Sinn Féin MLA Maolíosa McHugh has said the Minister for Communities should not allow current regulations enabling councils to hold hybrid meetings to lapse without having an alternative in place.

The party’s Local Government spokesperson said: 

“Hybrid meetings within councils across the north have made participation in council meetings more accessible, particularly for those with caring responsibilities, or mobility issues, for example.

“Regulations on hybrid meetings are due to end without the Minister for Communities having put an alternative in place.

“It is important the Minister for Communities extends current regulations to allow hybrid meetings in councils to continue in the immediate term while progressing the necessary work to ensure it is provided for into the future.”