States could scale back use of virtual meetings

States members have been allowed to join meetings virtually since the pandemic

Plans to stop States members joining future meetings remotely have been put forward.

The proposal submitted by the Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC) would remove the option of taking part in States of Jersey meetings via video calls in normal circumstances.

Video calls were introduced during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic when holding in-person meetings became difficult.

The proposal says members would still be able to request to join meetings remotely if there was a threat to public health, if they are unwell or another unforeseen circumstance.

'Potential criticism'

The committee argued the change of rules were necessary as the current system was too broad.

"The committee is mindful of the potential criticism that debating this new proposition is another example of members talking about themselves," it said in the proposal.

"However, it is the committee's view that a decision on the various parts of the proposition is necessary as, at present, the procedural framework for remote participation is broader than it would consider to be reasonable – and broader than what it believes most members want."

Deputies are due to debate the proposal next month.