Newham Council is considering the possibility of remote voting for council meetings, a move that could modernise the borough's democratic processes. The Standards Advisory Committee met on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, at Newham Town Hall to discuss the potential implementation of remote attendance and proxy voting.
The discussion follows a government consultation that sought views on the practical implications of allowing remote attendance and proxy voting at local authority meetings. The consultation received 5,844 responses, with a significant majority (86%) agreeing with the principle of granting local authorities the power to allow remote attendance at formal meetings. However, views were more divided on proxy voting, with 47% opposed and 36% in favour.
The government has indicated its intention to legislate to support permanent provisions for both policies when parliamentary time allows. The public reports pack for the meeting included the consultation outcome document.
During the meeting, the committee also discussed its own composition, considering a report on whether it could be comprised solely of co-optees. While legally possible with a unanimous vote of the full council, the report noted that it is highly unusual and that officers have been unable to find examples of councils operating a Standards Committee comprised solely of co-optees. The report, titled Composition of Local Authority Standards Committee.pdf, stated that having elected members on a Council's Standards Committee is considered important both in terms of democratic legitimacy and effective governance.
The committee also received an update on the council's ethical framework, including declarations of interests made by the Mayor and Councillors. Councillor Miraj Patel declared a non-pecuniary interest at a cabinet meeting on 6 May 2025 in relation to a food waste service and the East London Joint Waste Plan, due to their role as Chair of East London Waste Authority.
The agenda also included discussion of the committee's proposed work programme for the coming year.