An Angus councillor has controversially called for private items to be scrapped and council meetings to be filmed.
Ewan Smith would like to see a situation similar to what happens at the House of Commons where meetings are filmed and every word is then recorded and put in print.
That transcript can then be accessed by anyone who logs on to the website and that is something Mr Smith feels would be beneficial for constituents to encourage “greater transparency.”
The Arbroath councillor said: “In all honesty I wouldn’t have a single problem with being filmed or with all decisions being taken in public.
“Those that need sensitivity could be written in such a way that protects identity of individuals.”
Some reports within council papers are often considered as an exempt agenda item, barring the public from sitting in on the debate.
Mr Smith said he would do away with green (private) paper items where possible if it was up to him. He believes meetings being filmed would allow the public to find out exactly what their elected members say in the council chamber.
He added: “I don’t think that as a council that anything should be held in private. I think the council should be completely public and open to scrutiny and be accountable to the public.
“I know there are instances where there could be sensitive information but I think the majority of things shouldn’t be on green paper. We should be moving away from this idea that anything that is unpopular might need a bit of sensitivity.”
He also wants council meetings to be more accessible for people who might not get a chance to attend in person.
“We should be more accessible in terms of video technology,” he said.
“I know there could be initial set-up costs but I think the accountability has to be there. The Scottish Government is very accountable and information is very easy to access for members of the public.
“Debates and meetings are recorded and transcripts are put up on the website. I’d like to see that happening in Angus – people need to see what’s happening and where their money is being spent.”
Asked to respond to Mr Smith’s call for private agenda items to be scrapped and video technology and transcripts to be considered, a spokeswoman for the council would only say: “The council is always looking at ways to communicate with Angus residents on council decisions.”
Mr Smith has previously called for the council to do more to help the environment. He caused controversy by going paperless at meetings and by calling on other elected members to follow suit.