COUNCILLORS will consider plans to improve the way meetings are conducted ahead of proceedings going live on the internet.

Part of these plans could see Provost Joan Sturgeon having power of veto should a motion or question be considered illegal, defamatory or breaches the data protection act.

In a report to the council, Chief Executive Elma Murray stated: “It became evident that certain sections of the standing orders require clarity. For example it could be unclear when questions were allowed. Sometimes questions could flow into debate in advance of there being a formal motion and amendment to debate.

“In due course web casting of council and committee meetings will become the norm. In these circumstances it is important that procedures are clear and easily understood.

Councillors would also be required to indicate any instances where the party whip has been employed and determine whether an item can be held over to a future meeting or a decision is required on the day.

More controversially, the recommendations would put in place a policy which would deal with questions or motions which could be potentially illegal, defamatory or in breach of the data protection.

The report adds: “In these circumstances the legal officer shall submit notice of such a question or motion to the Provost and it shall not be accepted onto the agenda without her sanction.” However, no examples of such questions or motions were made in the report. If approved these changes would take effect at the final council meeting of the year on December 17.