At the invitation of Green Party Councillor Caroline Russell, citizen journalism group Occupy News Network has filmed, streamed and archived last week’s meeting of Islington Council.
Recent changes to regulations has made it possible to video and transmit council meetings that have open, public access and The Green Party has been working with Occupy News Network to ensure democracy is maximised.
The busy meeting of the full council was recorded by Occupy News Network’s Raymond Obedencio and streamed live so all interested residents and workers could view and scrutinise the proceedings.
The council meeting saw Councillor Russell, the sole opposition councillor, again champion environmental and employment issues in the face of Labour’s council dominance and she was busy putting her points of view across on topics ranging from the Ultra Low Emissions Zone and fire service cuts to cycling and outsourcing of council services.
Councillor Russell said: “It is essential that as many people as possible are able to witness the work of the council and we should be making better use of modern technology in order to facilitate and promote democracy. Being a sole opposition councillor is a challenge but one that I revel in as holding such a dominant council to account is more important now than ever. I hope this footage is useful to community groups interested in holding the council to account.”
Raymond Obedencio of Occupy News Network said: “It was fascinating to witness the council meeting in operation and it is crucial that we are able to bring these meetings to the attention of the public. Since the Westminster Parliament permitted cameras in 1989 there is an expectation that democracy should be transparent and open to scrutiny.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
The link to Occupy News Network’s recording of the Full Council meeting can be found here: