Barriers raised for councillors with caring responsibilities

In a shock move, Merton Council bosses have made it more difficult for councillors with caring responsibilities to fully represent residents.

Without any explanation, Labour councillors have introduced a ban on councillors proposing or seconding Council motions if they are attending the meeting via Zoom.

Lib Dem councillor for West Barnes, Robert Page said:

“It’s bad enough that there are Government rules preventing councillors from voting if they attend meetings remotely. But it is really disappointing that the Labour party are now stopping people fully participating in meetings if they can’t attend in person.

“As the parent of a young child as well as a councillor, flexibility really helps me carry out my role to the best of my ability.

“I know that in September 2019 a Liberal Democrat proposal to review barriers to being a councillor was agreed. But it looks like Labour Council bosses have ignored that, and are now making it more difficult for people to participate”.