There are no plans to extend live-streaming of Greenwich Council meetings because of low ratings, it has been revealed.

The council began broadcasting its full council meetings in 2015, but says low figures mean it has no plans to extend it to other meetings.

In neighbouring Bexley, several committee meetings are shown live on the council’s website, including the council’s cabinet gatherings.

Council leader Danny Thorpe was asked on Wednesday (July 18) whether his pledge to increase transparency at the town hall would mean an extended service for the public to view meetings.

Cllr Thorpe wrote back: “At present only the council chamber has been enabled for webcasting.

“The council has decided against extending webcasting to other committee rooms at this stage due to the costs that would be incurred and the low viewing figures recorded on meetings to date.”

In the last year, there have been just 17 people watching the webcasts, which cost nearly £10,000 to provide.

Figures for normal council meetings in 2017/18 are as follows:

June 2017 – 1

July 2017 – 2

December 2017 – 3

Jan 2018 – 6

Feb 2018 – 5

Last year, it was claimed by one councillor that it would be cheaper for taxis to be hired for everyone watching the webcasts to be taken to watch the meetings live.

Cllr Thorpe said low figures meant the council had to engage in other ways with residents.

He said: “It’s good people are at home waiting to watch, when we are in the room it doesn’t feel like a blockbuster.

“The problem with local democracy is that sometimes we expect everyone to come to us. We have a job to do to get out there and reach communities ourselves.

“If there are people at home waiting to watch then we’re happy to hear, but the onus is on us to engage with out communities.”