In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, East Suffolk Council has taken the decision to postpone its Annual meeting, and new appointment to key roles and committees, until September.

The decision to postpone the meeting, which was due to be held on 20 May 2020, was taken after new regulations came into force, giving local authorities more flexibility regarding when they hold their meetings, in the current situation.

Under the new regulations, which are part of the Coronavirus Act 2020, the requirement for councils to hold an Annual Meeting has been relaxed until 7 May 2021. However, the Leader of the Council believes it is important that the meeting takes place this year, and subject to ongoing social distancing requirements, it has been agreed that the Council’s Annual Meeting will now take place at 4.30pm on Wednesday 23 September 2020.

Until then, all existing appointments will remain in place, including the current Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Council.

Cllr Steve Gallant said: “I do believe it is important that we aim to hold an Annual Meeting as soon as it is reasonably practicable, and in person.

“Hopefully, this will demonstrate a return to some sense of normality. It will allow us to look to the future and reflect on the past. It will allow us to formally acknowledge and thank the Officers and our communities for the outstanding work which they have carried out during this time. It will allow us to consider the recovery of our economy, and to reflect on the legacy of this unexpected period of our history.