of the council’s meeting rooms would require multiple cameras.

There is also the matter of allocation of staff time, as well as concerns over low viewing levels.

However, there are benefits which the council will consider.

Webcasting would make access to decision-making processes easier, alleviate issues where the capacity of the venue could be restrictive and increase people’s understanding of current issues.

The considerations will be discussed at the council’s research and development committee om Tuesday, April 19.