MONMOUTHSHIRE could become the first local authority in Wales to allow members to use Skype to attend meetings proposals are approved.

Changes to the constitution have been proposed which, if approved, would permit remote attendance of any meeting of the council where the technology is available in the meeting room.

The council have already used the software at a cabinet meeting earlier this month, with Cllr Paul Pavia contributing via video link.

It is hoped that remote attendance will allow members to cut down on travel times to County Hall in Usk, while also allowing members to take part in meetings that they would otherwise be unable to attend.

But John Pearson, the council’s local democracy manager, had previously said the council implementing technology was “a long way off” due to cost-effectiveness concerns.

Currently no council in Wales permits remote attendance at its council or cabinet meetings, although some allow remote attendance at scrutiny and democratic services committee.

The democratic services committee will meet at 2pm on Monday.