Council officers hope to see virtual meetings continue as Covid-19 restrictions ease, despite the Government’s request that physical sittings return next month.

Ministers wrote to local authorities in March informing them the emergency legislation that had enabled them to hold council meetings online would not be extended past May 7.

A spokeswoman for Brent Council said it was “disappointed” the Government had made this decision, pointing out the greater accessibility attached to remote meetings and the impact this has had on public involvement.

“Virtual meetings have been a huge success over the course of the past year not least because it’s massively increased levels of public interest and participation,” she said.

“We are disappointed the Government has taken the view that remote meetings cannot continue after May 7 and we are closely monitoring the legal challenge to see whether local authorities can continue to hold remote meetings, without the need for any further change in legislation.”

She added the council will put the necessary safety measure if physical meetings have to resume and will look to “limit disruption and risk”.

The proposed date – a day after the Greater London Authority elections – is before the third stage of the national roadmap out of restrictions on May 17, where groups of six or two households will be able to meet indoors and most businesses will be open.

However, the Government pointed to the “significant progress” of the Covid-19 vaccination rollout and pressures on the legislative programme as reasons for the decision.

Luke Hall, minister of state for regional growth and local government, said he hopes to hear from councils and residents about their experiences of virtual meetings so the Government can “properly consider whether to make these a permanent option”.

He added additional “support and guidance” will be given to councils to help the return of face-to-face meetings.