Virtual council meetings could be held as early as this month after local authorities were handed new powers by the Government.

Barnet Council says it is making arrangements for key committee meetings to be held virtually – and they will be open to the public and the press.

The council has not held meetings since March 16 as gatherings were discouraged due to the coronavirus outbreak.

On Saturday (April 4), the Government temporarily removed the legal requirement for local authorities to hold public meetings in person.

It means local authorities can hold public meetings virtually by using video or telephone conferencing technology.

A Barnet Council spokesman said: “The council is in the process of making arrangements for some key committee meetings to be held virtually. These meetings will be open to the press and public. We expect these virtual meetings to begin later in April.”

Local Government Association chairman Cllr James Jamieson said: “Councils are working tirelessly to support their communities as they rise to the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus crisis.

“Giving councils powers to hold meetings remotely is important to maintaining local democracy and allowing critical decisions to be made during this public health crisis.

“Councils need to respond quickly and make very many key decisions. They can now do so while remaining open, transparent and accessible to the public.

“Remote council meetings will crucially help ensure all those taking part stay at home, helping to prevent the coronavirus from spreading and save lives.”