Calls For Sign Language During On-Line Council Meetings

There are calls for sign language to be provided during Harborough District Council’s on-line public meetings.

All are taking place remotely at the moment, with members of the public able to watch the live broadcasts on their computers.

A motion to be discussed at tonight’s meeting of the full council says people who are deaf or with a hearing impairment should also be able to follow proceedings.

It has been put forward by Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of the opposition, who told Hfm why:

The full wording of the motion reads: “Here In the UK, sign language usually refers to British Sign Language (BSL).

“It is a language mainly used by people who live life Deaf or have a hearing impairment. Our council meetings are now available remotely to homes across the whole district and to an even wider audience.

“We need to consider how we can be sure that we are offering the best opportunity to all members of the community to follow the transacting of local government here in Harborough District I move that we agree this evening to ask officers to investigate the opportunity to provide a British Sign Language feed for All council committee and full council meetings.

“This report be delivered as soon as possible to Cabinet/the appropriate council body for consideration and with regard to implementation”.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of the Council, is backing the idea:

All public meetings of Harborough District Council are taking place remotely at the moment & broadcast live