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West Lothian Council Stops Broadcasting Meetings Amid Budget Cuts
West Lothian Council has ceased broadcasting its council meetings, a decision made during a council meeting held on 24 February 2026. The council cited low viewing figures and budget constraints as key factors in this decision, which came into effect in mid-June 2026.
The ruling Labour administration, defending the move, stated that the annual cost of broadcasting—approximately £51,000—was not justified given the limited public support. The council indicated that its meetings typically attracted very few viewers, often in single digits, with only a handful of people tuning in during the budget meeting that had the largest audience of approximately 36 viewers. Additionally, the council had carried out an Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) to evaluate the potential effects of discontinuing the broadcasts.
The opposition SNP group has questioned this decision, arguing that the capability to record and broadcast meetings is vital for ensuring transparency and accessibility, particularly for those unable to attend in person. Councillor Moira McKee-Shemilt raised concerns about the implications for constituents with disabilities, asking what “reasonable adjustments” the council intends to implement following the cessation of webcasting.
Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick, the council leader, responded by stating that the decision to move away from online broadcasting had been made as part of budget approval discussions. He noted that the proposal could not be altered to mitigate impacts identified in the IIA.
SNP group leader Councillor Janet Campbell mentioned that while the SNP had initially supported the removal due to a belief that meetings would still be recorded, that belief was subsequently proven incorrect. Councillor Pauline Orr brought attention to challenges constituents face in accessing the council’s planning portal, which could be exacerbated by the end of meeting recordings.
The council officials reiterated the financial pressures they are facing, with a projected budget gap of £23 million over the next two years. They emphasised that the broadcasts were classified as a non-statutory service, meaning there is no legal requirement for councils to provide them, and highlighted the limited public demand for this service.
Moving forward, the council encourages constituents to attend meetings in person or view documents, agendas, and minutes published on the council’s website, as there are currently no resources available for visual broadcasts.
