House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Remote Attendance and Proxy Voting
05 June 2025 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Proposed by Jim McMahon Lab Co-op Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government will allow local authorities to meet remotely if they create their own policies.
- Principal councils in England must implement proxy voting for members who are new parents or suffer from serious illness.
- Guidance on both remote attendance and proxy voting policies will be developed collaboratively with the sector.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the government's response to a consultation on remote attendance and proxy voting in local authorities.
Action requested
The government plans to permit local authorities to meet remotely if they develop their own policies, and to require all principal councils in England to implement proxy voting schemes for members who are absent due to becoming new parents or serious illness. The government also intends to collaboratively develop guidance with the sector on both policies.
Key facts
- Government's response to recent consultation on remote attendance and proxy voting.
- Local authorities will be permitted to meet remotely if they develop their own policies.
- All principal councils in England are required to implement proxy voting schemes for new parents or those with serious illness.
- Guidance on both policies will be collaboratively developed with the sector.