Support offered for north-east community council hybrid meetings

Community councils in the Buchan area could get a cash boost from Aberdeenshire Council to help them improve access to their meetings.

The local authority is considering giving groups in the area up to £370 each to buy equipment to enable their gatherings to become hybrid.

Hybrid meetings would allow council or police representatives to attend virtually making it easier for people to attend without the need to travel.

The funding package would see community councils provided with a microphone, camera and essential software.

Any remaining cash would be used to pay a local company to provide technical support to groups that may need help setting up the new technology.

The matter was considered by the Buchan area committee on Tuesday.

Members were told that the Buchan East, Cruden, Deer, New Pitsligo, and Peterhead community councils were interested in the offer.

Mintlaw and Strichen were unsure about it and needed more time to consider the plan.

Meanwhile Longside members said they were happy with face-to-face meetings but will hold further discussions.

Councillor Anne Simpson said the move was “worth looking into”.

She added: “It would be really helpful for those who want to do it to have officers attending or police attending virtually, and make them more accessible.

“It can be something we impose but it needs to be with our backup, training and support.”

Meanwhile councillors also agreed to award Peterhead Community Council up to £347 to buy a new laptop and software.

The group applied to Aberdeenshire Council for the cash as the computer currently used by the secretary is “no longer fit for use”.

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