Cllr Jacob Williams: Claimed that the PSB was clouded in mystery

COUNCILLORS have encouraged partners of the Public Service Board (PSB) to commit to webcasting its meetings.

At a meeting of the council on Thursday, December 8, councillors discussed a notice of motion from Cllr Jacob Williams which called for the council to expect other Pembrokeshire PSB participants to commit to live-streaming and archiving the PSB’s meetings.

Cllr Williams claimed that the PSB was clouded in mystery but that was later rejected by the leader.

He said: “I’m fully aware that this council has not got the power to compel the Public Services Board to webcast its meetings. I understand that some meetings are held here and some are held in premises that don’t have webcasting facilities.

“Some of the feedback given from the PSB who considered this was embarrassing for them that they would be afraid if they were on webcam, they would feel hindered in their ability to debate.”

The motion was also discussed by the Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny and the Chairman of that committee, Cllr David Bryan, told council: “I fully agree with the principle of webcasting; when we brought it to PCC, it was superb. What I would say is that before we vote on this, [note that] the only place with webcasting facilities is County Hall. If every meeting were to be held here, it would give the false perception to the public that we are leading on this – we are not; this is an equal partnership.

“The PSB have discussed whether to webcast meetings and they decided against that. As just one partner, I feel it would be arrogant of Pembrokeshire County Council to insist that they should be webcasting their meetings.

“The whole purpose of the Partnerships O&S committee is to scrutinise the work of the PSB. Our meetings are webcast; if anyone is interested in the openness and transparency, they are welcome to watch or come along.”

Council Leader Jamie Adams said that the PSB was not clouded in mystery and added they were very pleased to welcome all of its partners.

“The work of the PSB is quite challenging currently, as we grapple with a new identity from the local service board and undertake responsibilities in terms of the Well-being of Future Generations Act,” the leader added.

“I understand Cllr Williams’ aspiration to have meetings webcast and I believe that opportunity will be undertaken in the not too distant future. I think it would be wrong at this juncture to impose our view on that process. I’m absolutely certain that the desire that was expressed in the last meeting of the PSB is that of wanting to be more accountable and more front-facing across the county.”

A number of the reasons given by the PSB for not wanting to webcast its meetings were similar to those given when Pembrokeshire County Council first considered webcasting and a number of members picked up on that.

Cllr Tony Wilcox said: “The clue is in the name: Public Service Board. There are many people that want to see this in action. We’ve got nothing to hide; these people aren’t shrinking violets and they’re there because they want to serve. Let the people see who they are. The clue is in the name; it’s public.”

Cllr Bob Kilmister said he was surprised that Cllr Bryan had attempted to re-write what had been said at the O&S meeting and added: “There is nothing in the notice of motion at all that puts the PSB in a position where it can’t hold meetings outside of this council. Some of things put forward are total red herrings.”

Cllr Tom Tudor said he fully supported the idea, saying it is something that should be encouraged and added that a group of people in his ward even get together to watch council meetings.

Cllr Mike Evans pointed out that minutes of the PSB meetings are not published until the quarter after the previous meeting, adding that this was very difficult for accountability.

Council Leader Jamie Adams said he would support Cllr Williams if the word ‘expect’ in the notice of motion was changed to ‘encouraged’, which he was happy to amend.

The amended motion was supported by a clear majority.