Somerset West and Taunton Council has become the latest body to grant its officers emergency powers in light of the coronavirus.

Councils across the UK have been meeting to change their constitutions to allow their chief executives or senior officers to make key decisions until normal meetings can resume.

South Somerset District Council voted on March 19 for decisions to be taken by officers in consultant with elected members for three months – though virtual meetings are still able to be held.

Now a similar arrangement is in place at Deane House after the council held its first virtual full council meeting on Monday evening (April 27).

Council leader Federica Smith-Roberts introduced the proposed changes to the constitution, describing them as “central government diktat” and stating: “I hope we don’t have to use them.”

Under the agreed changes, the council’s existing committees will still be able to make decisions virtually – including meetings about planning and licensing.

If, however, these meetings are unable to take place (for instance, if too many councillors fall ill), the chief executive and his directors have the authority to take these decisions.

In this instance, the chairs of the relevant committee, portfolio holders, affected ward members and the leaders of all political groups on the council would be consulted before the decision was made.

These powers will be reviewed by the full council once every three months, and will cease to be in effect as soon as central government declares the coronavirus crisis to be over.

Decisions normally delegated to officers – including the majority of planning applications – will still take place and be published on the council’s website.

Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for planning policy and transport, said: “This is to ensure we’ve got belt and braces in place so we can continue with the business of this council if members become ill or incapacitated.”

The new powers were unanimously approved following a named vote of all 55 councillors present at the meeting.