Harrow Council will host its first virtual public meetings next week as it looks to continue operating as much as possible during the coronavirus outbreak.

Its planning committee will sit at 6pm on Wednesday (May 20), with a cabinet meeting taking place at the same time the next day (May 21).

It comes after the Coronavirus Act 2020 was passed, which outlines how local authorities should proceed in terms of public meetings.

Members of the press and public will be able to ‘attend’ the meeting through the council’s website via Microsoft Teams – either through an app or an internet browser.

Councils across the country – including Harrow – were forced to cancel or postpone several meetings due to the covid-19 pandemic.

It included the council’s annual full meeting – where councillor responsibilities are confirmed, and the borough’s mayor is elected – which was due to be held last Thursday (May 14).

Further planning and cabinet meetings are scheduled for next month, in addition to an overview and scrutiny committee sitting, but all other planned meetings have been postponed.

Visit www.harrow.gov.uk/virtualmeeting for more information, including how to join next week’s meetings.