Additional Guidance for Councillors
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Filming
Councillors filming during meetings may cause a distraction to them and their colleagues in a debate.
Councillors should therefore ensure that any filming is not done in an invasive way and that they focus on the decision-making process. Councillors should use the webcast as a first option.
Being Filmed
When participating in public meetings, Councillors can expect to be observed, even when not taking an active part in a meeting. The filming protocol asks anyone filming only to film members taking an active part in the meeting, but, as long as the filming is not disruptive, councillors may be filmed whilst they are listening to other speakers or as part of general wide shots of the meeting.
If a member considers that filming by another person is affecting their participation in the meeting or causing disruption, they should immediately bring it to the attention of the Chair of the meeting.
Use of the Webcast
Councillors may use the webcast, or extracts from it, for appropriate purposes. This includes:
- Reporting their own speech or contribution
- Factually reporting the speech made by another councillor
- Usage that promotes the council and its democratic or civic arrangements
Inappropriate use includes:
- Footage of councillors not actively involved – for example, using images of a councillor sat next to a speaker in a way designed to embarrass them
- Editing a speech to give an inaccurate or incomplete representation of what was said
- Usage that appears designed to undermine the council's processes
This means that councillors may post speeches that they support or oppose, as long as they do so in a way that presents the speech factually and in context.
Note that, during the pre-election period, the council will not allow use of its webcast by candidates, agents or political parties (including other members of political parties) to use the webcast in any way that might appear to seek to influence public opinion and the way people might vote.
Data Protection Requirements
Lancashire County Council is the data controller for any footage that it records itself, meaning that UK GDPR applies to these recordings.
Media organisations are independent data controllers and must ensure that they comply with UK GDPR when filming.
Members of the public filming for personal use are not subject to UK GDPR as they are covered by the “household exemption”.
Filming may be restricted when individuals are at risk (e.g. safeguarding concerns) or when confidential agenda items begin.
Lancashire County Council has taken the following steps to ensure that it complies with its' data protection obligations:
- A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) has been conducted for live streaming /recording.
- Cameras are focused on councillors, not the public gallery to minimise unnecessary personal data being captured.
- Clear privacy notices are visible on the council website and at venues.
- Retention periods are set for recordings.
- Staff and Chairs are trained on managing filming requests.