Council to review policy on filming after confiscating cameras at meeting

Shropshire Council is to review its policy on members of the public filming its meetings, after a controversial full council meeting this week at which the local authority confiscated cameras.

In a statement the council said: “Members of the public are very welcome to attend Shropshire Council meetings, and we are happy for them to photograph and film at these meetings.

“However, we do ask that people attending council meetings act in a calm and responsible manner. Unfortunately, due to disruptive behaviour by a small number of people at today’s meeting it was necessary to confiscate their cameras for the duration of the meeting.”

The council added: “Our current policy is that photographs and footage taken at council meetings should be for personal use only. However, we are currently reviewing this policy to ensure that it is consistent with the national guidance, and will make any necessary changes.”

A BBC report said a group of protesters who had attended the meeting on 14 May claimed to have been told they required prior permission before filming.

New regulations came into force at the end of July 2014. See: Council meetings – lights, cameras, action! By Olwen Dutton of Bevan Brittan